Hainan Jones

Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month: Three Must-Try Singaporean Spots in Midtown Manhattan

Before AAPI Heritage Month comes to a close, the Times Square Alliance is spotlighting three standout Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI)-owned small businesses—each serving up bold flavors and cultural pride from inside Urban Hawker, New York City’s only Singaporean street food hall, located at 135 West 50th Street.

Brought to life in collaboration with the late Anthony Bourdain’s friend and food legend K.F. Seetoh, Urban Hawker is a vibrant culinary destination that brings the flavors of Southeast Asia to Midtown Manhattan. Here are three vendors leading the charge:

Hainan Jones

Founded by K.F. Seetoh himself, Hainan Jones specializes in Singapore’s beloved Hainanese chicken rice. This iconic dish is served three ways—poached, roasted, and fried—alongside fragrant chicken rice and broth, with lime chili, dark soy sauce, and minced ginger on the side. Head Chef Andre Kang, who brings decades of culinary experience to the table, is available for interviews.
📸 Instagram: @hainan_jones

Prawnaholic

Seafood lovers, take note. Prawnaholic is the brainchild of Alan Choong, a self-described prawn noodle enthusiast who opened his first stall in East Singapore at just 23. Five years later, his signature Special Prawn Ramen—featuring torched pork belly, crispy pork lard, prawns, fish cake, and ajitsuke tamago—has made its U.S. debut at Urban Hawker. Choong is available to speak about his journey from hawker center to the Big Apple.
📸 Instagram: @prawnaholicnyc

Kopifellas

Coffee connoisseurs will want to swing by Kopifellas, making its first U.S. appearance here in New York. Known for brewing authentic Singaporean “kopi” using a custom blend of Robusta, Arabica, and Liberica beans, Kopifellas also serves tea, toast, noodles, and a variety of Singaporean comfort food. The result is a uniquely caramelized coffee experience—bold, smooth, and deeply rooted in tradition.
📸 Instagram: @kopifellasusa

Each of these small businesses reflects the AAPI community’s innovation, resilience, and deep culinary heritage. They’re available for interviews and eager to share their stories beyond the plate.