Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodle: The Next Seafood Restaurant In Singapore
Remember the hawker stall that attracted famous celebrity like Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-Fatt to queue?
Yes, that is Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodle at Pek Kio Market and Food Centre. Following the popularity at Pek Kio, another outlet has been opened at the Esplanade Mall serving their signature prawn noodles amongst several new dishes exclusive to the restaurant.
The soup base, noodles (mee kia) and sauces (sambal chilli and special gravy) will stick to the 65-year recipe closely to maintain the authenticity and flavours even between the two outlets.
What draws the crowd is Wah Kee’s robust soup flavour, prepared for four hours. If you have ordered the dry noodle, you would notice the bright orange colour on the soup as a result of the addition of chilli. In fact, the first mouthful in and I could feel the tingling sensation down the throat and the numbing effect on my tongue. The broth tasted of seafood, light, sweet and not oily, while the spiciness kicked in subtly. One word: Shiok.
As for the specially made mee kia only available in Wah Kee, it is cooked to the texture that is firm and springy. If you enjoy spicy, mix it in with some sambal chilli. Besides, the prawns tasted fresh and crunchy wth a sweet crustacean flesh too.
Prices
Given the shift in dining environment from a hawker stall to a restaurant, many would be curious about the price increment. By how much? Surely a lot? Actually, not really.
Wah Kee Prawn Noodle with Regular Sized Prawn is merely a dollar more at the Esplanade outlet ($6) than Pek Kio ($5).
For Wah Kee Prawn Noodle with Medium Sized Prawns, it is only two dollars more at the Esplanade ($12) than at Pek Kio ($10).
But the catch is, diners get to sit in an air-con room with service at the restaurant with more food options as well! It is applaudable that Wah Kee still manage to keep the pricing low and reasonable.
Wah Kee Prawn noodle with Large Sized Prawn goes at $20 while with Extra Large Sized Prawn it is $30 for both outlets.
During my visit, there was a gigantic prawn weighing 351g and to be sold at $60 per bowl!
One of the new and upcoming dish will be the Clam Soup ($18). The clam meats were plump and what I would describe as QQ, The broth base was similar to that of the prawn noodles. As with the addition of the clams, I could taste the sweetness and umami-ness in it. Very tasty!
The Rojak Salad ($12) is a mix of asian and western influence where you can find slices of strawberries which provide an extra tanginess and refreshment to the overall dish.
On the menu, there are also popular items such as the Fresh French Oysters and Fresh US Oysters ($48 per dozen), Oyster Croquettes ($12) and Grilled Squid ($15).
Really enjoyed my meal at Wah Kee Big Prawn Noodle. The prawn noodles have strong selling points, especially their flavoursome broth, while the variety of affordably-priced seafood is an added bonus for diners as well.
8 Raffles Avenue Esplanade Mall #01-13C, Singapore 039802
Tel: +65 6327 9187
Daily 11AM-2:30PM
Sun to Thu: 5PM-10:30PM
Fri and Sat: 5PM-11:30PM
This is a tasting tour, as part of the #artsXlife experience at Esplanade.
