Lim Peh’s Wonton Noodles has found a new home – and we have the scoop

Posted on 5 June, 2024

A Singaporean pop-up restaurant serving a selection of hawker-style classics and specials that tasted like the real deal.

That was the relaxed, low-key concept behind Lim Peh’s Wonton Noodles which opened at Verity Lane Market in April last year. What wasn’t relaxed or low-key was Lim Peh’s immediate explosion of popularity, quickly winning fans far and wide.

Now, they’re riding that popularity to a permanent brick-and-mortar store at Westfield Woden, set to open mid-year.

“Lim Peh’s Wonton Noodles was an experiment by five friends, conceived during the pandemic,” says the owners. “While Australia was under lockdown, we had plenty of time to reminisce about the delightful street food we enjoyed in Singapore. The idea emerged to recreate those flavours here, and to our delight, others shared our enthusiasm.”

“After having the great opportunity to trial our idea at Verity Lane Market we decided it was time to establish ourselves firmly in Canberra’s food scene. While looking for a permanent location, Westfield was the first to recognise our potential and presented us with an opportunity to partner up, and the rest is history in the making.”

While diehard fans can rest assured that Lim Peh’s classic wonton mee will remain on the menu, Lim Peh’s as you know it will level up to a new brand look and feel – and a new menu.

“We started the business by doing everything ourselves, from sourcing suppliers to perfecting recipes, developing branding, bookkeeping,” explains the team. “When we partnered with Westfield, they made us realise it was time to up our game in the branding department. We enlisted the help of Marilyn & Sons, an award-winning boutique design agency from Melbourne, to help us evolve our brand and elevate our product.”

“Our customers can expect restaurant-quality food that is fast and affordable, with a focus on choice. For our diehard fans, don’t worry — the Wonton Mee and your favourite chilli sauces will still be on the menu.”

In some lucky news, however, while it was announced that Lim Peh’s would close at Verity Lane Market at the end of May, they have chosen to extend their stay a little.

“We expect to open [in Westfield Woden] by the end of July at the latest. While waiting for construction to finish, we have been given the green light to continue trading at Verity Lane Market until we are told to leave.”

As for the overwhelming response to their food, the team says from here, the only way is up.

“We were curious and hopeful in the beginning. We knew we had a good product that people would love, but I have to admit, the exposure from HerCanberra really helped spread the word. We were genuinely surprised by how much love Lim Peh’s Wonton Noodles received from the Canberra community.”

“We are extremely thankful and happy that we can continue to provide affordable, delicious, and quality Singapore fare to the public. What started as an experiment turned into a business that grew organically, presenting plenty of fruitful moments and trials along the way. The community’s love solidified our decision to make a permanent home in Canberra, choosing Woden as the first of many locations in the years to come, hopefully.”

As for whether Woden will be their only store in Canberra, the team are tight-lipped but hint at bigger plans to come.

“Hopefully, we can bring Lim Peh’s to the north side of Canberra and maybe return to the city in the future. For now, we are fully focused on making Woden work.”

Images supplied.