If you’re a fan of classic local noodles, then Yulek Wan Tan Mee in Cheras is likely on your radar. Known for serving up iconic wantan mee for over 30 years, this humble noodle spot has built a loyal following, despite its unpretentious appearance. But does it truly live up to the hype? We wondered the same, so we waited in line for an hour to see if their iconic dish was worth the wait. Here’s our take on whether this long-standing favourite still holds its ground after all these years.
Why the queue? The hype behind Yulek Wan Tan Mee
Yulek Wan Tan Mee has certainly generated a buzz online, with a good 4.1-star Google rating and over 2.3K reviews. Is that impressive for a random noodle spot tucked away in Cheras? It’s tough to say without experiencing it firsthand. We visited around 2pm, well past the lunch rush, yet to our surprise, there was still a queue outside—proof that the place is clearly popular, even during off-peak hours.
The eatery itself is a no-frills, old-school space with plastic tables and stools, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that we Malaysians are familiar with. The space is relatively small, which may contribute to the long wait times. It’s the kind of place where you’ll often spot older uncles and aunties enjoying their meals, alongside the work crowd during lunch breaks.
The fact that Yulek Wan Tan Mee has been featured on the well-known local TV show Ho Chak says a lot about the eatery. The recipes here are all homemade, and they take pride in the fact that their wantan mee has no noticeable alkaline taste. It’s clear they’ve been refining their craft for years, but does it live up to the legendary status it has garnered?
MFT’s review
In the end, Yulek Wan Tan Mee truly impressed thanks to their char siu. The char siu stood out with its perfect balance of smoky, caramelised charcoal flavour on the crispy skin, while the meat remained incredibly tender and juicy. It’s clear they’ve mastered the art of making succulent char siu, and they don’t skimp on the portion either, giving you generous cuts of meat. Every bite is packed with rich flavour, making it the highlight of the noodle dish.
As for their siu yok, the skin was satisfyingly crispy, and the meat was juicy, though it didn’t carry the same intense charcoal flavour as the char siu. Despite that, the siu yok still impressed with its well-seasoned taste. It sported a tender texture and had a good ratio of meat to fat. It complemented the noodles nicely, though we found ourselves craving a bit more of the smoky depth that the char siu offered.
Now, onto the actual wantan mee. The noodles were fairly standard, nothing exceptional. The black sauce had a nice balance of sweetness and saltiness, but again, it didn’t stand out as something particularly unique. While the sauce did elevate the overall flavour, it became clear that the pork dishes are the true highlights at Yulek.
The fried wantons, however, deserve special mention. Each dumpling is generously filled with meat, and the real star is the big, juicy prawn tucked inside. The filling strikes the perfect balance of savoury and fresh, and the wanton’s crispy texture paired perfectly with the savoury noodles and roasted meats, offering a nice, crunchy contrast.
Final thoughts: Great char siu, worth the queue
Overall, Yulek Wan Tan Mee delivered on its reputation. While the wantan mee noodles themselves weren’t exactly extraordinary, the char siu, siu yok, and fried wantons really elevated our dining experience. If you’re a fan of flavourful pork, it’s definitely worth the wait.
Whether or not we’d return? Given the quality and flavours, we’d say yes—this long-standing favourite in Cheras still holds its own after all these years.
Yulek Wan Tan Mee
Address: 19, Lorong Durian, Taman Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday – Sunday 7:30am – 4pm | Closed on Tuesdays
Halal Status: Non-Halal
Contact: 016-2436221
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