Eng's Noodle House, Tanjong Katong

Eng's Noodle House is well known amongst local wanton mee aficionados for its tongue-numbingly, stomach-churning fiery chilli sauce. Despite reports that its standards have declined far from its heyday, it would seem that their fanbase has remained loyal. The spartan, no-frills eatery was a full-house when we arrived for a late lunch on a weekday. Service was brisk, albeit impersonal (it is afterall, run like a production line now), but at least there was no manifestation of the notoriously rude service stories as reputed.

Eng's Wantan Mee ($5.50 for big) were indeed old-school, tasty in its simplicity. But it was a tad overhyped, the char siew was uninspired and dry, and noodles gone soggy. 

The secret to enhancing the somewhat pedestrian noodles: refillable fried lard to weave into the noodles, in as many helpings as you want. And the famous chilli sauce. My tip is to add a little bit first, toss it around, and have a taste before deciding to drown your noodles in chilli. I could practically feel my ventricle slamming shut.

The Fried Wantan ($3) was nice enough, but a little anemic and run-of-the-mill. Kok Kee's version is leaps ahead of Eng's.


Eng's Noodle House
287 Tanjong Katong Road
Tel: 8688 2727
Open daily from 11am to 9pm
Closed alternate Mondays

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