If there is a singular gastronomic experience that bridges the gap between the chaotic, aromatic energy of Southeast Asian street markets and the modern, electrifying pulse of Charlotte’s Southend district, it is undoubtedly Hawkers Asian Street Food. Having analyzed the menu’s intricate tapestry of flavors and synthesized the experiences of numerous patrons, it becomes evident that this establishment is not merely a restaurant; it is a cultural conduit. Founded by four best friends with deep familial roots in Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and the perhaps less exotic but equally significant Winter Haven, Florida, Hawkers has been disrupting the conventional dining landscape since 2011. Their mantra—”Be Disruptive. Always Care. Never Compromise.”—vibrates through every aspect of the operation, from the “dope atmosphere” to the aggressive flavors of their wok-fired plates.
Below is an exhaustive guide to dining at Hawkers Asian Street Food Charlotte, designed to prepare your palate and your expectations for an adventure that prioritizes bold flavors and communal feasting.
The Vibe, Location, and “As-Ready” Service Model
Located in the vibrant heart of Charlotte’s Southend, Hawkers commands a space that is as visually stimulating as the food is flavorful. The interior design is frequently described by patrons as “artsy” and “fun,” featuring an eclectic mix of decor that evokes the cluttered charm of Asian alleyways, paired with a soundtrack of music that keeps the energy high without becoming overbearing. For those navigating the city, the restaurant’s accessibility is a major asset; it is entirely walkable from the light rail, making it a prime destination for urban explorers.
However, before you step through the doors, there are two critical logistical factors you must understand to fully enjoy the experience.
First, Hawkers operates on a cashless basis. In 2025, this digital-first approach is becoming the standard, but for the uninitiated, it is a vital piece of information. You must come prepared with credit cards or tap-to-pay methods; cash is not king here.
Second, and perhaps more importantly to the flow of your meal, is the service style. The kitchen operates on an “as-ready” basis, meaning dishes are brought to the table the moment they leave the wok or the steamer. This is not a traditional Western course-based meal where appetizers arrive uniformly followed by entrees. Instead, it mimics the actual experience of street dining: a continuous, staggered arrival of steaming baskets and sizzling plates. This encourages a communal, “tapas-style” of eating where sharing is not just recommended—it is essential. Whether you are served by the highly-praised Ke or the attentive Maria, the service is generally reported as prompt, smiling, and knowledgeable, adding a layer of warmth to the industrial-chic environment.
Small Plates & Dim Sum: The Art of the Start
The menu at Hawkers is a labyrinth of savory delights, but the journey should almost invariably begin with their Roti Canai ($11.25). This Malaysian flatbread is a rite of passage here. The ritual is simple: “Rip. Dip. Repeat.” The fluffy, buttery bread is served with a side of their signature curry sauce, a pairing so beloved it anchors the entire appetizer menu.
Roti Canai：
For those dining during Happy Hour—a window highly recommended by regulars—the value proposition skyrockets. Patrons have noted that many appetizers drop to the $5-$6 range, making it possible to curate a banquet on a budget.
If you are navigating the Dim Sum and Street Skewers sections, the Golden Wontons ($11.25) offer a satisfying crunch, filled with a mixture of chicken, shrimp, and mushrooms. However, for a more complex flavor profile, the Spiced Lamb Skewers ($13.75) are a standout. These are not your average kebabs; they are savory ground lamb aggressively spiced with cumin, coriander, fennel, and Sichuan peppercorns, served with a spring onion ginger aioli. This dish exemplifies the kitchen’s willingness to use bold spices that might shy away from the timid palate.
Golden Wontons：
Spiced Lamb Skewers：
A note of caution, however, regarding the Chili Garlic Edamame ($10.00). While the concept of wok-firing edamame in housemade chili oil is appealing, recent feedback suggests inconsistency, with some diners finding the flavor lacking or the pods overcooked. If you are looking for a reliable vegetable starter, the Five-Spice Green Beans ($10.00)—lightly battered and fried to a crisp—seem to be the superior, more consistent choice.
Chili Garlic Edamame:
Baos and Meat: Hand-Held Flavor Bombs
The Bao Buns at Hawkers are not merely side dishes; they are architectural marvels of soft dough and savory fillings. The Seoul Hot Chicken Bao ($15.00) is a crowd favorite, featuring a 24-hour brined chicken thigh, deep-fried and drenched in garlic gochujang, topped with a spicy housemade pickle. It strikes a delicate balance between heat, crunch, and the pillowy softness of the bun. Similarly, the Pork Belly Bao ($15.00) offers a textual contrast of thick-sliced pork belly with the crunch of roasted peanuts and the tang of pickled mustard greens.
