Urban Hawker - First look at NYC's Singapore style hawker center

[@DanielFoo]

Nice representation of all the favorite food from Singapore. ✌️

[@makerwng]

Thank you for filming in a manner where I can see the prices!

[@mikedoesitall6310]

No problem! It was something I made a note of doing for my own reference 🙂

[@appl2597]

0:19 KopiFellas (Coffee and Kaya Toast) 0:30 Ashes Burnnit (Burgers) 0:52 Hainan Jones (Hainanese Chicken Rice) 1:10 Prawnaholics (Prawn noodles) 1:28 White Restaurant (White Bee Hoon) 2:00 Mr Fried Rice (Wok-Fried Rice) 2:33 Mamak's Corner (Singapore Indian Food) 2:47 Padi D' NYC (Malay Street Food) 3:13 Yum Yubo (Rice-Filled Tofu Pockets) 3:38 The Sling Bar (Singapore Inspired Cocktails) 3:46 Daisy's Dream (Laksa Nasi Lemak & More) 4:10 Wok & Staple (Singapore Chilli Crab) 4:21 Smokin' Joe (Hainanese Western Fare) 4:44 Tradisyon (Filipino Comfort Food) 5:19 Jakarta Munch (Indonesian Rice & Salad Bowls) 5:40 Dim Sum Darling (Globally Inspired Dumplings) 5:46 Lady Wong (South-East Asian Pastries)

[@appl2597]

From some of the videos circulating and showing the opening day lunch crowd on 28 Sep 2022. *Hainan Jones* had by far the longest queue. The line stretches all the way to the door, there must be at least 30 people queueing. *Mr Fried rice* had around 20 people queueing. *KopiFellas*, *Daisy's Dream*, *Prawnaholic*, *White restaurant* and *Tradisyon* had around 10 queueing. *Ashes Burnnit*, *Wok & Staple*, *Lady Wong*, *Padi D' NYC* (Malay Food) and *Smokin' Joe* (Hainanese curry rice) had around 5 in the queue. *Yum Yubo* and *Mamak's Corner* had no queue. *Jakarta Munch* and *Dim Sum Darling* are not yet open. I think after the initial hype wears off, those with 5 or less in the queue might struggle to survive. Lady Wong and Wok & Staple should be fine, but the others with 5 or fewer in the queue may need to change their menu.

[@scottmcintire8634]

I’d like to think that one could also order a Tiger Beer at The Sling Bar.

[@GoodGood-vb8gm]

👏👏👏👍👍👍

[@ProjectWolve]

As a Singaporean, I am intrigued to see this. Understandably the prices are a far cry from what I can find locally here as the vendors there need to source for Asian ingredients for the dishes.

[@DamienYuen7718]

It's the outrageous cost of rent that will doom this place. You can get any ingredients that you want in NYC. Chinatown is not far away.

[@ProjectWolve]

@@DamienYuen7718 how are the prices for raw ingredients at Chinatown?

[@mikedoesitall6310]

This is located in midtown Manhattan.. times square area.it would take 30 mins one way to take the subway to Chinatown. Then shop, then go home, then cook. That's $6 added cost for transportation and cost of your time to save a few bucks when you can get the meal, cooked well and enjoy it in under an hour here. Also, raw ingredients in Chinatown Manhattan aren't exactly cheap either. Cheaper than midtown but not cheap.

[@itedino]

compare their country standard of living. do not convert. this is the after product of min wages

[@avengerdarkness8402]

Proud to spread some Singapore love to US! hopefully more food stalls all over US, let them know what Singapore noodles really is lol

[@weikwanglee4383]

A worthy way forward for Singapore on the world stage. We should have a Singapore Town in every major city in the world.

[@nabi5864]

A relative inquired on a space couple years ago and almost fainted when told the per sqft rate lease ... Heard it has gone up since ... Very clean nice foodcourt though

[@MarkKam]

Thank you for sharing! I will definitely check it out.

[@luisseuc6285]

It is in midtown Manhattan, where everything is expensive.

[@kayflip2233]

Midtown Manhattan has tons of cosmopolitan, hungry yuppies that love southeast Asian food from their trips there. This place will be rammed everyday.

[@weeliano]

My Gawd! The prices are astronomical! I guess for Singaporeans missing some authentic hawkers style food, its okay and also for anyone wanting to sample Singaporean food without having to fly to Singapore. I do have to say the decor , stalls and menu are quite authentic.

