Singapore, October 4, 2009 - Remember the popular Wanton Mee stall that used to cook up a storm at the old coffeeshop outside the National Library in Stamford Road?
Packed usually with library goers and students from schools nearby, Nam Seng stall disappeared when the standalone coffeeshop was demolished.
Many of us didn't know where it disappeared to until foodie and top executive Chia Boon Pin of Far East Group revealed recently its new location at Far East Square.
And remember the old woman with the booming voice at the former library stall? Yes, Madam Leong Yet Meng, who is now in her mid-70s, is still around, running the stall but she has a few helpers now.
The remember the hot chilli sauce? Yes, it's still the same one tossed with the Wanton Noodles for the 'dry' version.
Looking more relaxed than when she was toiling over the hot stove at the former location, Madam Leong said: "I'm old now...it is good to have people to help me."
All the ingredients used in her old-world Wanton Mee are the same, she said. From the sesame-oil-flavoured pork wanton dumplings and slightly-gooey noodles to the red-coloured Char Siew slices and the chilli sauce, which has the traditional sharp, spicy taste.
The clear sauce that flavours the noodles is made with simple ingredients like vegetable oil, salt and sesame oil, and not the brown gravy you get at many Wanton Mee stalls these days.
Yes, Nam Seng Wanton Mee is still satisfying if you like the old-world taste.
One foodie, who has been enjoying the noodles since the old days, said she would like it better if Madam Leong had used pork lard like one famous Wanton Mee stall in North Bridge Road.
But she still patronised Madam Leong stall after work one evening last week. It's located at one corner with al-fresco dining tables, along the same row as Hock Lam Beef Noodles.
Nam Seng Noodles & Fried Rice
25 China Street, #01-01 Far East Square
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place
