Wo Wo Dian Meal

Wo Wo Dian This famous restaurant from China originated in the late Qing dynasty, and has now arrived in Singapore at Raffles City Shopping Centre. This is its first overseas outpost. Wo Wo Dian 窝窝店 百年包子 originated in the heart of Mianyang in Sichuan, and carries the legacy of over a century for 135 years. Yes, since 1889.

Century-old Traditional Sauce Pork Bun (SGD7.90)
If you prefer a more robust flavour profile, then go for the sauced version which features juicy pork encased in a house-made savoury sauce. I liked how you can have one or two (or even three) of these without filling overly full.

Boiled Pork Belly with Spicy Sauce 沸腾水煮肉片 (SGD25.90)
This dish is a ‘performance’ in its own right, beginning with the theatrical pouring of hot, fragrant oil over thick slices of pork belly at your table. This creates a sizzling display that promises to be as appetising. Oh, and the slices of pork belly were really very tender and soft. You can feel that lush, mouth-coating sensation as you savour them. Of course, the spicy sauce was vibrant as well, with notes of chili, garlic, and Szechuan peppercorn that tingled the palate. Best to go with a warm bowl of fluffy rice.

Kung Pao Eggplant with Fragrant Shrimp Balls 宫保茄香虾球 (SGD22.90)
Exclusively available in Singapore, the dish features eggplant deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior and a soft, airy interior. There is also generous portion of shrimp and cashew which add some crunch and varying textures. These components are brought together by Wo Wo Dian’s signature house-made tomato sauce for sweet-tanginess.

Classic Chicken Broth Rice Noodles 经典鸡汤米粉 (SGD14.90)
A soul-soothing bowl of chicken broth rice noodles, interestingly added with chickpeas. The broth simmered for hours looked clear but was flavourful, enriched with the rich chicken flavours and a medley of aromatics. Worthy to note is thin, silky Mianyang rice noodles specially imported is used, known for their unique ‘slurpy’ texture and ability to soak up flavours. My daughter had the chicken noodles, and it was good.

Perhaps the best dishes of the night - the buns at 7/10 and the pork slides at 7.5/10 respectively. I’d come just for these two dishes
The eggplant weighs in at 6.5/10 the chicken noodles at 7/10 easily

What a good night out in the heart of the city - we usually eat at home during weekends - but this place was well worth the travel into town. Really authentic flavours of 1889!