Restaurant Review: Mister Wu Woos Us with La Mian Noodles and Tea Cocktails in Singapore’s Central Business District

PUBLISHED October 29th, 2018 06:00 am

After garnering a sizeable lunch crowd since its opening earlier this year, Mister Wu has now released an equally, if not more, delectable dinner menu to better satisfy our noodle cravings. Enjoy their new dinner menu in the food and drink enclave of Nankin Row against the backdrop of shophouses – the perfect way to unwind from a tiring day. While the CBD location means it’s a new hotspot for the white collar lunch crowd, when night falls and the pace slows down, Mister Wu really becomes what owners want – a modern Chinese tea house serving good food complemented by authentic Chinese tea.

The interiors and exteriors follow through on the theme, with Chinese lanterns swaying in the evening breeze by the alfresco seating area, as well as and traditional dark wooden furniture indoors. Even their tableware is reminiscent of late 19th century China with a modern twist. The restaurant’s name takes inspiration from Wu Jue Nong, the man responsible for preserving China’s tea culture in the 1900s, thus it comes as no surprise that Mister Wu aims to preserve traditional and authentic Chinese tea in Singapore. Their tea leaves are personally sourced and handpicked from various tea farms around China.

Your senses will be treated to the authentic taste and aroma of Osmanthus Green Tea and Black Canton Lychee Tea, the favourites of Mister Wu’s curated selection. The friendly staff are more than happy to give detailed recommendations according to your taste – their passion for tea truly shines through.

What’s more intriguing about Mister Wu, however, is how they use different types of Chinese tea to bring out other flavours in ice cream and cocktails. Teaming up with Employees Only’s principal bartender Bai Jia Wei, their range of tea-based cocktails – all of which are $18 – includes General Gao’s Rose Affair, an artful blend of Pu Erh, Rose, and Hendrick’s Gin and definitely a crowd favourite. For something stronger in flavour, try the White Jade Monkey King, made with fragrant White Jade Monkey Tea, Monkey Shoulder Whisky, and their homemade sour plum liquor. Beers by Young Master Ales – Hong Kong’s first craft brewery – are also available; the sour-salty Cha Chaan Teng Gose and fruity session ale Another One pair well with the robust flavours of Mister Wu’s food offerings.

It’s hard to compete with their $8 La Mian lunch sets, but come dinner, the variety of opulent noodle dishes transforms Mister Wu into a completely different dining experience. What stands out is the Chilled Truffle Caviar La Mian ($23). As luxuriant as the name sounds, the noodles were surprisingly light. The plump Hiroshima oysters stole the show, salted by the specks of caviar drizzled around the dish. The truffle was rather underwhelming but nevertheless, its aroma never fails to help us work up an appetite.

Personally, the Hibiki Whisky Seafood Soup La Mian ($28) is an underrated gem under the guise of a simple seafood soup. We followed the server’s recommendation to taste the soup before adding the Japanese whisky, something that we now also recommend. The spicy soup already set off fireworks on the palate, but  its own had the flavour of fireworks. Tangy spiciness hits you in sharp, satisfying, bursts. But after pouring in the shot of Hibiki Whisky, the flavour completely changes. The spiciness mellows down, like a tide slowly recoiling away from the beach. A unique savouriness emerges, along with the very recognisable fragrance of Hibiki Whisky. Topping off this enchanting soup is a very generous portion of King Prawns, fresh squid, oysters, and scallops.

Apart from La Mian, Mister Wu’s dinner menu also offers a mouthwatering Abalone Hot Pot ($38). You can enjoy the dark sauced chicken mixed with the abalone before pouring in the chicken soup to truly enjoy the dish. A selection of fresh Vegetables and Mushrooms Platter ($10), and melt-in-your-mouth Hokkaido Prime Wagyu Shabu Slices ($18) are also offered as an accompaniment to complete your hot pot experience.

While dinner is definitely pricier as compared to its lunch menu, you won’t be disappointed at Mister Wu, especially if you’re in the mood for A-grade noodles and quality Chinese tea.

Mister Wu is located at 3 Pickering Street, Nankin Row, #01-44/45, Singapore 048660, p. +65 6781 3833. Open Mon-Sat 11.30am — 2.30pm and 6pm—10pm. Closed Sun