Have you ever dreamed of dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant without breaking the bank? If so, you’re in luck, because Hawker Chan, the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, has opened its doors in Melbourne, Australia. Hawker Chan is a Singaporean hawker food stall that serves mouth-watering dishes at affordable prices, such as the famous soy sauce chicken noodles.
In this article, we’ll explore the history, cuisine, and popularity of Hawker Chan, and give you some tips and recommendations on how to make the most of your visit to this amazing restaurant in Melbourne.
Hawker Chan’s History: From Singapore to Melbourne
Hawker Chan is the brainchild of Chan Hong Meng, a self-taught chef who developed his passion and skills for cooking at a young age. He learned the art of making soy sauce chicken from a Hong Kong chef, and perfected his recipe over the years. He opened his first stall in Singapore’s Chinatown Complex Food Centre in 2009, and soon attracted long queues of customers with his delicious and affordable food.
In 2016, Hawker Chan made history by becoming the first hawker stall in the world to receive a Michelin star, an honour usually reserved for fine dining restaurants. Chan Hong Meng was shocked and humbled by the recognition, and said that he never expected to receive such a prestigious award. He also said that he would continue to serve his food at low prices, because he wanted to share his passion and joy with everyone.
Since then, Hawker Chan has expanded its business to other countries, including Australia, where it opened its first outlet in Melbourne’s CBD in 2018. The restaurant is located at 157 Lonsdale Street, and is open from 10 am to 10 pm daily. Hawker Chan’s mission is to bring the authentic taste of Singaporean hawker food to the world, and to show that quality and affordability can go hand in hand.
Hawker Chan’s Cuisine: A Taste of Singapore in Melbourne
Singaporean hawker food is a fusion of various cuisines, such as Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan, and reflects the diversity and richness of Singapore’s culture and history. Hawker food is typically served in open-air stalls or food centres, where customers can enjoy a variety of dishes at cheap prices. Hawker food is also known for its flavour, freshness, and spiciness, and is often accompanied by sauces, condiments, and drinks.
Hawker Chan’s menu and dishes are inspired by the hawker food culture of Singapore, and feature some of the most popular and iconic items, such as the soy sauce chicken, the char siew (barbecued pork), the siew yoke (roasted pork belly), the wonton noodles, and the seasonal vegetables. The soy sauce chicken is Hawker Chan’s signature dish, and is marinated, braised, and roasted to perfection, resulting in a tender, juicy, and aromatic meat that melts in your mouth. The char siew and the siew yoke are also succulent and flavourful, and are served with rice or noodles. The wonton noodles are a classic dish that consists of thin egg noodles, pork dumplings, and a savoury sauce. The seasonal vegetables are stir-fried with garlic and oyster sauce, and add a touch of freshness and crunch to the meal.
To enjoy Hawker Chan’s cuisine, here are some tips and recommendations for you:
- The best time to visit Hawker Chan is during the off-peak hours, such as before noon or after 2 pm, to avoid the long waiting time and the crowded seating area. You can also order online or take away your food if you prefer.
- The best way to order Hawker Chan’s food is to choose your main dish (chicken, pork, or noodles), and then add your side dishes (rice, noodles, or vegetables). You can also mix and match different dishes to create your own combination. The prices range from $6.80 to $12.80, depending on the size and the number of dishes you order.
- The best combinations to try Hawker Chan’s food are the soy sauce chicken and rice, the char siew and siew yoke rice, and the wonton noodles. These are the most popular and classic choices, and will give you a taste of Hawker Chan’s specialty and skill.
- The best sauces to pair with Hawker Chan’s food are the soy sauce, the chilli sauce, and the ginger and spring onion sauce. These sauces are homemade and complement the dishes well, adding more flavour and spice to the food. You can also ask for extra sauce if you like.
Hawker Chan’s Popularity: What the Customers and Critics Say
Hawker Chan’s popularity and reputation are undeniable, both in Singapore and in Melbourne, and are evidenced by the statistics, ratings, and reviews that the restaurant has received. Hawker Chan has been featured in various media outlets, such as The Guardian, The Age, and Broadsheet, and has been praised by reputable food critics, such as Anthony Bourdain, Matt Preston, and Dani Valent. Hawker Chan has also received several awards, accolades, and endorsements, such as the Michelin star, the Bib Gourmand, and the Certificate of Excellence.
Of course, Hawker Chan is not without its drawbacks or challenges, such as the long waiting time, the limited seating capacity, the high demand, or the competition. However, Hawker Chan has overcome or mitigated these issues by improving its operations, expanding its outlets, diversifying its menu, and maintaining its quality and standards. Hawker Chan has also remained humble and grateful for its success, and has never compromised on its vision and values.
Getting There
If you are in Melbourne and want to visit Hawker Chan, the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, you have several options to get there. Hawker Chan is located at 157 Lonsdale Street, in the heart of the CBD, and is easily accessible by public transport, car, or bike. You can take the tram to Swanston Street/Lonsdale Street stop, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the restaurant.
You can also take the train to Melbourne Central Station, which is about 10 minutes’ walk from the restaurant. If you prefer to drive, you can park your car at QV Melbourne, which is a nearby shopping centre that offers parking for $12 for up to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can ride your bike to Hawker Chan, and use one of the many bike racks available on Lonsdale Street or nearby streets. No matter how you get there, you will be rewarded with a delicious and affordable meal at Hawker Chan.
Hawker Chan is a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves Singaporean hawker food at affordable prices, and offers a taste of Singapore in Melbourne. Hawker Chan has a rich history, a delicious cuisine, and a loyal popularity, and is a must-try for anyone who loves food and culture. If you want to experience Hawker Chan for yourself, visit the restaurant at 157 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, or check out their website or social media pages for more information. Hawker Chan is open from 10 am to 10 pm daily, and is waiting for you to join the queue and enjoy the food.
Don’t miss this opportunity to dine at the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, and to discover why Hawker Chan is so special and unique.