Yong Chun Wanton noodle

Dining at Yong Chun Wanton Noodle in Bukit Merah View offers a distinct culinary experience, heightened by its recent inclusion in the 2023 Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand list. The hawker store, nestled in the bustling Bukit Merah View hawker center alongside other notable establishments like We Western and Hakka Thunder Rice. The area has become a hotspot for locals and visitors alike.

Furthermore, Yong Chun Wanton Mee has gained popularity for its no-frills and traditional wanton noodles, a Singapore hawker staple. The store has a devoted following, made more popular when the store was award Michelin recognition. Notably, it is one of the 4 wanton mee stores here in Bukit Merah view hawker center.

This inevitably and undoubtedly contributed to longer queues forming outside the stall. As we approached, it was evident that the anticipation for a taste of their renowned noodles was palpable. Even before noon, there was already line of eager patrons which can be seen stretching out of the hawker center during peak lunch times.

A Michelin bib wanton mee store

Their core menu offers the noodle dish in regular wanton form or with dumplings. The dumplings, served outside the soup to maintain their texture, contain large chestnut chunks, providing a delightful crunch and a more engaging experience than traditional pork wantons. Notably, their dumpling dish lacks the addition of char siew toppings.

Wanton mee dry

Wanton in soup

Large dumplings

However, this can be added as an extra, creating a heartier option. Also, the size of the dumplings does echo the offerings of Wong Kee Wanton Mee, which offers large portions at the same price.

Also, you can opt for the wanton mee, served either in soup or dry form. The dry variant, a favourite among patrons, comes with a generous portion of noodles, wantons, and traces of char siew. The accompanying soup is clear and non-greasy, offering a balanced complement to the dry dish.

However, despite its merits, one noticeable drawback is the relatively modest portion sizes and small vegetable servings as compared to the neighbouring Wong Kee Wanton Mee, which also has a sister branch here in the same hawker center. This could influence the choice of diners seeking more substantial servings, though the taste at Yong Chun is more flavourful, making it a matter of personal preference.

Clear no-frills wanton soup

Yong Chun has Wanton noodles done right, their wanton soup, served in a separate bowl, provides a clear broth housing the fresh and flavorful wantons. However, the size of the wantons may leave some patrons wanting more, as they are somewhat petite. If you want larger portions, the allure of Yong Chun lies in its fat hand-made dumplings. They are filled with minced pork and water chestnut, paired with their light and springy noodles, tossed in sauce for flavour.

While the portions may be perceived as small, the brisk queue management ensures a relatively short waiting time. Orders are promptly taken and prepared by dedicated staff, maintaining efficiency even during peak hours. Also, the experience is characterized by a sense of organization, with a wait of around 10 minutes for those with 5-6 patrons ahead in line.

Early visitors are rewarded with the full spectrum of menu choices, including char siew. Yet, the store tends to run out of this coveted topping as early as 1 pm. To compensate, they offer additional wantons or noodles, ensuring customers aren’t disappointed.

Wrapping up

Wrapping up Yong Chun’s menu extends beyond wanton noodles. Other meal dishes such as shredded chicken and chicken feet are available on-menu, although these are less prominent. The noodles, thin yet firm, maintain an al-dente quality, contributing to the overall satisfaction of the meal.

In conclusion, dining at Yong Chun Wan Ton Noodle offers a gastronomic journey filled with Michelin-recognized flavours. The establishment’s unique take on wanton noodles, coupled with its efficient service, makes it a must-visit for foodies exploring the vibrant culinary scene at Bukit Merah View hawker center. Yong Chun proves to be a distinctive culinary destination in the heart of Singapore’s hawker culture.

This review is not sponsored by the establishment nor did they provide any editorial input or reimbursements into the content and outcome of this review. All meals were paid for in full out of my own pocket as a regular and anonymous patron.