Distinctively charcoal-roasted Char Siew that's luscious and umami, and sports a hard-to-miss bling from afar. That, matched with springy noodles and wontons with paper-thin wrappers frolicking in a flavourful broth, makes a most comforting bowl of wonton mee for any time of the day.
For a roasted meat stall that always sees a long queue and many patrons making a beeline for its wonton mee, it's not hard to guess that the wonton mee here at Kowloon Hong Kong Style Charcoal Roasted is one that carries weight — not because it sounds like it's a "One-Ton Mee", of course!
On the several occasions that I've visited the stall, I had to spend a good 15 to 30 minutes in the queue just to get my hands on my bowl of wonton mee. And I noticed that across the coffee shop, at almost every other table, someone else would be eating the same thing as me. That is undoubtedly a testament to its popularity here.
And the very reason why I always had to queue for some time is also that most patrons would place multiple orders when it's their turn, whether it's for dining in or takeaway.
Bling bling Char Siew
Above: Luscious, glittering Char Siew with that unmistakable charcoal flavour
But even as that might put a slight damper on things, it doesn't stop me from coming back for more. After all, I always believe that good things are worth waiting for.
And by "good things", I'm really talking about their delicious Char Siew (sweet roasted pork) that's nothing short of luscious, packed with umami and charcoal flavours, and literally emits a bling that you can't miss the moment you step into the coffee shop.
Above: See what I mean by "bling bling"?
Moist and tender even when I only asked for the lean portions, every bite of the meat comes with deep charcoal aromas that most Char Siew out there are missing. In fact, it was kind of like eating a chunkier but less sweet version of Bak Kwa (barbeque pork jerky) that has a more tender texture.
Above: Pity that the Siew Yoke was only passable
Out of gluttony, I chose to add some Siew Yoke (crispy roast pork belly) to my bowl of noodles too. But that may just be the only time I'm ordering that, as it obviously failed on the crispiness criterion. Well, I guess you can't be good at everything, yeah?
Springy noods, yummy wontons
Above: Well-cooked noodles that are bouncy and perfectly seasoned
I love the springy texture of their noodles that are also very well seasoned. In fact, I think it was much more fun eating my Char Siew with noodles than rice, as each bite felt like a bouncy dance move in my mouth.
Above: Delicious wontons with paper-thin wrappers immersed in a flavourful murky broth
And I've to mention that the wontons here come with surprisingly thin wrappers, which isn't quite the way it is elsewhere. That not only allowed the flavourful broth to better permeate the already delish pork filling, but also made it a real pleasure to eat because of its excellent mouthfeel.
More than just Char Siew
Having sung so many praises of their Char Siew (but not their Siew Yoke), it's worth mentioning that the stall also serves up other roast meats like roast chicken and duck, as well as pork sausages, which some patrons also come here for. So if you're not exactly a Char Siew person, who knows, you may just end up loving their other roast meats?
But to my fellow Char Siew lovers who happen to swing by the Punggol area: look no further, this is your Char Siew pitstop! And if you love wonton mee as I do, this can only be double the happiness for you.
Locate it
Address:
Kowloon Hong Kong Style Charcoal Roasted
Blk 273C Punggol Place
#01-882, Kopitiam Corner
Singapore 823273
Operating Hours:
Opens daily, 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
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