Hong Kong has the best wonton noodles because the noodles are springy while the wontons are almost a whole prawn. So when the famous Hong Kong wonton eatery Mak’s Noodles opened a branch in Singapore, I was really keen to check it out. As a comparison, during a recent trip to Hong Kong, I dropped in on the original. I think the Hong Kong outlet on Wellington St. is still better but the Singapore branch will save on my airfare.

This famous Hong Kong wonton eatery opened in Centrepoint on Orchard Road and to be consistent with what it serves in Hong Kong, the noodles are imported in. This is probably the key item that is just not easily replicated for whatever reason and hence, the secret to how successful Mak’s Noodles will likely be in Singapore. While this is Chinese fast food (the dishes are served quickly) the prices are not what I’d call cheap given that the bowl of wonton noodles is fairly small. It runs around SGD7 per bowl, around 10% higher than in Hong Kong (it’s not cheap in Hong Kong either).

They have kept the menu very close to what they serve in Hong Kong so we were able to find the stewed beef brisket and tendon as well as the pork and prawn dumplings that we always order. In addition, my husband likes the noodles served dry with a bit of oyster sauce and shrimp roe. On the whole, it was probably the beef dish that disappointed us a bit. It was bit too salty and not as tender as in Hong Kong. Otherwise, I’d say it was pretty close .

Mak’s Noodles (Singapore) is open daily from 11am until 10 pm in the Centrepoint. There may be a line during peak times but it moves quickly. There are a few branches in Hong Kong. The one I like better is on 77, Wellington St (in Central) and it’s open daily from 11am until 9 pm.