[@scottmcintire8634]

I did get a Food Republic @ Wisma Atria Mall kinda vibe. I miss the Singapore hawker centers and would love to check this out if ever in NYC.

[@mn8931]

That's very normal prices for Manhattan for average restaurants, doesnt matter what cuisine.

[@avengerdarkness8402]

The price is pretty normal due to labor costs and food, its not cheap to eat out in US

[@mn8931]

@@avengerdarkness8402 No, its just NYC price, Florida, Texas would be at least 30-40% cheaper

[@ekming751]

I wonder if after the original hawkers left and the worker they train to cook the dish, would it still taste the same or degraded after that ?

[@hiddenblush]

this is sooo amusing from singapore 😮

[@felixtan2704]

It's nice that they have incl: Malay and Indian SG favourites, Chicken Rice, Curry Puffs, Some Nyonya fare ( tho needs more variety ) Filipino and other fusion type stalls (to bring in revenue):; MIA foods incl. - Char Kuey Teow, Carrot cake, oyster omelette, Popiah, Mee Pok, Ice Kachang, Cheng Tng, Chendol type desserts, Rojak, Chui Kueh, Baos, etc.But overall, not bad for an american city.

[@logicrule]

Prawnholic got oyster omelette

[@shazamman8153]

Prawn fritters, vadai, putumayo print,

[@daffodilstang5292]

How abt Roti canai/prata, n murtabak or mutton bryani. These are my favorite, Greetings from a Singaporean🙏

[@syncout9586]

No surprise as to why they would be way more expensive. This is in the middle of Manhattan. A restaurant here would never be affordable.

[@MsEverAfterings]

Coooool!!! But damn, those prices 😅 I would definitely pay to eat them if I live in NY

[@mikedoesitall6310]

Prices are a bit high for hawker street food but it's not too bad considering it's in midtown Manhattan. I'm looking forward to trying them all.

[@romanceidiot]

Are these prices comparable to other “normal” daily fares or are these on the higher side due to “novelty factor”

[@mikedoesitall6310]

@@romanceidiot these prices are pretty normal for midtown Manhattan. There was no way they would be cheap or this place would not survive

[@indenturedLemon]

@@romanceidiot about normal mid-range prices and usual for Asian food affair they usually ranged between $12-$17

[@renai8400]

Have spotted a few ghost commenters from MY 😂

[@johnchua9387]

As always when it comes to food. Does it surprise you? A good way is to just ignore them.

[@proudasiangirl576]

0:07, if you are going to shoot the sign, please spend time to pause and focus at least a few seconds so that viewers can read it. I had to rewind like 5 times. 6:46, when you pan the camera, please go very slow, otherwise it feels like we're at the fair on a sickie ride for the viewers. Otherwise, thanks for sharing. Great job on the video!

[@supertuesday600]

This is not "hawker center" but more like Food court. And half the foods are not even "Singaporean". But i give the operators credits for contributing to NYC foods scene with more varieties and diversities. The high prices are due to the tax and high rental rates, most people there know this so its ok. All the best.

[@mikedoesitall6310]

Singapore food has a lot of diversity and influences. So many of these venders are true Singaporean. Many of these vendors are direct from Singapore! Thanks for watching and commenting 😊

[@singlah]

You won't see my pack of tissues at this hawker centre.

[@SuperValue350]

🇸🇬 😍

[@leewn2319]

Wonder how’s the food tasted like ?🤔 Still authentic as in Sg or moderated to suit NYC?

[@mikedoesitall6310]

These are vendors from Singapore. I hope they did not change anything and make it completely authentic! If I ever go to Singapore, I'll let you know 😁

[@jeremeytheking]

the price

[@siewkee6093]

I love to read the price list...

[@kennySg101]

The layout of UH does not resemble hawker centres in SG. The designer could have been bolder in his design. Would love to see street food such as carrot cake, char kway teow, bakuteh etc.

[@ian8950]

NYC has very different food and fire safety regulations. The hawker centres in Singapore, with their cramped quarters and cooking with large open flames licking out the side of the wok will never be approved over there.

[@kennySg101]

@@ian8950 Agreed that will not be 100% But can use tables that look like those in sg, utensils etc There are ways.

[@Justyn_Lim_]

New York also snows lol, no way for an open setting either. Get real brotha, its not Singapore, its America. Not practical to always be authentic.

[@bunnyfreakz]

$16 for fried rice? That so insane. NYC tax is real.

