Mr Hawker | Restaurant Review

“Best of Asian street food right in the heart of Colombo”

Opening their figurative doors on the terrace at the food court in the Colombo City Centre, Mr Hawker brings you the best of Asian cuisine, expertly blurring the lines between traditional cooking and street food. 

The sweet and sour flavours, together with the aromas, spice up the night air. If you’re in the mood, there’s a counter to pair your food with a beverage of your choice, making this a must-visit spot to satisfy your savoury cravings. With food this good, we wouldn’t be surprised if Mr Hawker becomes the talk of the town very soon.

Sides

Pork Gyoza (6 pcs) – LKR 950 (4.5/5) 

These Japanese pan-fried dumplings are filled with minced pork, wrapped in soft dough, and work great with Mr Hawker’s soy dipping sauce. The pork fat absorbs the savoury sauce it’s cooked in, creating the iconic sweet and savoury taste of Asian cuisine. If you’re looking for a great platter of no-nonsense gyoza that delivers exactly what you want, this is it.

Angamaly Dry Roast (Beef) – LKR 1,950 (5/5) 

This Kerala-style fry with roasted coconut and spices tap into familiar South Asian flavours. Perfect for two, the beef is soft, tender, smoky and earthy, releasing a burst of texture and flavour with each bite. The spices create a balanced heat that pairs well with the roasted coconut. This dish is best enjoyed with a cold beverage.

Chicken Satays – LKR 1,600 (4.5/5)

Another Indonesian speciality, the Chicken Satays, features soft chicken grilled over an open fire on a skewer. Each plate includes a handful, and we found that it’s just the right amount for one person to enjoy. The smoky flavour of the meat is satisfying on its own, but dipped in the accompanying peanut sauce, it becomes the perfect complement to your main dish. Be warned, the peanut sauce can be rather oily, which not everyone might appreciate, but the cucumber served on the side helps balance it out.

Marmite pork – LKR 2,200 (5/5)

Mr Hawker offers a unique twist on this iconic protein. If anyone thinks Marmite has no place in the culinary world, I would invite them to try Mr Hawker’s Marmite Pork. I had my doubts when I first heard about it, but after trying it myself, I am convinced that this is a dish everyone has gotta try. Marmite’s complex flavours add depth to the savoury taste with a salty, umami profile that perfectly complements the pork, which turns soft and tender with its acidity. One portion is enough for two, but I doubt you’ll be willing to share once you’ve tasted it. 

Sri Lankan Tamarind Chicken Wings (6pcs) – LKR 1,500 (4/5)

Capitalising on the acidity of tamarind, Mr Hawker’s Tamarind Chicken Wings pair soft, tangy chicken wings that are truly satisfying. This bold decision has paid off well. While the strong tamarind flavour might be an acquired taste, we recommend you try it anyway! Be sure to polish off the plate with up to three friends, as they are best when piping hot. 

Mains    

Flying Noodles (Seafood) – LKR 2,900 (4.5/5)

Making regular noodles defy gravity is no easy feat. How does Mr Hawker create these gravity-defying noodles? You’ll have to visit to find out, but we guarantee you won’t be disappointed with the flying noodles. The dish comes with a warming broth that pairs well with the seafood. Once you’ve taken your photos, the light seasoning lets the natural flavours of each ingredient shine through, creating a comforting dish perfect for unwinding on any occasion.

Maggi Goreng (Chicken) – LKR 2,400 (3.5/5) 

Mr Hawker’s Maggi Goreng takes the convenience of instant noodles and adds a twist. Wok-tossed Maggi noodles are mixed with sambal sauce and topped with a sunny-side-up fried egg, creating a perfect dish to complement your sides. Best shared with a group of three or four, the light and fluffy noodles add the right amount of carbs to your meal, and the generous bits of chicken make it perfect for pairing with all the side dishes on Mr Hawker’s menu. 

Note: While it works well as a base, Maggi Goreng on its own might not be enough to make your meal memorable. 

Crystal Egg Fried Rice – LKR 1,650 (4/5)

Jamie Oliver did the impossible by proving that even egg fried rice can be ruined, but rest assured, Mr Hawker has got it right. Their Chinese-style fried rice, cooked with egg and wok-tossed, is the perfect dish to pair with your choice of sides from Mr Hawker’s menu. This fragrant, warm, and satisfying fried rice serves two people. 

Note: While it is excellent on its own, pairing it with a side dish will enhance your experience and ensure you enjoy everything Mr Hawker has to offer.

Char Kway Teow (Mixed) – LKR 2,900 (4/5) 

If Maggi isn’t enough to satisfy your cravings, a plate of Char Kway Teow might be just what you need. Perfect for sharing between two, the thick, savoury noodles offer a satisfying umami taste. 

Note: It makes a great meal on its own paired with a meat of your choice, but is best enjoyed with Mr Hawker’s exceptional sides.

Desserts

Sago Pudding with Mango – LKR 800 (5/5)

After being bombarded with savoury delights, a sweet treat is a great way to end the evening, and the Sago Pudding with Mango is an excellent choice for this. The cooling sago and fresh, juicy mango pair beautifully to soothe the palate and end the night on a high note. Pair it with a refreshing beverage for a winning combination. 

Drinks

Ice Cream and Jelly Faluda – LKR 980 (5/5) 

I am confident that Mr Hawker serves one of the best faludas you can get with a view of the Colombo nightscape. Topped with jelly and ice cream, this faluda will help refresh yourself when it’s hot and humid outside. We highly recommend you try one when you’re there.

Lime Narang and Rock Salt – LKR 700 (5/5)

It’s difficult to mess up a good narang juice, but it’s not easy to make one that is exceptional either. We can confirm that Mr Hawker has cracked the code with a refreshing glass of this citrus beverage that had us returning for seconds. The light citrus flavour pairs wonderfully with the savoury items on the menu and helps wash everything down perfectly.

Ambience

Opening from the evenings until late at night, with the sprawling urban landscape of Colombo as its backdrop, a visit to Mr Hawker is a great choice whether you’re alone or with friends.

Located in the right corner as soon as you enter the Terrace, you’ll catch the aromas before you even see the Mr Hawker sign. In true street food style, overhead lights illuminate the surroundings, and you are quite exposed to the elements. You order at the counter, and the friendly staff are ready to help with recommendations. Seating is limited, so we advise grabbing a seat before placing your order.

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