Asian favourite hawker markets have quite the reputation. Inspired by the variety and quality of their fare, provided in the Asian favourite is a new food market shortly arriving in Melbourne – HWKR.

Settling in Melbourne’s CBD is a modern take on the traditional food outlet, and one that hosts a special twist with a rotating calendar of tenancies. A collection of nationally and internationally famed restaurants have promised to be involved, each settling in a 3-month residency in one of its four permanent state of the art kitchens.

Award-winning Craig Tan Architects and BrandWorks designers have collaborated on the building itself, which evokes Asia’s urban street markets and sits in three distinct zones over two platform levels. Mesh-clad kiosks intermingle with plenty of LED lighting, and Asian trinkets adorn walls (from Poki to cans of lychee). Of course customer comfort is key and there is plenty of seating throughout, including a stacked staircase cascading up the back wall.

HWKR also shows plenty of innovation in its incorporation of technology, allowing consumers access to full menus via cashless and cardless operating systems, including AliPay and WeChat Pay. The entire market will also be available for delivery via Foodora.

Opening its doors on Thursday February 8 is the first line-up for HWKR, that will see Hong Kong’s Bread & Beast, Reynold Poernomo’s KOI Dessert Bar and his new savoury offering Monkey’s Corner, and fellow Masterchef alum Diana Chan’s first restaurant CHANTEEN x HWKR. Melbourne-based Khao by Rice Paper Scissors will also be making an appearance.