Famous S’pore Wanton Noodle Stall Refuses To Sell Secret Recipe Despite S$2 Million Offer

2019-03-22 , 6:00 am

Crispy. Meaty. Golden brown.

That is how I love my wanton whenever I eat (fried) wanton. Fried to perfection, just like my brain crumbling from writing too many articles on this platform.

If you don’t see any more articles written by me after this, you know why.

But Back To The Topic:

On a lighter note, let’s say you’re a successful entrepreneur.

Would you choose to bid your business farewell in exchange for a large sum of money?

I am nowhere near to being a successful businessman so this is very hard to picture but I guess if I had to choose, I wouldn’t want to give up my baby (not literally) because it can potentially sustain future generations.

Tough decision but for the owner of Kok Kee Wanton Noodle (国记云吞面), it was a no-brainer.

Hawker declined S$2 Million to safe keep his business secret

According to China Press, the owners of Kok Kee Wanton Noodle (consisting of Kong Qingfa, and his children Xiaoting and Shiwei both in their 30s) were offered S$2 Million for their secret recipe.

They declined.

In an interview with Lianhe Zaobao, the owner’s son, Shiwei mentioned that expansion wasn’t their top priority right now as he said, “earning money is a must, but we want to focus more on perfecting the craft and make sure the younger generation get to taste our noodles.”

When the time comes to bring the family business to greater heights, their criteria is to work with someone who loves wanton noodles as much as them.

Kok Kee Wanton Noodle (国记云吞面)

Kok Kee Wanton Noodle has been a local favourite since their first opening in Lavender Food Square, Jalan Basar.

Having been in the industry for a few years, fans were devastated to see them cease operation due to the owner’s health problems.

But guess what?

They’re opening the stall for business again at 30 Foch Road (next to Lavender Food Square). They currently have another outlet at 505 Jurong West Street 52 reportedly run by Kong’s niece.

Power siblings

With 20 years of experience hawker experience under their belt, both siblings are said to “have already learned the skills from their father and can now handle the stall alone”, as reported by World of Buzz.

Despite this, the pair of humble siblings are still learning and improving their skills to ensure each bowl of noodle contains the “traditional flavour” to satisfy new and old customers alike.

The wanton noodles

According to Lianhe Zaobao, fans enjoy patronizing Kok Kee Wanton Noodle because the deliciously springy noodles are made with “sesame oil and a slightly sweet white sauce” and their self-made signature chilli sauce is not one to be trifled with.

Apart from the wanton noodles, other food items offered by Kok Kee’s include fried wantons, wanton soup, dumpling soup and vegetables.

I have yet to try Kok Kee’s signature Wanton Mee but honestly, if someone were to offer $2 million because they wanton the recipe?

That must be some darn good noodles there.