The space is tucked away at the top of a flight of concrete stairs lit with flickering tea light candles. At the ground-level entrance, a display of hessian bags full of spices sits on the floor below hanging  photos of food and memories with fairy light- a nod to the the owner of Alan Liang who inspired the menu.

Upstairs, the diners sit on wooden crates, topped with cushions for comfort. Photographs on the walls show fresh produce laid out and ready for sale.  For all the references to the markets to Hong Kong, Singapre, Manila, Vietnam and Philippines, the overall vibe is more small bar than hawker strip. The lights are low and the outdoor balcony is warm on a spring evening-a perfect place to enjoy a beer and a bite, writes LOUISE SCHWARTZKOFF.