Amidst the bustling streets of New York, food carts stand as the most ubiquitous presence, offering solace and warmth in the quiet corners of early mornings and late nights.

They are akin to solitary islands, adrift in the vast sea of the city, tethered to a myriad of people of all shapes and sizes and the countless stories they carry.

Through the lens and exploration of photographer Yiling Lu, the veils shrouding these islands' inner sanctums are gently unveiled, revealing the intricate tapestry of their untold narratives.

These are self-portraits that belong to the island owners themselves.