Urban Hawker Introduce
In the global culinary melting pot that is New York City, a new and exciting concept has arrived to transport diners to the bustling streets of Singapore. Urban Hawker, located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, is a food court unlike any other. It is a faithful recreation of a Singaporean hawker center, a collection of food stalls offering a wide and diverse range of authentic, delicious, and affordable Asian street food. The idea behind Urban Hawker is to celebrate the vibrant culture and flavors of Singapore, bringing a true taste of its street food heritage to the Big Apple. The space itself is designed to evoke the feeling of a traditional market, with a clean and well-maintained environment that is both pleasant and casual. It's a place where you can embark on a culinary journey without ever leaving the city, exploring different cuisines and flavors from various stalls under one roof. From spicy curries to savory noodles and sweet snacks, the variety of food available is a major draw. The concept has been widely welcomed by those looking for an authentic and accessible way to experience Singaporean and other Southeast Asian cuisines. While it's a food court, Urban Hawker provides a more curated and high-quality experience than a typical mall food court, with each stall specializing in specific dishes and culinary traditions. It’s a perfect destination for food lovers who appreciate a good variety and want to try something new, all within a lively and exciting atmosphere. Urban Hawker has created a unique niche for itself, offering a casual and trendy dining experience that feels both foreign and familiar at the same time.
Urban Hawker provides a culinary adventure that is a true reflection of the diverse and rich flavors of Southeast Asia. Each food stall is a small, specialized kitchen, bringing its own unique dishes to the mix. For example, a reviewer highlighted the Malaysian curry, which was noted for its flavorful, if slightly salty and starchy, profile. The gado-gado Indonesian salad was praised for its freshness, offering a lighter option. This variety allows diners to mix and match, creating a personalized tasting menu. The food stalls are a major part of the experience, with well-known names from Singapore's hawker scene making an appearance, or new ones that have been carefully selected to bring a high level of authenticity. While the prices may be higher than what one would find at an actual Asian food market, they are considered reasonable and affordable for a Midtown Manhattan location. This value proposition is a key selling point, especially when compared to the higher costs of nearby full-service restaurants. Urban Hawker is particularly popular during lunchtime, a clear indication of its appeal to the local office crowd. The fast-paced environment means lines can be long during peak hours, but it’s a small price to pay for the quality and variety offered. The food court is also home to sweet treats, with one reviewer highlighting Lady Wong’s as a favorite spot for a sweet snack. The concept of bringing this vibrant food culture to New York is a bold one, and despite some initial challenges with a crowded opening, the food court has settled into its rhythm, attracting a steady flow of customers who appreciate the unique and delicious food it has to offer.
Urban Hawker's location at 135 W 50th St, New York, NY 10020, USA, is a crucial part of its appeal and success. Situated in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, it is perfectly positioned to serve the thousands of office workers, tourists, and theatergoers who frequent the area. Its proximity to landmarks like Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and Times Square makes it an incredibly convenient and accessible dining destination. The food court is easily reachable via public transportation, with numerous subway lines and bus routes stopping nearby. This ensures that no matter where you are in the city, getting to Urban Hawker is a straightforward and hassle-free journey. While the location is known for its high cost of living and business, Urban Hawker has managed to provide an affordable option for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. The food court is designed for a fast-paced environment, making it ideal for those with limited time. Its well-maintained and clean interior provides a comfortable break from the bustling city streets. The accessibility of the location is a major advantage for both locals and visitors. It’s a great spot to grab a bite before a Broadway show or a fun place to meet up with friends for a casual and unique meal. While some might lament the lack of cell service in parts of the food court, this can also be seen as a feature, allowing you to disconnect and focus on the culinary experience at hand. Urban Hawker's strategic location and unique concept have made it a notable addition to the Midtown dining scene, offering a taste of Singapore without the flight.
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### Services Offered
Dine-in: Urban Hawker provides a large, communal dining area where customers can enjoy their meals right at the food court. The casual, market-style atmosphere is perfect for groups or solo diners.
Takeout: All food stalls offer takeout options, allowing customers to quickly grab their favorite dishes and enjoy them on the go or back at their office or home.
Delivery: While the primary experience is in-person, some stalls may offer delivery through various third-party services, providing a convenient way to get a taste of Urban Hawker without leaving your location.
Lunch and Dinner: The food court is popular for both lunch and dinner, catering to the daytime office crowd and the evening theater and tourist crowds. The quick service makes it a great option for a fast, satisfying meal.
Counter Service: Each stall operates with counter service, where you can place your order directly with the vendor, allowing for a personalized and quick interaction.
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### Features and Highlights
Authentic Singaporean Hawker Concept: Urban Hawker's main highlight is its unique concept of bringing the authentic hawker center experience to New York. It features multiple vendors, each specializing in a different type of Southeast Asian cuisine, from Malaysian curries to Indonesian salads.
Wide Variety of Cuisines: The food court offers a diverse range of culinary options, allowing diners to choose from various stalls and try different dishes from different regions of Asia. This variety is a major draw for food enthusiasts.
