Hawkers Asian Street Food: Menu, Locations, Happy Hour & Insider Tips
A friendly, practical guide to what makes Hawkers Asian Street Food a go-to spot for shareable small plates, bold flavors, and neon-lit dining.
Hawkers Asian Street Food is a Southeast restaurant chain that serves shareable small plates inspired by street vendors across Asia. It started in 2011 on Mills Avenue in Orlando and has since grown into a multi-state brand. Diners keep coming back for the roti canai, curry laksa, dumplings, and Korean fried wings.
This guide explains what to expect, what to order, and how to save money. It also covers how the restaurant compares with other casual Asian options. Whether the plan is a first visit or a group dinner, the sections below keep it simple.
What Is Hawkers Asian Street Food?
The word “hawker” refers to the street vendors who sell food from stalls and carts across Asia. Hawkers Asian Street Food recreates that experience in a sit-down setting. The menu pulls from Malaysia, China, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, and Japan.
What makes the dining style different
- Small plates: Dishes arrive as they are ready, so the table can try many flavors.
- Communal tables: According to a long-running press description, tables are inlaid with newspaper to echo how street food is wrapped at hawker stalls.
- Spice tray: Guests receive a complimentary tray of condiments to customize each bite.
- Seasonal updates: The menu has been reported to change twice a year, so favorites may rotate.
The Story Behind the Brand
Four friends created the concept: Kaleb Harrell, Allen Lo, Wayne Yung, and Kin Ho. They traveled through Asia, tasted street food, and decided to bring those flavors home in a form that felt approachable. UCF’s alumni magazine reports that many recipes come from the founders’ own families, including relatives who worked as street hawkers in Malaysia.
The first restaurant opened in Orlando’s Mills 50 district in 2011. The founders have publicly stated a goal of reaching 100 restaurants by 2030. Location counts change often, so the official website is the best place to confirm the latest list.
Menu Highlights: What to Order at Hawkers Asian Street Food
Menus vary by location and season, so treat the list below as a starting point. Founders have named several of these dishes as personal favorites.
| Dish | Style / Origin | Flavor Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roti Canai | Malaysian flatbread | Flaky, buttery, served with curry for dipping | First-timers |
| Curry Laksa | Malaysian noodle soup | Rich, spicy, coconut curry base | Soup lovers |
| Char Kway Teow | Malaysian stir-fried noodles | Smoky, savory, wok-charred | Noodle fans |
| Pan-Fried Pot Stickers | Chinese dumplings | Crisp bottoms, juicy filling | Sharing |
| Korean Fried Wings | Korean-inspired | Crunchy, sticky, sweet-heat glaze | Groups |
| Green Papaya Salad | Thai-inspired | Bright, tangy, crunchy with peanuts | Light starter |
Roti Canai: the crowd favorite
Roti canai is a layered flatbread that is crisp outside and soft inside. It is a popular opener because it pairs well with everything else on the table. Co-founder Wayne Yung has named it among his favorites.
Curry Laksa and noodle dishes
Curry laksa is a ramen-style soup built on a Malaysian curry base. Co-founder Kaleb Harrell has cited it as a personal pick. Noodle dishes such as char kway teow give the table a heartier option.
Dumplings, wings, and small bites
Pot stickers and Korean fried wings are easy wins for picky eaters. A green papaya salad adds freshness between richer plates.
How many plates should a group order?
- 1–2 people: 3–4 plates, then add more if still hungry.
- 3–4 people: 6–8 plates, mixing one soup or noodle dish with dumplings and a flatbread.
- 5+ people: Order in waves so plates stay hot.
These are practical rules of thumb, not official portion guidance. Small plates differ in size.
Hawkers Asian Street Food Locations
The brand began in Florida and expanded across the Southeast. Its restaurants have included Orlando, Winter Park-area Central Florida spots, Jacksonville, Neptune Beach, St. Petersburg, Delray Beach, Nashville, Charlotte, and Texas-area cities such as Dallas and Arlington. Press coverage from 2023 noted 14 to 15 locations across several states, and the chain has kept growing since.
The original home of the brand and the best place to see where it all began.
