New York City is known for its diverse food scene, offering a world of flavors within its five boroughs. Among the many culinary gems in the city, Urban Hawker stands out as a must-visit destination for lovers of Asian cuisine.
A Taste of Singapore
Urban Hawker is not just another food market. It is a culinary journey through the streets of Singapore. The idea was originally thought up by the late Anthony Bourdain, who was inspired by the vibrant street food culture of Singapore. and ultimately brought to life by Singaporean entrepreneur KF Seetoh, who wanted to bring the flavorful yet humble food of Singapore to more people worldwide.
Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the market features 17 hawker stalls, each representing particular dishes of Singaporean cuisine – laksa, chicken rice, satay, prawn mee, char kway teow – or from neighboring countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and India. The stalls are designed to resemble the bustling hawker centers found throughout Singapore, complete with vibrant colors, neon signs, and the sounds of sizzling woks and bubbling broths. Another fun fact is that the cooks and owners of the stalls are actual Singaporean hawkers who have uprooted their life to spread the taste of Singapore to more and more people.
The Atmosphere
Urban Hawker offers more than just incredible food. It is an immersive experience that transports visitors to the lively street markets of Singapore. The market is bustling with activity, and the friendly vendors are happy to share their culinary creations and stories with customers.
The place functions like a food court in a mall. You order the dishes you want from the different stalls then collect all your food and drinks to the general seating areas to enjoy. Once you are done, you can return your tray to the tray return for the cleaners to collect, which is also how it is done at the hawker centers in Singapore.
Our Order & Review
We came into the market in the late afternoon following a visit to the Museum of Modern Art, or MoMA for short. After exploring all the different stalls, we settled on a portion of signature chicken rice, a hearty bowl of prawn mee, and a cup of freshly pulled teh tarik.
The first thing that stuck out to us was the prices, which approach $15-25 USD and is a massive jump when compared to the same dishes going for $3-8 SGD back in Singapore. Compared to a hawker stall that is partially subsidized by the government, the leases in NYC must be absurdly high, especially in Midtown. Additionally, Urban Hawker provides napkins for patrons whereas there is no such thing in Singaporean hawkers.
Next, there was a big difference in portion size. America has a reputation for supersizing everything, food being one of the major ones, so the larger portions at Urban Hawker fit the bill and also partially explain the inflated pricing. For someone living, working, and breathing NYC, you will definitely get your money’s worth.
The taste was what we were most curious about. Having experiencing Singapore for the past 1.5 years, and having a local Singaporean with me to confirm, we can say that without a doubt the flavors are exactly like you would expect from a hawker straight from Singapore. This is largely because, as stated before, the cooks and managers of these stalls had uprooted their entire livelihood to risk it all in a new city. They deserve praise for sticking to the same flavors that brought attention to them in the first place.
Exploring the Stalls
One of the best parts of visiting Urban Hawker, or any hawker for that matter, is the opportunity to explore the various stalls and try a variety of dishes. Take a day or two to have a taste at every single one!
Hainan Jones: Hainanese Chicken Rice
Mr. Fried Rice: Various kinds of fried rice and meat toppings
Sushi & Bento by Mr. Lim: Sushi, Sashimi, Bento
Padi D’NYC: Satay, beef rendang, mee rebus (Certified Halal)
Prawnaholics Collection: Prawn Mee
Wok & Staple: Chili Crab
White Restaurant: Bee Hoon
Jakarta Munch: Indonesian cuisine
Tradisyon: Filipino cuisine
Smokin’ Joe: Charcoal grilled meat and curry rice
Lady Wong: Specialty roll cakes (Certified Halal)
Kopifellas: Classic Singaporean coffee shop favorites like kopi, teh, and iced lemon tea, kaya toast and soft boiled eggs
The Sling Bar: Cocktail bar specializing in different variations of the Singapore Sling
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a taste of Singapore in the heart of New York City, Urban Hawker is the place to go. With its authentic flavors, lively atmosphere, and diverse selection of dishes, it’s a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a seasoned food enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, Urban Hawker offers a unique and memorable dining experience that will leave you craving more.
URBAN HAWKER
Address: 135 W 50th St, New York, NY 10020, United States
Hours: 10AM – 10PM
Instagram: @urbanhawker