Affordable Prices for the Location: While not as cheap as an actual food market in Asia, the prices at Urban Hawker are considered reasonable and affordable for its prime Midtown Manhattan location, offering a great value proposition.
Clean and Well-Maintained Space: Customers consistently note that the food court is clean and pleasant, providing a comfortable and hygienic environment to enjoy a meal. This is a significant feature that enhances the overall experience.
Quick Service: Despite the long lines during peak hours, the service at the stalls is generally fast and efficient, ensuring that you receive your food in a timely manner, which is crucial for the busy Midtown crowd.
Prime Midtown Location: Situated on West 50th Street, Urban Hawker is conveniently located near major landmarks and public transportation hubs, making it easily accessible for anyone in the city.
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### Contact Information
Address: 135 W 50th St, New York, NY 10020, USA
Phone: (914) 338-8431
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### What is Worth Choosing
Choosing Urban Hawker is a fantastic decision for anyone in New York City looking for a unique and delicious culinary experience that goes beyond the typical. What makes it truly worth choosing is its one-of-a-kind concept: it's not just a food court, but a vibrant hub of authentic Singaporean and Southeast Asian street food brought directly to Manhattan. The sheer variety of high-quality dishes available under one roof is its greatest strength. You can explore a new cuisine with every visit, from the savory curries to fresh salads and satisfying noodles. The value for the price is another compelling reason to visit. In a city where dining out can be expensive, Urban Hawker offers a more affordable and accessible way to enjoy a wide range of flavorful dishes in a prime location. While you might encounter a line during peak lunch hours, the quick and efficient service makes the wait worthwhile. The atmosphere is casual, lively, and pleasant, providing a great escape from the formality of other restaurants. Whether you're a local seeking an exciting new lunch spot or a tourist looking for an authentic and memorable food experience, Urban Hawker delivers. Its convenient location near major landmarks and public transportation makes it an easy and practical choice. For a taste of global flavor, a great variety, and a unique dining atmosphere, Urban Hawker is a must-visit destination in New York City.
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Urban Hawker Reviews
I tried food from two shops and it was fine, but nothing I'd go out of the way to find again. The Malaysian curry was my favorite, a bit salty and starchy. The gado-gado Indonesian salad was fresh, but the flavor was nothing exciting. The place is clean and well maintained, and very pleasant for a "market". The prices were reasonable and affordable, but not inexpensive like at an actual Asian food market.
August 17 · Javier KohenGood variety, ok food, long lines, expensive prices, no cell service. At around $20 including tax and cc fee for most stalls, the price is in high contrast to the $10-14 items offered by food cart/trucks nearby around 6th avenue. After initial packed opening weeks by influencers, pace has slowed down, the stall that couldn't survive turned, new ones came in. Good idea, bad execution due to location. Lunch time popular spots can take over 30 min to take and receive your order. About only spot I still visit occassionally is a sweet snack from Lady Wong's.
July 21 · Jia SunSingapore hawker experience in midtown with equal taste at 5 times the price? Can do, NYC!So you can’t afford to fly to Singapore to do the real hawker stall experience before all those old Aunties and Uncles age out of running a hawker food business from 5am to 10pm every day? Priorities, priorities! What are you even doing with your one, beautiful life?But anyway, go here instead before rampaging hordes of tourists destroy it (it’s being rampaged mostly by “in-the-know” Singaporeans, Malays and Filipinos right now). You too can have your taste buds blown, I mean you, the family from Omaha in town for Wicked! Yes, Dad let’s try something else than the pastrami and pizza!Anyway, there are Hokkien, Singapore Malay, Indonesian, Indian (basic global desi fare - no roti kanai here), sushi, Chinese fried rice, Filipino, and a few other options. The bar will make you a Singapore Sling if you absolutely must (the real one in Raffles Hotel is not that sweet because it uses fresh and not processed pineapple juice). There is a Singapore kopi place too for anyone missing their sweet coffee hit from “back home”.What you eat will vary so much, reviewing the food here is pointless. We had this and it was great:- Mee rebus from the Singapore Malay stall (pungent, moderately spiced, satisfying) - could be served hotter (temperature wise)- Coffee pork fried rice from the Chinese fried rice place (menu item #11): extremely flavorful, like a Chinese version of a Oaxacan mole. Spicy fried rice and crisp greens complement the pork perfectly- Crispy roasted chicken with rice and bokchoy- the crisp chicken skin is full of flavor. You won’t look at Chick-fil-A the same again!Have some kopi or go to the pandan cake/pastry stall for dessert later!Photo of the mee rebus attached.
August 25 · Arin DuttaIf you're craving authentic Malaysian and Singaporean cuisine in NYC, look no further—this is our favorite spot! We've savored a wide array of dishes here, and each one has captured the true essence of these vibrant cultures. Trust me, every bite takes you on a delicious culinary journey!
May 13 · A WongFantastic hawker fare from home! The best thing is all the foods are closely similar to home! Best meal after days of cheese and pizza!Service can be better though, especially at Kopifellas!
August 06 · Edy Liew
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