What is a hawker center you might be wondering? A hawker center is a traditional Singaporean food hall that hosts numerous stalls and vendors. NYC’s very first, Urban Hawker, officially opens on Wednesday, September 28 at 135 W. 50th Street.
The highly-anticipated food hall was specially curated by Singaporean food expert and founder of Makansutra (a Singapore-based company striving to promote heritage street food culture), KF Seetoh.
Multi-generational vendors, otherwise known as “hawkerpreneurs,” will delight New Yorkers’ diverse palate. 17 vendors will bring the vibrant flavors of Singapore, along with other cuisines such as Malay, Peranakan, Chinese, and Indian to Midtown Manhattan, with 11 vendors coming directly from Singapore’s very own hawker centers.
Seetoh has spent years working on Urban Hawker, determined to introduce such a popular Singaporean tradition to the rest of the world. “I have always believed that our hawker food will be well-liked by the world. Why? Because it’s just good, humble heritage fare that the world will love, too,” says Seeoth
Straight from Singapore will come vendors like Wok & Staple by Dragon Phoenix, White Restaurant, Hainan Jones, Padi D’NYC and more. Each have a unique story that will showcase traditional dishes like Singapore Hainanese Chicken Rice, White Bee Hoon and Sambal Chili Crab.
In addition to vendors from the island, Urban Hawker will also feature local culinary spots like NYC’s first Southeast Asian pastry shop, Lady Wong, gin-focused cocktail bar, Sling Bar and Indonesian restaurant, Jakarta Munch.
Urban Hawker is in partnership with Urbanspace, NYC’s leading curator of immersive public markets. Learn more here.
Where: 135 W. 50th Street, New York
When: Now open
Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m daily