Urban Hawker in New York to close on 17 July after four years as KF Seetoh eyes new US venture

Urban Hawker, the Singaporean food hall in New York City, will cease operations on 17 July after a four-year run, entrepreneur and food critic KF Seetoh announced on 30 June 2026.

Seetoh, 63, founder of Makansutra, spearheaded and curated the venture in partnership with American food hall operator Urbanspace.

The food hall occupies a 14,000 sq ft space at 135 West 50th Street, between Sixth and Seventh Avenue in Manhattan.

The venue is home to several Singaporean food businesses, including Hainan Jones, known for its chicken rice, Prawnaholic Collections, which serves prawn noodle soup and Hokkien mee, and dessert specialist Lady Wong.

Building to be redeveloped

In a Facebook post, Seetoh said he had been informed a year ago that the owners of the building housing Urban Hawker were "ready to sell the building for redevelopment".

Reflecting on the venture, he wrote: "It has been a great four-year run on West 50th Street, Manhattan, and it was an exciting step into the NYC market. We are truly grateful for your support all this while. It was such a pleasure for me to help curate and create Urban Hawker."

Despite the closure, Seetoh said the move did not signal the end of Singapore's culinary presence in the United States.

"It may be curtains down at Urban Hawker, but it ain't the end for Singapore makan culture there. Another door will always be open," he said.

He added that several Singaporean hawkers had already expanded by opening second and even third outlets, with more planned in the future.

Plans for a new concept

Seetoh said efforts were already underway to identify a new location that could accommodate more Singaporean hawkers under a kopitiam-style concept.

"We are also looking for a spot to house a few more dynamic hawkers in perhaps a kopitiam concept space. If you know any, let me know. NYC and the US is a dynamic and meaningful market for us," he said.

He also noted that Hainan Jones would continue operating from its second outlet at Dekalb Food Market in Brooklyn, where customers can enjoy an expanded menu featuring laksa, curry pork chop rice and chicken porridge.

"From the depth of the warm cockles of our heart, thank you for all your support thus far. Stay tuned for fresh announcements," Seetoh added.

Supporters share memories

Supporters responded to the announcement by expressing sadness over the impending closure while thanking Seetoh for bringing a taste of Singapore to New York City.

Many recalled enjoying familiar favourites such as chicken rice, prawn noodles, kopi and kueh, describing Urban Hawker as a comforting "home away from home" for Singaporeans and other visitors seeking authentic local flavours.

Others encouraged Seetoh to explore new locations across the United States, including Brooklyn, Queens, Chicago and Cleveland's West Side Market. Several said they remained optimistic that Urban Hawker, or a similar concept, would return in a new form in the near future.