Malaysia is known for its love of rich flavours, and when it comes to spices, few foods illustrate this as well as the Laksa. This rice noodle dish is most popular in two variants: the Asam Laksa, which is served with a tangy, spicy fish soup; and the Curry Laksa, which comes in a coconut-milk curry soup. It is also worth noting that there are lesser-known versions such as the Sarawak Laksa, Laksa Lemak and Bogor Laksa.
With so many versions to try, we’ve compiled a list of laksas you can’t miss to start you off!
One of KL’s most popular night markets, this is the place to go to jalan-jalan cari makan (take a stroll and look for food). Not too deep into the market, you’ll find one of the best asam laksas in KL. The shabby, open-air shop may look unassuming, but the crowds tell the true story; you can get a sizeable bowl of asam laksa with a generous serving of fish for less than RM10, so it’s no wonder that this is one the busiest stalls in the market on any given night.
Address: 42-132, Jalan Petaling, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Everyone knows that Penang Asam Laksa is unlike any other. But when you find yourself in KL with your stomach growling and a 4-hour drive separating you from that delicious, satisfying bowl of goodness, fret not; because Little Penang Kafe serves one of the most authentic Penang Asam Laksas in town.
What’s more, they have two branches in KL alone, so you’re never far from that perfectly balanced sweet, spicy, and sour bowlful.
Address:
Suria Klcc
Suria Klcc, Jalan Ampang, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Lingkaran Syed Putra
Mid Valley City, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
If you’re in Ampang, reading this, and suddenly (understandably) crave asam laksa, well then you’re in luck! D-Lite Asam Laksa’s specialty dish is fuss-free and tantalising. Even before your first bite, the aroma alone will put you in a trance. A very popular food spot among locals, this place is almost always packed during lunch, so unless you can bear to wait up to 30 minutes for your piece of this – in which case, kudos to you, you master of self control – then be sure to get there early to beat the crowds.
Address: 175, Jalan Ampang, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Known for their equally good execution of both local and Western cuisine, it’s no surprise that Decanter manages to deliver an outstanding asam laksa. All the hearty elements of a good asam laksa are present in abundance, but what’s unique about Decanter’s version is the absence of big chunks of mackerel. Instead, their fish is finely shredded, giving a thicker texture to the soup and giving the dish a more refined feel.
Address: 175, Jalan Ampang, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Another eatery that serves up authentic Penang Asam Laksa can be found in the Taman Connaught Night Market. This 2km strip of street food is the longest market in Malaysia and with uncommon gems like stinky tofu and familiar favourites like char kuey teow and ABC, it’s definitely not to be missed. But whilst you sample the various bites, be sure to save some space for the Asam Laksa, sinfully addictive with a generous portions of boneless fish chunks.
Address: Jalan Cerdas, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Disclaimer: this dish is not for the faint-hearted. Served with a handful of raw blood cockles and tender, aromatic chicken that comes right off the bone, this curry laksa is peppery, gritty, and piquant, qualities that make it an acquired taste for some. Sure, there are plenty of milder, more beginner-friendly versions out there, but if you know what you’re about, and that happens to be some plain ol’ unabashed Malaysian curry laksa, then this is where you’ll find it.
Address: City Center (old) Madras Lane Off Petaling Street, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A famous KL spot for locals and visitors alike, Bukit Bintang is a must-see if you want to catch a glimpse of Malaysian nightlife. And true to Malaysian style, where there is a crowd, there is food. On Jalan Alor, a beloved food street, you can find, amongst a feast of other local favourites, an irresistible bowl of curry laksa, served with fresh blood cockles, chicken, long beans, eggplant, and juicy tau fu pok (deep fried tofu). This version strays from the original with a creamy soup, but when it tastes this good, who’s complaining?
Address: Corner of Jalan Alor and Changkat Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
It doesn’t take long to figure out that Malaysians like their food spicy (all the better to have with a glass of iced teh tarik!), but if you prefer not to scorch your tastebuds, then here’s a less-spicy laksa alternative that’s just as good. At the oh-so-charming Limapulo, you can get a Nyonya Laksa fix that’ll leave you coming back for more. This authentic Baba recipe includes chicken, fishballs and fishcakes, and packs a flavourful punch (just because it’s less spicy, doesn’t mean it’s mild!).
Address: 50, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Touted as the best Sarawak Laksa in KL, you’d be surprised to see the size and location of this stall, tucked away in obscurity in Nam Chun coffee shop. But save your judgement til after you’ve tasted it because this modest bowl will knock your socks off.
With fresh prawns, egg strips, beansprouts, and the signature thicker-than-vermicelli noodles, steeped in a tangy, spicy, rich broth; the only complaint you could have is that one bowl isn’t enough!
Address: 2-4, Lorong Ara Kiri, Lucky Garden, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This steaming bowl of curry laksa comes packed to the brim with a variety of seafood including mussels, prawns and squid and is hailed by many as being the best curry laksa around. What’s special about Restoran Yu Ai is also the fact that you can see them cooking your laksa on the spot on the row of stoves near the front of the shop.
Restoran Yu Ai also serves up Tom Yam seafood noodle and clear seafood soup, but you’ll definitely regret it if you don’t give their best selling curry laksa a try.
Address: 42J, Jalan Segambut Utara, Taman Segambut, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
It seems like no bowl of laksa from this list would disappoint; the only problem now lies in choosing which stall to start with. Which type of laksa satisfies your taste buds best? Let us know in the comments section below!
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