Eng’s Char Siew Wantan Mee Review: Fiery Chili, Springy Noodles & Classic Flavour

Is wanton mee officially spelt as wantan or wanton mee? If you love your wanton mee with a spicy kick, Eng’s Char Siew Wantan Mee is a name you’ve probably heard before. Before this eatery shifted to its present location in Joo Chiat, it was at 248 Tanjong Katong Road where there was a rival Eng’s Wantan Noodles located opposite the road at 287 Tanjong Katong Road.

The origins of the “Eng’s” name can be traced to a successful hawker stall at Dunman Food Centre ran by Mr Ng Ba Eng (“Mr Ng”) that sold wanton noodles known for its noodle texture, handmade wanton dumplings, and spicy hot chilli sauce. A joint venture to expand Mr Ng’s business found success but ended abruptly in 2018 amidst souring relations between the business partners.

As the story goes, Lao Huo Tang invested into Eng’s Wantan Noodles but due to some issues, the founder’s family decided to set up a new shop.

Eng’s Wantan Noodles @ 287 Tanjong Katong Road is now owned by Lao Huo Tang Group of Companies, which has no association with Mr Ng’s family.

Eng’s Char Siew Wantan Mee @ 360 Joo Chiat Road is owned by Mr Ng’s two daughters, Ms Ng Mui Hong and Ms Ng Mei Ling.

We got here on a warm Thursday afternoon around 12pm and there was still ample seating in the eatery. The place is clean and air-conditioned making it comfortable for patrons to enjoy their lunch away from the searing afternoon heat. You write your order on the chit provided on the table and pay for your food at the counter before they serve the food to you.

The signature mee kia is springy, thin, and cooked just right with a satisfying bite – no sogginess here. It soaks up the sauce beautifully, giving you a moist wanton mee with every slurp. The sauce was especially on point that day and it didn’t require any chili sauce to go with it.

But we still added some chili as usual and we noticed the fiery level in the chili was kind of toned down. It wasn’t as spicy as before, which in the past a small dollop would give you an instant kick.

The char siew here is lean and not the thick, caramelised version some might expect. The wantons are simple and comforting, filled with a good bite of pork and wrapped in thin skin. Boiled, not fried, they’re a decent sidekick to the main attraction. The pork lard and chili is self-service, which also means that it is free flow.