While hunting for discus and cichlids at the various aquarium shops within the neighbourhood of Serangoon North Avenue 2, I stumbled upon Wan Wan Xiang at Coffee & Tea kopitiam.
This 6-month-old business specialises in a melange of noodle dishes and dumplings, overseen by a friendly lady owner, a Chongqing, China native. The region’s unique styles and flavours are imbued into the food she serves.
Interestingly, prior to this establishment, there was another food stall bearing the same name, offering mala xiang guo and various stir-fried dishes.
Starting at 4pm daily, the stall offers a selection of over 20 skewers, spanning from meats to fresh vegetables. You’ll also have the freedom to choose your desired level of spiciness.
What I tried at Wan Wan Xiang
I began my adventure with the Chongqing Xiaomian (S$5). I chose the mildest spice level (小辣) and the bowl consisted of a bed of la mian at the base, minced pork, roasted peanuts, soybean sprouts and sliced spring onions.
As I tossed the ingredients with my spoon and chopsticks, the noodles began to shimmer, adopting a subtle yet enticing pale-red hue, a result of the hidden chilli oil. Unexpectedly, pieces of cabbage emerged like delightful surprises within the mix.
The la mian had an appealing, firm bite to it. The minced meat was savoury and contained bits of grounded Szechuan peppers, which imparted a subtle numbing effect on my tongue. The peanuts, cabbage pieces and soybean sprouts added elements of crunch and texture to it.
Choosing the mildest spice level turned out to be a wise decision, as it let me enjoy the bowl of noodles without overpowering the diverse range of flavours in the ingredients.
Stepping away from the noodles, I indulged in a selection of skewers. I opted for the Lamb, Pork, and Bacon-wrapped Enoki, priced at a mere S$1.50 each, along with the Broccoli and Shiitake Mushroom skewers at just S$1 a piece.
The Pork was tasty but was a little too tough for my liking. The Lamb was considerably more tender and juicier, with less pronounced gaminess. Both meats were lightly spiced with cumin and chilli powder.
The Bacon-wrapped Enoki was a combination of fatty pork belly and chewy enoki mushrooms in the middle. I had hoped for a more pronounced bacon flavour, but it turned out to be the most underwhelming selection of the day— it felt like being at an amusement park where all the rides had suddenly malfunctioned at once.
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The earthiness of the Shiitake Mushroom was strong and paired really well with the spices used while the Broccoli was juicy and had an aromatic charred flavour coming from the florets while the stalks maintained a slightly crunchy texture.
When the Hot and Sour Rice Noodles (S$5) arrived, it looked like a force not to be trifled with. The transparent strings of sweet potato starch noodles were drenched in a fiery-looking gravy with a layer of chilli oil on its surface.
Nestled in the heart of the bowl was a mound of minced pork, soybean sprouts, roasted peanuts and spring onions (similar to the first dish).
Despite its initial oily appearance, the gravy turned out to be surprisingly light. It carried a mild spiciness and tanginess, though it didn’t quite meet my expectations. I went back to the stall’s counter, added an additional drizzle of black vinegar to my bowl, and decided to give it a second chance.
The extra touch of acidity enhanced every element of the dish. The gravy had more kick and increased its delectability; it reminded me of a robust bowl of hot and sour soup.
Every mouthful was met with the satisfying chewiness of the sweet potato starch noods followed by waves of acidity coming from the soup which got absorbed.
Similar to the minced meat present in a plate of spaghetti bolognese, the grounded meat here was the finishing touch that tied everything together. In addition to the crunchiness of the roasted peanuts, it imparted an enticing nutty flavour to the entire bowl.
The green kelp strands contributed a hint of umami and saltiness, introducing an extra layer of flavour to the dish.
Final thoughts
If you’re seeking something more exciting for your taste buds, the dishes at Wan Wan Xiang provide a great respite from the usual local rice and noodle offerings.
If skewers are your thing, make your way here after 4pm and pair them with their assortment of noodles and dumplings for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Expected damage: S$5 – S$11 per pax
Jiang’s Noodle House: Authentic China-style eatery with 23 noodle dishes & braised pork buns
Price: $
Our Rating: 3.5 / 5
Wan Wan Xiang
151 Serangoon North Avenue 2, Singapore 550151
Wan Wan Xiang
151 Serangoon North Avenue 2, Singapore 550151