[@jeremeytheking]

the price can buy 10 bowls already

[@chenmoney1920]

This is not hawker center !! One of the definition of hawker is in a non-air spaces. Instead we should call this as food court

[@mikedoesitall6310]

Yes, this is more a food hall than a hawker center. But they use the name because of the Singaporean roots. Lots of Singaporean vendors which is nice. It's a shame prices couldn't be lower but that's midtown Manhattan for you. They need to pay the rent and prices are consistent with what is offered around the neighborhood.

[@kuanyewlee3179]

no chewing gum stall (and the canes/whips)?

[@ilikecerealprawns]

The filipino food stall definitely is out of place there, it's not even categorized under Singapore food that's for sure.

[@jeffseah397]

Yah exactly,so dump really

[@aitongwilliamchia8089]

Filipino food is not even popular in SG

[@osimese]

omg. the price almost 3 to 4 times more expensive

[@williamc1156]

and the price you see is excluding 9% tax

[@dantlanz9239]

Yea, but I reckon they don't 'tip' the vendors so its a 'give-and-take'.

[@yivunqp963]

It is so funny reading all the comments and to see that Singaporeans believe so sincerely that their place in the world is to be cheap.

[@dantlanz9239]

It's TIME we Asians send our culinary delights to the West and show them what is called 'Asian cultures', after decades of us Asian eating their burgers, fries and coke!

[@nazarkucharov5760]

👍👍👍🎥👍👍👍🔥🔥🔥

[@Matthewgez]

19 bucks for a plate of chicken rice, 55 for a whole chicken, really?

[@aasfavoritevideosandadvent5722]

I can’t get over that no one is speaking Singlish

[@initialdwu7821]

$19 for chicken rice set? Holy moly cow poo

[@wilfredpeter3059]

if the price is the same as in Singapore ...that would be great..if in US dollar then it is too expensive ...less people will come

[@mikedoesitall6310]

These prices are all US dollars. Prices are normal for this neighborhood in Manhattan.

[@ahyapchow2459]

DO YOU WANT TO FLY TO SINGAPORE FOR THE HAWKERS FOODS .😮

[@mikedoesitall6310]

@@ahyapchow2459 of course. Among other things .. but Singapore is on my bucket list

[@wilfredpeter3059]

Thank you for the information.

[@ahyapchow2459]

@@mikedoesitall6310 I THINK MIGHT AS WELL TAKE A VACATION TO SINGAPORE AND ENJOY YOURSELF.

[@leongsam5197]

Where is the infamous mee siam with cockles

[@aitongwilliamchia8089]

You know there are no cockles in mee siam

[@leongsam5197]

@@aitongwilliamchia8089 how dare you peasant disrespect the tastebuds of pinky! 1000 lashes for you

[@daffodilstang5292]

Char Kway Teow has cockles, but never mee siam.

[@HG-kn3hb]

Mind you the prices is in USD. Need to earn 10K USD to eat that kind of food.

[@SimonK3113]

I will welcome a Yankee giving me a treat here....🤭

[@Happy-v3f5d]

Price of chili crab very reasonable

[@mikedoesitall6310]

It is reasonable but I think the reason is because they are using frozen product and not fresh, live crab or lobster. I did not see any aquarium tanks with live seafood in it. I will confirm the next time I go over there but that is what makes sense to me.

[@insertname1841]

I guess New York is expensive.

[@jasonlucas2328]

I don't understand why people need to eat here. Hawker center is supposed to be cheap, authentic, and delicious. From what I can tell, it's not cheap and original here.

[@bunnyfreakz]

For sure it is not cheap, taste prolly mediocre as well.

[@PrabhathJayawardena]

The prices tho 😂

[@williamc1156]

and then plus 9% tax

[@H3adx]

It ain't a hawker without CaiFan.

[@DamienYuen7718]

Authentic NYC prices too. So no 3 dollar plates of food like in Singapore. Shouldn't even try.

[@andretea262]

good try nyc, over price and definitely not singapore, rather take 20 hr flight for real deal

[@MyVidsTwoZeroOneOne]

Definitely not hawker prices Hainese chicken over rice $17 Before tax Credit card surcharge I'm out! Not feeding into this "inflation" scenario

[@kayflip2233]

It's NYC, what do you expect. a 1BR apartment is $5000.

[@ivenzon5863]

$17 is a reasonable price Even if u go Manhattan Chinatown cheapest wud be around $12-15

[@brchlsa69]

It costs sgd 4 to 6 dollars here. Too ex...

