海威传统手工云吞面 / Hw Wan Tan Mee — Restaurant in Johor

Staying in JB over CNY to save some money - the cost of hotel accommodation in Singapore is ludicrous even for this Singaporean - I decided to do a Wanton Noodles binge in JB, simply because all my Singaporean and Malaysian friends said I die, die must try. 😂

HW is the second Wanton Noodles restaurant I visited, after Ho Seng Kee @ City Square. Like at Ho Seng Kee, I really, really, really tried very hard to like HW's Wanton Noodles, but I didn't.

Out of the multiple combinations, I decided on HW's standard black and spicy combi. Plus, a prawn dumplings soup on the side.

I didn't get the QQ in the noodles. Neither did the overly abundant spicy black sauce lift the noodles to my already pale level of expectation. Although there were a couple of pieces of fried pork lard, there was not sufficient pork lard fat and sesame oil combi to coat the noodles.

The 6 wafer thin slices of Char Siew were dry and sad, imparting no discernable flavour of the benevolent swine that died for me.

Nothing worth a shout about the tiny globules of Wantons either.

Overall, it was just at best an average plate of Wanton Noodles, when compared to the ones offered in KL.

And, for that prawn dumplings soup... No discernable prawns in each prawn dumpling, which just seemed like a larger moon-crescent shaped Wanton that did not justify the price-point.

Will I rush back to HW again? No, not if I have to travel 20 mins by car to get there...

I am a wanton mee lover. Not saying I've tried all of them in jb but quite a few. That being said This is by far the best wanton mee I've eaten in jb

The noodles itself is cooked to perfection, and with the flavor of the fried pork lard just brings it to another level. They choose their wanton wrapper from Thailand, it tastes differently when you fry it i think?. (sadly during covid period there is no supply, so no fried wonton) Have to be honest here, it doesn't have the wow effect that slams in your face, but it's the quality that makes you want to come back again.

New dishes like beansprouts chicken? (芽菜鸡) totally worth trying. I know it sounds weird, eating the chicken with wontonmee but trust me, order it.

Another thing why this restaurant attracts me, is that the owner shows enthusiasm towards his food. The food wasn't always this good. There were once the kitchen running by oversea workers, which I don't think they can appreciate the local taste. At one point I stopped coming for sometimes, just dissapointed. Now the owner is back taking over the kitchen. Making new dishes that stunned my taste buds.

I'm not saying that this is the best wantonmee in the whole world. What I'm saying is, give it a try.

Never got the chance to order their siewyok, will try...

🍜 HW Wan Tan Mee – Midnight Comfort in Johor Bahru

If you're prowling the streets of JB after dark with a craving that only wanton mee can satisfy, HW Wan Tan Mee is your answer. Open from 9pm to 5am, this spot is a local legend for late-night eats—and it earns that reputation.

✨ What makes it special: Handmade noodles with a springy bite, tossed in a rich black soy sauce infused with fragrant shallot oil and lard. It’s indulgent in the best way. Char siew is fatty and flavorful, not overly dry, and pairs beautifully with the noodles. Wantons come both fried and in soup—crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and wrapped in silky skins. Each plate is served with a fried cracker, veggies, and a bowl of soup, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

🪑 You can choose to sit roadside under the stars or indoors with air-conditioning. Either way, the vibe is casual and comforting—perfect after a spa session or a long drive.

💬 Final thoughts: It’s not just about the food—it’s the experience. The sauce clings to the noodles like a secret you want to keep, and the late-night crowd adds a buzz of camaraderie. Whether you're a local or a Singaporean on a JB adventure, HW Wan Tan Mee is...