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Yeah. Not only “Where?”, but “What?” and “Why?” Famous for their “不见天 ” char siew on old-school wanton mee, this popular stall is none other than Wen Kang Ji.
After going through a slew of locations at Golden Mile, Joo Chiat, Jurong East and Hougang (all of which have ceased operations), their branch at Tampines One has also shuttered down its doors. HELP. Fret not though, things are taking a turn for the better.
Wen Kang Ji has now relocated to Wisma Atria Food Republic and opened a new outlet at Thomson Plaza Koufu a week ago. No more hawker or kopitiam locations?
To answer my burning questions and yours, I had a conversation with its co-founder, Mr Desmond Tan, who is also an ex-chef from Tsui Hang Restaurant at Scotts Road. BTW his OG stall is opened by Mr Tan, his wife, Mrs Apple Tan and his good friend, Mr Markus Leow!
Psst, it is also named after the Tans’ son, Wen Kang.
“I want to bring my store to more areas,” said Mr Tan with a laugh. With the priority of making Wen Kang Ji more accessible to customers, the former hawker/kopitiam stall will focus on venturing into food courts instead. However, Mr Tan’s decision also stemmed from manpower and operating hour concerns.
Nevertheless, they have not disappeared lah. They are back and better.
What drives their loyal regulars to hunt them across Singapore?
Some will say that it is their thick and succulent underarm cuts of char siew (that’s why this pork part is unable to “see the sky”) that also has the model meat-to-fat ratio. Caramelised with their in-house charcoal grill, no wonder their roasted delights are quick to sell out.
Others will beg to differ, as the Dumpling Soup (S$6.80) is a must-try. The comforting broth features servings of handmade 水饺 (dumplings) generously loaded with shrimp, minced meat and black fungus. This perfectly cleanses the palate after every slurp.
Or perhaps, the combination of both will result in “one of the best wanton mee you’ve eaten“.
Among Wen Kang Ji’s variety of options like Char Siew Rice (S$6.80) and Roasted Pork Noodle (S$6.80), the Char Siew Wanton Noodles is the obvious star of the show. Respectively priced at S$6.80 and S$8.80 for Regular and Jumbo-sized, the latter is made for hearty eaters who can’t get enough!
Did you know that the stall used to sell prawn mee as well? Not anymore. “To reduce confusion”, Mr Tan and Co. has opened a sister outlet (literally, Jia Xin is Wen Kang’s sister) called Jia Xin’s Prawn Noodle that offers bowls of sweet grey prawns in traditional prawn broth.
Talk about a comeback.
“I want to apologise to them,” said Mr Tan. Emphasising that he wants to provide a better experience for customers, he remains grateful for his regulars sticking through the stall’s multiple relocations. Want some insider news? Wen Kang Ji and Jia Xin’s Prawn Noodles will soon be expanding to i12 Katong, side by side.
Ehh but how Jumbo is Jumbo? Time to find out.
