Assam Laksa is truly the most authentic and delicious Peranakan food you could ever enjoy! Its cross-cultural mix of Malay and Chinese only makes it all the more special. While you could eat it almost in every Chinese or Nyonya restaurant, the one place where you’ll enjoy the most would definitely be in Penang, the home of Assam Laksa.

Isn’t your mouth watering from just thinking of the fat round rice noodles, soaked in a thick broth filled with bursts of flavors and spices and topped with mackerel pieces and vegetables? Well, fret not, for we have listed down 6 of the best places in Penang where you can find the tastiest Assam Laksa!

1. Sin Hwa Coffee Shop, Burma Road

assam laksa penang sin whwaha coffee shop
Image Credit: Jonathan Lin | Flickr

Located along the long stretch of Burma road, this gem of a coffee shop is a must visit for all you laksa lovers. While it is much more famous for its Char Kuey Teow -topped with squid, Sin Hwa’s Assam laksa and Lemak laksa certainly has its own distinctive taste, what with the thick broth and crispy cucumber slices.

2. Kim’s Laksa, Balik Pulau

Balik Pulau Assam Laksa
Image Credit: Chang’r | Flickr

Well, what can we say except Balik Pulau is truly a laksa lover’s paradise! Similar to our first stop earlier, this place too is renown for both Assam as well as Lemak laksa. Getting to the shop may be a bit of a challenge, especially if you’re not a fan of winding roads. Nevertheless, once you’ve reached the main street, you could easily spot the famous ‘ol Kim’s Laksa and at the taste of the mouthwatering Assam Laksa, you’ll find it all worth it.

3. Penang Road Famous Laksa

Assam Laksa in penang road famous
Image Credit: Pandora Voon | Flickr

This shop was first opened for business back in 1970 and has since garnered quite a number of fans, both locals as well as tourists. The difference between most Assam laksas and the one served here, is that the broth is made from King Eye fish and sardine instead of mackerel. The spicy fish flavored soup is accompanied with fresh vegetables such as lettuce, cucumber, and onions, as well as pineapples for a distinctive taste.  So, the next time you’re up for some Assam laksa be sure to check out this place!

4. Laksa at Weld Quay

Assam Laksa in penang
Image Credit: lysinewf | Flickr

Now don’t be fooled by the fancy restaurants and cafes that claim they serve the “tastiest” Assam laksa, for the best is found right here at the laksa stall on Weld Quay Road, right in front of Tan Jetty. The stall has been around for quite some time, and the recipe has been modified and improved from generation to generation. Similar to Penang Road Famous, this stall to uses fresh sardines in the making of the delicious broth.

5. Taman Emas Coffee Shop

Penang Assam Laksa
Image Credit: Krista | Flickr

If you’re on your way to Gurney, then be sure to check out this wonderful coffee shop along Jalan Gottlieb for a delicious Assam laksa fix. Unlike your regular Assam laksas, the one served here is more on the sweet side –with just the right amount of sourness- which makes it a perfect choice for those of you who are not big fans of spicy food. The typical coffee shop setting and delicious bowl of laksa are sure to offer you one of the best dining experience in Penang.

6. Under the Tree @ Sungai Ara

Penang Assam Laksa
Image Credit: GETaiwan NTU | Flickr

Here’s another favorite stop for all laksa lovers! With just the right amount of sweet, spicy and sour, their savory bowl of Assam laksa is sure to satisfy your cravings. The small stall is run by a mother-daughter duo and apart from Assam laksa they also offer tasty snacks like popiah, banana fritters, and even chicken wings.

Whip up Your Own Bowl of Assam Laksa

If Penang’s all too far for a mere bowl of Assam laksa, then how about you challenge yourself to cooking some on your own? Check out this recipe from All Recipes Asia:

Ingredients:

  • 300 gms of mackerel
  • 3 cups (1.5L) water
  • 1½ sprigs polygonum leaves
  • 1 ginger buds, sliced
  • 2-3 pieces dried tamarind slices
  • 2½ tablespoons tamarind juice
  • 300 gms thick rice noodles (laksa noodles)
  • Salt and sugar to taste

Spice Blend:

  • 5 shallots
  • 1 lemongrass
  • 5 inch fresh galangal
  • 3 dried chillies, soaked in water, discard seeds
  • 2 fresh red chillies
  • ½ teaspoon dried shrimp paste

Garnish:

  • 1/2 fresh pineapple, sliced in small pieces
  • 1 medium cucumber, cut in matchstick slices
  • 1 large red onions, sliced thinly
  • 2 red chilies, sliced
  • a few sprigs of mint leaves, torn
  • a few sprigs of polygonum leaves, shredded

Directions

  1. Clean the fish and let it simmer in a pot of water till cooked. Then, remove the fish and separate the flesh from the bone after cooling. Flake the flesh in small pieces.
  2. Strain the stock and add to the pot with tamarind juice, ginger buds, polygonum, fish and sugar to taste.
  3. Blend the spice paste ingredients until fine. Add to the stock along with the tamarind slices. Simmer for 20-30 minutes and the soup thickens slightly then add salt to taste.
  4. Blanch the laksa noodles in boiling water, drain and set aside.
  5. To serve: Put some noodles in a bowl and ladle the soup over it. Put a pinch of each garnishing ingredient over the top and serve.  

Have you tried any of the laksa listed in this article? If so, which is your favourite?

Let us know in the comments! And while you’re in Penang, why not get off the beaten path and explore unique things to do there? Make your bookings on Klook and be sure to use Klook promo codes!

Read More: 11 Exciting Penang Cafes Coffee Lovers Should Not Miss