Swee Kee Wanton Noodles: “Xue Di Zi” char siew & handmade wantons in “X-factor” soup?
This reader-recommended stall is said to serve S$2 wanton mee with “X-factor” soup. The store in question? Swee Kee Wanton Noodles.
Planting its roots at the ancient ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre, the hawker stall has been around for a good 40 years and has garnered a loyal following of customers-turned-regulars. Of course, taking centre stage in this wanton mee store is their bowls of comforting old-school noodles that customers swear by.
I’m always down for a solid bowl of this Cantonese staple. And for such an amazing price?! Say no more.
Unfortunately, after much digging, my world came crashing down when I found out that their wanton mee is no longer priced at S$2. Regardless, the show must go on.
Harnessing a tenacity that stemmed from dismay, I was still keen to find out what changed, and if Swee Kee’s Wanton Noodles are now worth the price.
What I tried at Swee Kee Wanton Noodles
Although this was not my first visit to the enduring hawker centre at Queenstown, I had trouble finding my destination among the rows of stalls that were determined to satisfy the hungry lunch crowd.
Alas, after a few twists and turns, I was met with a decent queue that patiently awaited beneath a bright yellow signboard. I knew I was at the right place. With two elderly sisters helming the store, the queue moved slowly but steadily.
No complaints though, I had my mind set on that bowl of noodles I was eager to investigate.
Up above, it was heart-wrenching to see an old newspaper clipping that stated “S$2 is all you need to pay” beside the revised price of their wanton mee. Good things don’t come so easily anymore.
It was a no-brainer for me to take a shot at Swee Kee’s Wanton Noodle (S$3.50/ S$4.50). Still swee lah.
The first thing that stood out to me was the wanton mee‘s mee (HAHA). It was not only one of the thinnest, but the springiest mee I have ever seen. Relievingly, its taste matched up to what I saw and expected.
Soaking up the dark soy sauce below, the egg noodles were really well-cooked. I particularly enjoyed mixing it thoroughly with the sauce as the noods did not lose their bouncy texture and firm (but soft) bite at all. Slurppp. I wished that pork lard was added though!
Although the char siew isn’t the caramelised version I adore, Swee Kee Wanton Noodles’ variation was unique as they did not use the “Ma Jie” method either. As their meats are prepared the day before, the char siew is broiled in a Turbo Broiler, or “Xue Di Zi” as the sisters call it.
Reflected in this fuss-free cooking technique, the lean char siew was “clear-cut” — simple, yet flavourful. I wouldn’t say that the meat was extremely dry as there was still ample moisture locked into its flesh.
Now, what’s a wanton mee without its complimentary soup?
Unlike most clear broths that I have tasted, the one at Swee Kee had a peppery edge that I surprisingly enjoyed. It did not really encompass that much of an “X-factor”, but it was still incredibly addictive. I believe that the spring onion garnish wonderfully balances out the sharp flavours!
The soup also has 3 bite-sized pieces of wantons. Many, including myself, will be shocked to see how small it is. Do not be fooled by this dumpling’s size though. These wantons are wrapped in a thin skin and stuffed with savoury and juicy meat.
If you are haunted by wantons being all skin and no meat (ME), fret not. Handmade from scratch daily, it has a 1:1 skin and meat ratio. Swee for real. You may also choose to order their Wanton Soup (S$3) if you wan’ more.
After peeking at what customers are ordering, it seems that their Laksa (S$4/ S$5) is a hot favourite too. I’ll be back for that!
Final Thoughts
The reason behind the price increase?
“Rising ingredient and utility costs…it was inevitable,” said one of the sisters with an accepting smile. With many hawkers experiencing similar sentiments, this answer was a straightforward one.
Testament to their trusty customer base, I could see why there was a profound charm to this humble hawker stall. Despite not being the best wanton mee store in Singapore, Swee Kee Wanton Noodles is definitely one of the most affordable ones out there.
Featuring a decent portion and quality that met (if not, exceeded) expectations, this no-frills bowl of old-schools noodles is great value for money!
Now priced at S$3.50, are you still willing to give it a try?
Expected damage: S$3.50 to S$5 per pax
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