Mak's Noodles, also known as 麥奀雲吞麵世家 in Hong Kong, has been in Singapore for quite some time now. Founded by Mak Woon Chi in 1920, the noodles go a long way back, and the Singapore branch promises to 'ensure 95% of similarity in taste just like the restaurants in Hong Kong'.
The second letter of its name, 奀, reads 'un' in cantonese. Which literally means 'small'. In fact, the spelling itself also reads 'not big' (不大). Hence, already managing your expectations in its name, that you're not gonna get a big bowl of noodles when you dine here.
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| Get your cutlery from the drawer under the table. |
I don't regret it though, because from the soup, to its shrimp based wantons and slightly peppery dumplings, are flavourful. If you have to compare Singapore's wanton mee which is heavier in flavour, Mak's noodles would be what most people would term as 'bland'.
But not to me.
Mak's noodles are the taste of Hongkong's wanton mees, and you shouldn't come here expecting to have Singapore styled ones. In fact, Mak's Noodles would suit the tastebuds of a lady very well - the springy but firm bite to its noodles, the lightly flavoured soup, the delectable wantons and finally the one-hand-can-hold-entire-bowl portions.
But I have an appetite of a guy, so I also ordered the beef brisket tossed noodles to try. Here, I have to say that they did a good job with the beef brisket. The tenderness of the brisket, stewed to perfection. The tossed noodles are served dry and tossed in beef brisket sauce, albeit seemingly too little. But mix it up well, and you'll realise that it's fine.
Despite hearing negative feedback about Mak's noodles, I had found my taste experience to be flavourful, in a yummy Hong Kong way. It reminded me of my trip to Mak's Noodles in Wellington Street with my family a couple years back. Brought back lovely memories of our noodles which was delicious in its own right.
Drinks are made and cooked in-house, which I tried with their iced watercress with lemon drink ($3.50). Not bad, but can do without. The servers here are friendly too, in a fairly Cantonese way. I had a little chat with a lovely auntie working there and she promised me some free drinks the next time I returned. That, I loved.
The only gripe I have is about the size of noodles itself, ironically. But if you haven't tried it for yourself, don't be too quick to judge. I can only say that if you tried and don't like the taste, perhaps don't bother having wanton mee in Hongkong, since this is one of their best to offer already.
Mak's Noodle 麥奀雲吞麵世家 (Vivocity Singapore)
Location: Vivocity, 1 Harbourfront Walk #B2-27 & 27A Singapore 098585
Tel: 6358 2582
Website: http://www.maksnoodle.sg/
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