HWKR Melbourne
Five culinary legends in one venue plus a DJ and a fabulously kitsch food hall with a roof and plenty of heat. Yes Melbourne, all your Malaysian and Singaporean street food dreams have come true in one place at HWKR Melbourne.
Launched in February, HWKR Melbourne is a Hawker style food centre where you can order from 4 unique (rotating) kitchens and one not-for-profit Bar.
The line up is very impressive and currently includes Wonderbao x Messina, Chanteen, KHAO by Rice Paper Scissors and Pinchy’s. Every three months or so the venues change over, making room for a new selection of restaurants meaning HWKR food hall has a wonderfully curated selection of what is hot and interesting in the Melbourne food scene.
Eat My Street visited for the “Taste of HWKR” food event which offered five different “tastes,” one from each venue, along with a complimentary drink. There was also a DJ, games and prizes.
Service was excellent, in the fun, fast and friendly way you would expect from a Hawker food market. Food is ordered from each restaurant’s window and then delivered to your table. You can also download the app to order if you are so inclined and thus never even rise from your comfy, cosy corner but you would probably be missing out on the opportunity to check out what is happening in the “other parts” of this fun venue.
Wonderbao served their best selling “Cracking Pork Belly Gum Bao” as well as their vegetarian (and most delicious) eggplant version.
Khao by Rice Paper Scissors was serving up its “Filipino Roasted Lamb Ribs.”
Diana Chan of 2017 Masterchef fame served her famous soft shell crab sliders with crispy fried soft shell crab, gochujang and kewpie slaw. I will be back to try her traditional, family satay recipe which I have heard is next level good.
Pinchy’s Alaskan King Crab bun with chilled King Crab, lemon mayo, toasted crispy roll, Pinchy’s seasoning, butter and chives was memorable in that crunchy, creamy, salty way that sears into your memory.
For dessert, there was Messina’s mouth watering and ever creative “Puff Puff Pastry” with puff pastry vol au vent, sour cream gelato, caramelised apples and salted caramel sauce. 
Little chocolate domes of ice-cream perfection made for an excellent dessert accompaniment and did not last long at my table.
For a drink we ordered the Thai Milk Tea and Pinky’s Soda but there was an alluring list of cocktails that you might like to check out if our are inclined. 
Tickets to “Taste of HWKR” were $36 which is fantastic value for such a great night full of food. For your money you get to taste all five dishes along with your complimentary drink. The event was sold out but you can pop in any night of the week to create your own dream menu.
Keep an eye on their Socials for a great range of events that are coming up soon.
The details
HWKR Food Centre
Ground Floor
137 A’Beckett St
Melbourne.
Deliveries via Deliveroo .
OPEN
On-Thursday. 7am – 10pm.
Friday 7am to 11pm.
Saturday 10am to 11pm.
Sunday 10am to 10pm.