
Wo Wo Dian, originally from Mianyang in Sichuan, China, is now in Singapore at Raffles City Shopping Centre. With a legacy that stretches back to 1889 during the Qing Dynasty, the restaurant definitely knows how to satisfy its customers.
Wo Wo Dian Rooted in History: From Mianyang to Singapore
While the restaurant first opened its doors on our sunny shores only last year, little know that this is an institution in China was founded in 1889! Through five generations, you can bet on Wo Wo Dian for an authentic Sichuan flavour that is more than mala (numb and spicy). Yes, this means that there are quite a few food options for children as well!
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Wo Wo Dian’s story began in Mianyang, Sichuan, when Fang Hong Xing, a Guangdong native who had migrated to Sichuan. Fang started out selling steamed buns on the street, and today, his family continues to run Wo Wo Dian by sticking to authentic flavours and traditional methods.
An Ode to Sichuan Cuisine
Wo Wo Dian does not have an extensive menu with 100 items like typical Chinese restaurants, but each section feels specially curated. From hot to cold dishes, appetizer to desserts, the selection will whet and satisfy every appetite that is prepared to savour Sichuan cuisine.
A Salute to Buns: Made Fresh Daily with a Unique Sourdough Starter
Central to Wo Wo Dian’s menu are its iconic steamed buns, which (in my opinion) define a new level of fluffy for bao. The healthy fermentation is clearly visible in the layers of bread, made possible by its homegrown laomian, a sourdough starter that has been nurtured and refined over generations. This starter, a blend of fermented flour and natural yeast, creates a distinctive dough with a satisfying bite.
Prepared fresh each morning, the dough undergoes careful fermentation to develop its unique texture and subtle tang. This artisanal method isn’t just about flavour—it’s a tribute to the culinary heritage of Mianyang, where this technique is recognized as an important piece of the region’s intangible cultural legacy.
Unlike most baos where the fillings seem precooked and overcooked, their fillings are extremely fresh, because they are made fresh throughout the day!
Kids and adults alike are sure to love its signature Century-Old Traditional Pork Bun, which tastes like a pork jiaozi in a bun. The pork is not your typical minced pork, and you can clearly see chopped pieces of pork, mushroom and vegetables seasoned with a sauce that has seeped into the bun during the steaming process.
Dry pot sure to make your heart sing
The restaurant recently launched its dry pot series that is not your typical mala (dry) hotpot (麻辣香锅) style. While you do not get to pick your ingredients, rest assured that the dish is a combination of your chosen meat, crinkle cut fries, lotus root, bamboo shoots, condiments, etc. Wo Wo Dian has not compromised the dish by watering down the numbness of the dish with good quality peppercorns, and the dish tastes just like those you would be able to find in China.
Rice noodles the smarter choice
The southern part of China is typically known for their rice while the north eats more noodles (think Lanzhou beef noodles, Beijing noodles that make richer meals). The regions of Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi are therefore known for their rice noodles, usually similar to our thick beehoon (e.g. laksa noodles).
While the regions mentioned are further down south and feature a lighter broth (not that it compromises on flavour), Sichuan is known more for its spicy, bold broths. The choice of rice noodles makes this a preferred choice here over the wheat noodles, as the broth clings to the noodles rather than the noodles soaking up the broth.
Complimentary Condiments always welcome
Wo Wo Dian serves complimentary condiments and peach oolong, which definitely helps alleviates the oiliness in the cuisine. Its home made traditional red chilli oil sauce and seasoned chopped pepper sauce are for those who yearn for an extra kick out of the dishes.
Child-friendly Non-spicy dishes
While the restaurant does not have a kids menu, the restaurant menu offers a sufficient selection of non-spicy dishes such as the buns, superior chicken soup with boy choy, stir-fried potatoes with preserved vegetables, and some of the rice noodle soups. This means parents who crave mala can still satisfy their cravings!
An Authentic Taste of Sichuan, Without Leaving Singapore
What distinguishes Wo Wo Dian is its variety of Sichuan dishes that are not as boring as the usual range of mala dry and soupy hotpot dishes. The freshness of its ingredients shine through. Do head down to Wo Wo Dian to taste the difference between a devotion to the Sichuan cuisine’s heritage and craft, instead of most places that offer a quick mala fix.
Wo Wo Dian
Where: Raffles City Shopping Centre, #B1-13 to 15
Opening hours: Mondays to Thursdays, 11.30 am to 9 pm; Fridays to Sundays, 11.30 am to 10 pm
Website: Wo Wo Dian
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