Few years ago when I ate at SabX2 Wanton Noodle for the first time, the food didn’t leave a huge impression on me. However, I remembered how terrible the service was (if it was existent in the first place).
Over the years, this eatery had picked up popularity because of all that hype created by the media as well as many bloggers who claimed that this was the best wanton mee they ever had and it was also possibly the best in Bangkok.
I decided to revisit the shop and try the wanton noodle again in my recent Bangkok trip. My hotel was on the same street so it was convenient to come here anyway.
SabX2 Wanton Noodle
6, 2/6 Soi Phetchaburi 19
Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi
Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Opening hours: 9.00am to 3.00pm daily
Though SabX2 Wanton Noodle only opened at 9.00am, a queue already started at 8.40am. How ridiculous, lol. If you want to try this wanton mee, you really have to come early to beat the queue, otherwise be prepared to wait.
Those were pig trotters stewing away in the pot. Besides wanton mee, they also served braised pig trotter rice.
Small space that was packed to the brim. At least it was air-conditioned in here so it didn’t feel stuffy.
The guy who took our order wasn’t overly friendly but was able to communicate in decent English and Mandarin.
Do note there are only two dishes to order from here – wanton noodle and braised pig trotter rice. Each portion costs 100 baht and they don’t entertain special requests unless you’re prepared to pay more money.
While waiting for our food to come, we overheard the lady boss snapping away at some people that no sharing was allowed. Every person had to have his/her own order of noodle or rice so don’t come here with 2 other friends and expect to share only 2 bowls of noodles. The woman will most likely ask you to get lost because there are more customers behind who want to come in and eat.
Yes, that’s how the whole vibe feels like.
It didn’t take long for our food to arrive with a slam on the table.
Very small portion of wanton mee (100 baht). The noodles were quite dry though they had a firm, chewy bite. Could taste a strong flavour of lard oil. There were also crispy pork lard that gave a nice crunch but were too heavily seasoned. The wantons were meaty but very bland in flavour. Char siew was totally uninspiring as it didn’t have that smoky flavour which most grilled/roasted meats would have. The only thing different about this wanton noodle was the addition of crab meat (miserable amount) which tasted like flower crab. It didn’t do much justice because it didn’t have much flavour.
The braised pig trotter rice (100 baht) fared better. The super tender meats and fats would just melt in the mouth. Braising sauce was flavoursome but overly salty. Liked the preserved vegetables that gave crunch.
The chilli sauce that was provided on the table was very potent so use it sparingly if you can’t take too spicy.
The moment we finished our food, the staff was quick to clear our utensils and shoo us off as he immediately pointed to our table to the next group of customers at the door.
Took this shot on another morning. Everyday was the same – the queue just never ended.
You can see all those signs telling people that they have no branch in Singapore. They are actually referring to Soi 19 Wanton Mee in Singapore as both are not affiliated in any way.
Well, I’m definitely sitting on the other side of the fence.
All in all, this place feels like a money-grubbing eatery who only cares about selling as many portions of food to as many people as possible just so to reap as much profits as they can. No such thing as customer service here. Clearly lacking 人情味.
It will be my last time coming here.
Not a big loss though.
By the way, there are better wanton noodles and pig trotter rice nearby – just walk towards the centre market area on the same street. Even the pig trotter rice from the food courts of Platinum mall or MBK is just as delicious and it only cost half the price. Cheap and good.