As Hang Dai Insta-teased an intriguing new pop-up last month, we found ourselves free in the oriental streets of thought, speculating about the shape of their latest offering.
Finally all has been revealed, and with everybody gearing up for an outdoor summer, it seems that the team at Hang Dai have gone the whole nine yards, knocked out their front window and turned it into a Hawker Street Food Stall.
Owner Will Dempsey tells us that he wants to bring back memories of the travelling he did over the years especially in China, Hong Kong and Thailand. The plan is to make the setting as authentic as possible, so think plastic stools, steel tabletops on beer crates, cans of Tsingtao, Pina Coladas and small plates of delicious street food.
A first glimpse at the handwritten menu reveals a pretty faithful rendering, as concept becomes reality in an innovative fusion of Eastern and Western cultures inspired by the street food stalls of Hong Kong.
Dempsey’s urban Dublin take features the likes of Pork Dumpling Soup, Crab and Cod Wantons and Cheeseburger Spring Rolls. Other dishes include BBQ Lamb Skewers, Siu Mai and Deep-Fried Ice Cream (Deep-Fried Bourbon Ice-Cream with Butterscotch sauce, anyone?)
He advises that the menu will change weekly, while the etiquette here is grab and go, or pull up a stool.
“We won’t be taking bookings, so it will be first come first served”, says Dempsey, adding, “If it’s full you can put down your name, grab a glass of wine outside Frank’s and we’ll give you a shout when we’ve space.”
A Camden Street Buddah’s delight.
Hawker (in the window of Hang Dai), 20 Camden Street Lwr, Dublin 2.
Tuesday to Thursday 5pm until late, Friday to Sunday 1pm until late. Closed Mondays.
