I’ve heard a lot about this supposedly famous Eng’s Wantan Noodle when I returned to Singapore in 2013 (after 10 years abroad) and its super fiery chili sauce. I have eaten it during their days in Dunman Food Centre in the 1980s but not when they moved into a shophouse at 287 Tanjong Katong Road.
I finally got around to try it in 2017 and have not returned as it did not live up to my expectations; noodles were al dente but not QQ and chilli sauce not as tongue searing as touted, fried wanton was crispy but left no impression if they were tasty (overall experience, Koung’s Wan Tan Mee in Geylang and Guangzhou Mian Shi Wanton Noodle in Tanglin Halt Road are more to my palate).
Found out that hawker Ng Ba Eng, the man who started the business, had passed on from heart attack in 2013 and the shop was run by his son and and the late Mr. Ng’s business partner. The son and business partner split up in 2016, due to differing views in running the business and Desmond Ng parted ways with his father’s biz partner. Maybe that’s the reason why it didn’t taste as good as touted? Lao Huo Tang Group (soup chain) took over the lease for the 287 Tanjong Katong Road shop, and re-opened the eatery in April 2018. That said, Desmond has also opened his own shop “Eng’s Char Siew Wantan Mee” at 248 Tanjong Katong Road on 13th May 2018. I have yet to try both eateries but I am hearing/seeing more favourable reviews for Desmond’s with more QQ noodle texture and fragrant chilli sauce.
Have you eaten at any of these shops yet? Hmmm… Time to get out and taste them for myself!
(The Original) Eng’s Wantan Noodle (tried in 2017, before Lao Huo Tang took over in 2018)
Address: 287 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437070.
Opening hours: Daily 11am – 9pm
Eng’s Char Siew Wantan Mee (I have yet to try the newly opened shop by son, Desmond)
Address: 248/250 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437036.
Opening hours: Daily 10.30am – 9pm
Happy eating and bonding!