Hawker Chan opens local branch at Terminal 21

Hawker Chan opens local branch at Terminal 21

Atipol Terahsongkarn (left), managing director of Dim Sum Wonderland Co, and chef Chan Hon Meng, owner of Hawker Chan, celebrate the opening of a new branch in Bangkok. Khomsiri Nanhna
Atipol Terahsongkarn (left), managing director of Dim Sum Wonderland Co, and chef Chan Hon Meng, owner of Hawker Chan, celebrate the opening of a new branch in Bangkok. Khomsiri Nanhna

The sluggish economy that is pushing Thai food operators to look overseas for business expansion has not deterred foreign brands from setting a foothold here.

Singapore's Michelin-starred street food Hawker Chan is the latest firm to seek fortune in Thailand.

The owner, chef Chan Hon Meng, sold an operating licence to Dim Sum Wonderland Co to operate the Hawker Chan restaurant in Thailand for eight years.

Dim Sum Wonderland is a joint venture between Foodland Supermarket, a Thai supermarket operator, and a Singapore partner. The venture also owns the right to operate Tim Ho Wan, a famous dim sum restaurant from Hong Kong.

Hawker Chan is a quick-service restaurant that has gained acclaim among visitors to Singapore.

The first Hawker Chan restaurant was opened yesterday at Terminal 21 shopping complex at the intersection with Asok and Sukhumvit roads.

Atipol Terahsongkran, managing director of Dim Sum Wonderland, said he plans to open two more branches this year at Royal Garden Pattaya Plaza and another one at an undecided location in Bangkok.

Each requires an investment of 15 million baht. The company expects to gain sales of 3 million baht per month per branch.

Thailand is the second country where Hawker Chan expanded its restaurant after Taiwan.

There are three Hawker Chan restaurants in Singapore. The owner plans to license the eatery in Indonesia in the future.

"Hawker Chan will be a new customer alternative because the dish prices are about the same as those served at food courts," said Mr Atipol.

Hawker Chan is part of Foodland's strategy to extend food brands under its group, which include Long Table, a high-end Thai restaurant, Mr Pizza from South Korea and Tim Ho Wan.

"I believe the prices at Hawker Chan will be accepted by everyone," he said. Street food has room to grow in Thailand because people continue to eat out, said Mr Atipol.

However, he acknowledged the slowing economy has decreased consumer spending power in the restaurant business.

Dishes priced 300-500 baht saw the biggest impact, while those 100 baht per dish are still popular, said Mr Atipol.

"Sales at Tim Ho Wan, our dim sum eatery, declined by 30% in the past two years and dropped by 15% in the first five months this year," he said.

Several Thai restaurant operators recently announced their plans to open their branches in neighbouring countries, particularly Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.

They included Au Bon Pain, Bar-B-Q Plaza, Fuji Restaurant, MK Restaurant and Black Canyon.

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