Zheng Guang Wanton Noodles – They spent 50 years serving excellent wanton noodles at Hin Hollywood canteen

How many of you remember the demolished Hin Hollywood canteen? I am sure the name brings lots of memories for many of you as it existed for 5 decades. But it was closed in 2011 as the entire area was redeveloped. At the canteen, there was a Zheng Guang wanton mee stall that many foodies love. Now, it has shifted to Haig Road Food Centre.

Why the name Zheng Guang (正光)? Because the owner is truthful about the food he prepares – no shortcut method, no missing ingredients in his wanton. That’s why, his wanton mee has won the hearts of many foodies over the last 50 years. Even though age is catching up and preparations is tedious, some special ingredients were not removed.

One of them is definitely the lard. It is rendered from pig fat by frying, before it is mixed into peanut oil. The oil is then made fragrant by stir frying scalloon and garlic in it. Then he tossed the noodles with the sauce, to give it the maximum pleasure.

Cooking the noodles is not an easy task too. The owner has to make sure the water is boiling before putting in the noodles. He cooks it swiftly in the boiling water, so that the noodles do not stick together and yet well cooked inside out. The noodles are cooked til al dante and has a perfect QQ texture which absorbs the sauce really well. They added fried plaice into their wanton to enhance the flavours.

It’s a shame that alot of places have to be killed to give way for development. I welcome the country’s progression, but it is just a pity that the hawkers who has been working at such a nostalgic place for so many years have to relocate. But I am glad that Zheng Guang is still doing it. Watch the video filmed by Channel 8, you will understand why Hollywood Canteen means so much to many people. You can also see some photos of Hin Hollywood Canteen by photographer David Teo.

Zheng Guang Wanton Noodles
Address: Haig Road Market & Cooked Food Centre #01-67