Mount Pleasant is about to receive a big burst of flavour as the team behind Potluck Hawker Eatery is set to launch its second concept later this spring. Named Street Hawker (3088 Main Street), the new fast-casual, counterservice eatery will focus on Southeast Asian-inspired burgers, sandos, fries, and handspun milkshakes, all with the same bold and punchy flair as its sister restaurant.
The two-level, 999 square foot space features 20 seats up in the loft and eight on the patio and is being personally designed by the team. A centrepiece wall art by graffiti muralist Aime Milot, also known as Naks, is currently in development.
“We wanted to bring the energy of a traditional hawker stand to Main Street, but with a West Coast feel, where people can come in for a quick meal or take out, featuring delicious Southeast Asian-style handhelds and treats,” says Justin Cheung, who is chef and co-owner of Street Hawker and Potluck Hawker Eatery, together with operations manager Dominic Sai, Lynn Sakai-Boden, and Darren Chuang. “We decided on burgers and sandos because guests already love our versions at Potluck. Street Hawker allows us to expand on that menu and be even more creative with our offerings. One of my favourites that’s to come, the Malay-O-Fish with breaded fish, sambal, and coconut ranch. It’s delicious!”
The kitchen team is being led by Cheung and Potluck Hawker Eatery’s long-time chef and now culinary director of both locations, Ernest Lee. While the menu is still being developed, items will include re-imagined takes on familiar and classic flavours in burger or sando form, such as chili crab, salted egg yolk, black pepper and nasi lemak – all between soft coconut griddled potato rolls.
To go with the burgers and fries theme, there must be milkshakes, both with dairy and without, and Street Hawker will feature Southeast Asian flavours – think ube, mango, and Milo, a popular malted chocolate.
“Growing up, I loved getting burgers and fries alongside milkshakes – it’s such a quintessential North American meal,” adds Cheung. “It’s been great incorporating my culture into the food I love to eat and introducing it to the community.”
Street Hawker’s branding is by local designer Graeme Jack, who says, “We capture the energy of a street level adventure of a hawker market with a whole new perspective. An electric vibe, the sounds of people, the bustle of the cooking, the neon lights glowing in the dark– it’s all on the street and your senses are in overdrive. These vibes are all present in a logo that’s reminiscent of a familiar 90s arcade game best known for fusing East with West.”
Street Hawker is expected to open in late-spring. More information to come.
To stay up-to-date with Street Hawker news, please visit www.streethawker.ca.