Seoul Hot Chicken Bao：
Pork Belly Bao：
Moving to the heavier protein options, the Korean Twice Fried Wings ($16.25) are a revelation for fried chicken enthusiasts. Sauced in garlic gochujang and garnished with peanuts, sesame, and cilantro, these wings possess a crispiness that holds up even under the sauce, a detail frequently applauded in customer reviews.
Korean Twice Fried Wings：
For those seeking a more traditional BBQ experience with an Asian twist, the Hong Kong Sticky Ribs ($22.50) are a must-order. This half-rack is smothered in housemade char siu glaze, served with spicy pickles and a fried bao bun. The sweetness of the char siu creates a caramelized exterior that falls off the bone, providing a sticky, savory indulgence that demands extra napkins.
Hong Kong Sticky Ribs：
Wok-Fired Noodles & Heritage Curries
The “Main Event” at Hawkers is arguably their selection of Noodles and Rice & Curry dishes, many of which are derived from family recipes passed down through generations (labeled affectionately as “Po Po Lo’s”).
The Curry Duck Noodles ($20.00) is a sophisticated option for those tired of standard fare. It features five-spice hand-pulled duck paired with egg noodles and veggies, all swimming in Po Po Lo’s signature curry sauce. The richness of the duck fat emulsifying with the curry creates a broth that is deeply comforting yet complex.
Curry Duck Noodles：
If you prefer the smokiness of a high-heat wok, the C.K.T (Char Kway Teow) ($18.75) is Chef Lo’s signature dish. It combines wide rice noodles with shrimp, chicken, and lap cheong (Chinese sausage) in a soy and pork sauce. This dish, along with the Beef Haw Fun ($18.75), relies heavily on wok hei—the “breath of the wok”—to impart that elusive, charred flavor that is impossible to replicate in a home kitchen.
C.K.T (Char Kway Teow) ：
Beef Haw Fun：
For the curry purist, Po Po Lo’s Steak Curry ($22.50) or the Curry Laksa ($18.75) are essential orders. The Laksa, a spicy coconut curry stew, is brimming with shrimp, chicken, fried tofu, and a soft-boiled egg. It is the definition of comfort food, balancing the creaminess of coconut milk with the sharp bite of chili and spices.
Po Po Lo’s Steak Curry：
Curry Laksa：
Vegetarians are not left behind here. The Not Meats section is robust, featuring dishes like the Curry Mash ($10.00)—a fusion concept of mashed potatoes with curry gravy—and the Hawker’s Delight ($15.00), a saucy blend of wok-seared tofu and various mushrooms and vegetables.
Hawker’s Delight：
Beverages and Sweet Conclusions
No street food experience is complete without the requisite beverages to cool the palate. While the menu offers standard sodas like Topo Chico and Acqua Panna ($7.50), the real draw lies in the specialty drinks. The Vietnamese Coffee ($6.25) provides a potent caffeine kick, perfect for combating the post-meal slump. For those indulging in spirits, the Margarita-Thai (mentioned in reviews) offers a refreshing twist with a kick of spice and ginger, aligning perfectly with the food’s flavor profile.
Acqua Panna：
Vietnamese Coffee：
To conclude the meal, the Jo-He Bag O’ Donuts ($10.00) is a simple yet effective dessert. Dusted in cinnamon sugar, these serve as a nostalgic nod to carnival food, yet fit perfectly within the context of Asian street sweets.
Final Verdict
Hawkers Asian Street Food in Charlotte succeeds because it manages to be two things at once: it is a casual, high-energy hangout spot perfect for a Friday night with friends, and it is a serious culinary establishment that respects the complexity of Asian cuisine.
While the cashless policy and asynchronous food delivery might require a mental adjustment for some diners, these elements contribute to the efficiency and authenticity of the atmosphere. The prices are reasonable, particularly given the portion sizes and the quality of ingredients (ranging from $10 for starters to $23.75 for premium seafood dishes like Po Po Lo’s Shrimp Curry).
Summary:
- Best For: Groups, adventurous eaters, and Happy Hour seekers.
- Must-Order: Roti Canai, Korean Twice Fried Wings, Seoul Hot Chicken Bao, Curry Laksa.
- Skip: Chili Garlic Edamame (opt for Green Beans instead).
- Insider Tip: Go during Happy Hour to sample multiple small plates for $5-$6, and request the “Japanese Fried Chicken” if available as a special, as it has received rave reviews for its texture and Kewpie mayo pairing.
Whether you are there for the “Dope Atmosphere” or the “Great Food,” Hawkers delivers a sensory overload that justifies its popularity. Just remember: bring your card, bring your appetite, and be ready to share.