Hawkers Asian Street Food Charlotte

By: Patty Dons | January 9, 2024

My love for Asian cuisine fuels a continuous quest for exceptional dining experiences that serve Asian dishes. When we moved to Charlotte, I set a mission to comb through the city’s culinary landscape to uncover hidden gems and discover city favorites that serve Asian comfort food. When it comes to Asian Street Food, Hawkers Asian Street Food in South End, Charlotte, stands out as the top recommendation on Google.

Hailing from Asia myself and having experienced the vibrant street food culture in Manila, Saigon, Taipei, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and more I was eager to try this restaurant that promises a diverse array of classic Asian dishes.

A Feast for the Senses: Amazing Vibe & Interiors

Nestled in the heart of South End, Hawkers Asian Street Food provides a sensory feast with its great location, beautiful interiors, and lively atmosphere.

The restaurant’s ambiance, adorned with thoughtful wall paintings reminiscent of Asian street food markets is on point.

The beautiful setting combined with ample indoor and outdoor seating, creates a chill yet festive vibe. It also has an open kitchen that adds to the immersive street food experience.

Even their restrooms were designed to fit the overall vibe and aesthetic of the place. Truly beautiful!

Discovering Delightful Asian Street Food through Small Plates

Hawkers Asian Street Food did not disappoint. We indulged in at least five dishes that were perfect for sharing, each leaving a lasting impression. Here’s what we’ve tried so far and our honest thoughts about them:

The Roti Canai: You get two Malaysian flatbreads served with their signature curry sauce. It is so good, it lives up to its dedicated neon light signage in the restaurant. It’s straightforward yet bursting with so much flavor that every bite invites you to savor the depth and richness of the curry. It’s absolutely delicious and has now become our staple order in Hawkers every time we visit.

Golden Wontons: The Golden Wontons are amazing starters! Served as the perfect prelude to the delectable meals to come. The crispy, golden wontons are paired with sweet Thai chili dipping sauce. Very tasty!

Bao Buns: We tried both Pork Belly Baos and Chinese BBQ Pork Baos. They both impressed, but the standout is undoubtedly the Chinese BBQ Pork Bao. With its sweet and saucy roasted pork shoulder, it offers a delightful juxtaposition of flavors that will leave you wanting more. It’s a must-try!

Pad Thai: While the Pad Thai is a generous serving, it feels like it did not do the classic dish justice. It wasn’t bad but it didn’t quite hit the mark. I found it to have a more pan-Asian flavor than classic pad Thai. Nevertheless, it’s a reliable option for satisfying your Thai cravings.

While it’s good and convenient to have a place nearby that serves it, for us, it didn’t stand out as something, particularly special. It’s a nice option to have around, but not something we’d go out of our way to eat again.

Curry Laksa Ramen: Their Curry Laksa Ramen, a spicy coconut curry stew with shrimp, chicken, fried tofu, and more, earns our high praise for its comforting taste and the right blend of spices. Ideal for a cozy dinner or takeout on a chilly evening.

Drinks: Hawkers offers an impressive selection of cocktails, brews, and booze-free drinks. So far, we’ve tried their enjoyable non-alcoholic drinks like Thai Iced Tea and Vietnamese coffee. Both lived up to our expectations as they’re both rich in flavor and fairly priced.

Efficient and Prompt Service

On top of the delectable dishes and inviting atmosphere, Hawkers Asian Street Food delivers prompt and efficient service. During both visits, our servers were attentive, friendly, and quick to fulfill our orders. Small gestures, such as a compliment on my shirt, added a personal touch to the dining experience.

If you enjoy Asian Street Food, Hawkers is worth visiting

Hawkers Asian Street Food in Charlotte offers a fun pan-Asian culinary journey through small plates. From the mouthwatering dishes to the vibrant ambiance and efficient service, it’s a restaurant that leaves a lasting impression.

We’re eager to return and share this delightful experience with friends and family visiting town. Hawkers Asian Street Food is undeniably a gem in Charlotte’s growing diverse culinary scene.

Check out more of our Charlotte food adventures, follow @pattydons and @astoldbythedons on Instagram.