Popular for casual dinners and beach-area outings.
A good stop for groups exploring the city’s food scene.
Frequently searched for menu details, photos, and reviews.
Newer markets. Check the official site for hours and openings.
One of the earlier expansion cities in Florida.
Hawkers Asian Street Food Happy Hour
Hawkers has been described as offering a weekday happy hour at its locations, along with imported and local wine, beer, and sake. Exact times and prices differ by restaurant, so check the location page.
How to get the most from happy hour
- Arrive a few minutes early on busy evenings.
- Pair a drink special with two shareable plates.
- Ask the server which items are included that day.
Hawkers Asian Street Food Reviews and Photos
Many diners search for reviews and photos before choosing a table. The best approach is to read several recent reviews on Yelp or TripAdvisor, because each restaurant has its own team and pace.
What to look for in reviews
- Recency: Menus and service change over time.
- Dish names: Repeated praise for the same plate is a useful signal.
- Wait times: Peak hours can be busy, so note comments about reservations.
What photos usually show
Photos tend to feature neon signs, wood decor, steaming noodle bowls, and flaky roti. The look is part of the appeal, so evening visits often make the best pictures.
Hawkers vs. Other Casual Asian Dining Options
The comparison below is general and based on common dining formats, not on official ratings.
| Feature | Hawkers Asian Street Food | Typical Takeout Spot | Fast-Casual Bowl Chain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service style | Full-service, sit-down | Counter or delivery | Counter, build-your-own |
| Menu focus | Pan-Asian small plates | Often one cuisine | Bowls and wraps |
| Best for | Groups and date nights | Quick meals at home | Fast lunches |
| Drinks | Cocktails, beer, wine, sake | Usually limited | Usually soft drinks |
| Atmosphere | Neon, music, communal tables | Minimal | Modern and quick |
For other street-food-style concepts, see our guide to Piada Italian Street Food. Readers who want a lighter, ingredient-focused meal may like True Food Kitchen.
Practical Tips for Your First Visit
- Order in rounds. Start with roti canai and dumplings, then add noodles or wings.
- Use the spice tray. Taste first, then add heat gradually.
- Mix textures. Combine something crispy, something saucy, and something fresh.
- Check dietary needs. Looking for halal options? Read our halal food guide and confirm preparation with staff.
- Protein goals. Compare choices with our high-protein fast food tips, and ask about ingredients.
- Try recipes at home. Browse our food recipes for inspiration.
Explore more global food guides
- Hawaiian food for island-style plates
- Lebanese food and Greek food for Mediterranean flavors
- Jamaican food and Cuban food for Caribbean favorites
- More articles on the Fast Food Open blog
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hawkers Asian Street Food?
It is a restaurant chain serving shareable Asian street food small plates, founded in Orlando in 2011 by four friends. The menu draws from Malaysia, China, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, and Japan.
What should I order at Hawkers Asian Street Food?
Popular starting points include roti canai, curry laksa, pan-fried pot stickers, Korean fried wings, and char kway teow. Menus change by season and location.
Does Hawkers Asian Street Food have a happy hour?
Hawkers has been described as offering a weekday happy hour. Times and specials vary, so check your local restaurant before visiting.
Where are Hawkers Asian Street Food locations?
Locations have included Orlando, Jacksonville, Neptune Beach, St. Petersburg, Delray Beach, Nashville, Charlotte, and Texas cities such as Dallas and Arlington. Confirm current addresses on the official website.
Is Hawkers Asian Street Food good for groups?
Yes. The small-plate format and communal-style dining make it easy to share many dishes. Larger parties should consider calling ahead.
Conclusion
Hawkers Asian Street Food blends family recipes, bold flavors, and a lively atmosphere into a dining style built for sharing. Start with roti canai and dumplings, add curry laksa or wings, and use the spice tray to adjust every bite. Check the official site for the latest locations, hours, and menu changes, and ask staff about allergies.
For more ideas, visit the Fast Food Open homepage or browse the blog.
Disclaimer: Fast Food Open is not affiliated with Hawkers Asian Street Food. Menus, prices, and locations change; verify details with the restaurant.