Try Wanton Noodles at Holland Village: Is 5 SGD Too Much?

Yap Kee Wanton Noodles: A 23-Year Journey at Holland Village

Recently, a young woman reached out to social media for support for her parents' 23-year-old wanton noodle stall at Holland Drive Food Centre. Is 5 SGD for a bowl of wanton noodles considered overpriced in this area?

Hui Ying, the owner's daughter, believes that pricing might be a key factor affecting their customer turnout. She proudly claims that her parents' wanton noodles are among the best in Singapore, though she admits her view could be a bit biased. According to her, the stall often sees fewer customers despite the bustling food centre.

Pricing and Competition

"It could be the price – from 2.50 SGD for a bowl over 20 years ago to 5 SGD now, I wonder if that has an impact," Hui Ying remarked. She also pointed out that the wide array of food options available might have intensified the competition. She warmly invites everyone to visit and support her parents.

Upon arrival, I noticed Yap Kee Wanton Noodles with just a handful of customers ahead of me, and the stall seemed less busy compared to the nearby Chun Kee. At Chun Kee, prices start at 4 SGD for a bowl of wanton noodles and 5 SGD for chicken feet noodles. Is the quality of their noodles why they attract more patrons?

Meeting the Owners

I had the pleasure of meeting the owners, Choon Bee, 62, and her husband Richard, 65, both hailing from Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Richard has a friendly demeanor, always bringing a cheerful vibe to every encounter. He shared that eating a bowl of wanton noodles daily is his secret to maintaining health and youthfulness.

The couple has operated various food stalls over the past 23 years and returned to Holland Drive Food Centre after a 10-month renovation. Richard mentioned he learned the art of wanton noodle making from his brother, who has been serving the dish in Johor Jaya.

Tasting the Dish

I decided to try the dry wanton noodles priced at 5 SGD, with a larger portion available for 6 SGD. My first impression was that the dish offered a classic, simple appeal, but once I mixed the ingredients, each bite of noodle brought a refreshing lift to my otherwise dull morning.

The noodles, made entirely from eggs, have a lovely elasticity, enveloped in fragrant lard, spices, and chili. The small pieces of pork lard were crispy and delicious. However, I felt the amount of meat in the wantons could be increased; just a bit more would have made it fantastic!

Is It Worth 5 SGD?

I believe that 5 SGD is not too high for this dish in the current context. With above-average noodle quality and friendly service, I found no issue with the price. If you get the chance, I recommend visiting and trying these wanton noodles to support Hui Ying’s family!

Useful Tips for Vietnamese Travelers

If you're in Singapore and keen to try wanton noodles, be aware that prices can vary. A bowl typically ranges from 4 to 5 SGD in food hubs. To save some money, consider seeking out local eateries or food centres near your location. Don’t forget to carry some cash, as many stalls do not accept credit cards.

A quick note: if you don’t have a Visa or international credit card, bring cash to avoid payment issues. Travelers from Vietnam can carry Singapore dollars or exchange currency at shops or banks upon arrival.

Finally, remember that supporting local eateries isn’t just about the food; it’s also a way to contribute to the economy and culture of the place you’re visiting.

Article adapted and edited from source: Seth Lui Food