Hawker Lane, Chatswood

The ramen burger has landed in Chatswood, hitching its wagon to the city's new craze for permanent Asian-style hawker lanes. Kopi-Tiam Spice Alley recently opened in Chippendale, now Westfield Chatswood has joined the party with Hawker Lane.

Ramen burger maestro David Yip's One Tea Grill Express is one of 14 operators to cram the space. "It's like bringing the success of the Good Food Night Noodle Markets into a [shopping] centre," Yip says of the appeal of a permanent home. "If it works they'll do it elsewhere. There's a high Asian population in Chatswood which helps, but it isn't going to work everywhere."

Yip's neighbours include Madame Nhu and Dumplings & Co. Aqua S, creator of the sea salt-flavoured, fairy floss-covered soft serve, has also staked some real estate. While the design mimics tradition Asian street markets, Yip says it's a little more comfortable. "There isn't as much smoke blowing on you, and it's cleaner," he says.