[@ivenzon5863]

I hv been living in Manhattan since the late 80s The price back then for a roasted pork (char seow) rice was US$3+ Now it cost around US$12+ in Manhattan Chinatown Inflation If u want cheaper, u hv to live outside NYC like in Philadelphia or any suburban areas

[@Ken__NY]

Go to Brooklyn, roast pork with rice is still $8

[@Ken__NY]

Its going to struggle after the initial hype dies down like all other food halls in NY. Nobody is coming back a second time with these prices

[@mikedoesitall6310]

Prices are normal for the neighborhood, which is expensive. I think the location was poorly chosen. But I think they are banking on high tourist traffic in the neighborhood. We'll see how they're doing ok a month when I go back for an update

[@Ken__NY]

It makes more sense if it was located near Wall Street where options are limited and workers have more disposable income to afford these prices. I doubt tourists would come to NYC to eat Singaporean food lol

[@mikedoesitall6310]

@@Ken__NY you'd be surprised. It is a good option to have in this neighborhood. There is nothing else around here that serves anything similar. Taking the subway to Queens for these foods would add $6 and time. It is expensive for the type of food but it's normal for the neighborhood. Even halal food trucks around here are $10 for a platter now.

[@nikkapubess3349]

@@Ken__NY Dude, they couldn't afford rent prices near Wall St. If they opened near Wall St, their prices would have to be $30 a plate. Think before you talk dude.

[@felix4059]

Since when does hawker center has air-conditioning?

[@indenturedLemon]

shopping mall hawker center got aircon lmao

[@kakegurui8773]

🤣

[@PauldeSilvaG]

Teh Tarik USD$5? Roti Prata USD$7.50? GTF outta here. No way I'm paying those prices.

[@mikedoesitall6310]

These are midtown Manhattan prices. Definitely more expensive than what you'd expect elsewhere and especially in Singapore

[@smonyboy]

jesus christ.. the prices..

[@leedonlee5050]

❤cc

[@rudytrulytruly7467]

The menu is so small

[@dralgon1752]

wow include tax and a drink for a meal is 20 plus bucks

[@DamienYuen7718]

That is enough to eat good for a couple days in Singapore.

[@neonboy99]

Just another overpriced atas foodcourt. They should open a more authentic hawker centre with no air-conditioning in places like San Francisco or LA.

[@pushslice]

$17/$19 for hawker chicken-rice????? LOL. Even if it tastes as good as the real thing in SG (probably not) , the pricing completely betrays the whole point of amazing hawker culture.

[@joanneng9145]

They have no choice but to price highly, not sure how competitive the pricing is but according to OP, this location is somewhat upscale, so a higher price is ok. Not to forget the cost of importing local ingredients from Singapore/elsewhere. Seetoh's curated list of hawkers will definitely be worthy to go, therefore justified in the pricing.

[@pushslice]

@@joanneng9145 so they have their first shot to make an impression in the US …and they pick an “upscale location” that forces higher prices? Sorry, it just feels disingenuous . Not what a Hawker community was meant to be.

[@ifuknjk]

no customers... a failure... nyc folks not used to eating singapore style... but gd to experiment... big mac or kfc preferred

[@mikedoesitall6310]

This was the first day of a soft opening at around 4pm. The crowd size was fine given those reasons. Check back in a few weeks. I'll post an update video once all stalls are open.

[@ifuknjk]

@@mikedoesitall6310 plan C.. limited funds 2 100% copy sg food court like Takashimaya...only 50%..dim lights--tables n chairs half coffee shop style...no different than a chinese restaurant with a menu to order..dim sum, roti prata, wan tan mee, nasi lamek, chicken rice... local coffee/tea....nyc folks eat on the run..no time 4 sitting down dining ..3 months n lock out

[@mobile8873]

@@ifuknjk strange english!!

[@dantlanz9239]

Check out the 'grand opening' -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqLZgaWclsmNjK8

[@Cglkk12]

Are all the food video showing are organic dishes? Are they encourage to eat organic dishes ? As organic dishes are tasteless and no much sweetness. Should use approved industrial food chemical to enhance the flavor of organic dishes. The end product still go one place.

[@ifuknjk]

most americans don't even know where sg is >>>part of taiwan ????...rather give it a shot n promote Hong Kong Dai Pai Tong... more chance of success....sfo has SMI restaurant offering Singapore=Malaya--Indonesian foods... barely survives..!!!or panda.. sg food court is cheap, dirty n fast.. no frills... cook n serve ..

[@s9pr833]

i am just speechless looking at the prices of SG food all over the world, priced at an average of 15 usd. LoL