Once you see this road sign, you're near one of the best laksa in Penang
The best laksa in Penang varies according to who you ask
in Penang. Some will tell you that the best laksa is in Balik Pulau,
while others will tell you it's in Air Itam. Personally, I must admit
that I haven't taste the Balik Pulau laksa yet but if the laksa is
anything like Air Itam, both will taste awesome! I must admit here too
that I'm a 'curry-lover' but I decided to give laksa a try.
What's Penang laksa? Penang laksa is also known as asam laksa from the Malay for tamarind, comes from the Malaysian island of Penang. It is made with mackerel (ikan kembung) soup and its main distinguishing feature is the asam or tamarind
which gives the soup a sour taste. The fish is poached and then
flaked. Other ingredients that give Penang laksa its distinctive
flavour include lemongrass, galangal (lengkuas) and chilli.
Typical garnishes include mint, pineapple slices, thinly sliced onion,
'ha-ko', a thick sweet prawn paste and use of torch ginger.
The boss preparing a bowl of laksa. All the ingredients are actually
pre-made already. He just need to 'assemble' all the ingredients only.
It will only take awhile to prepare a bowl of laksa and the service is
really quick, no matter how many people also.
Assistance putting up the finishing touch; onions, 'ha-ko', chili, mint, etc.
My Penang laksa. The soup base is very flavorful and filled with
generous amount of flaked mackerels. The 'ha-ko'/ thick prawn paste
amplify the flavor of this dish much, much more. Sweet, sourish taste
with refreshing mint and onion slices stimulates all my taste buds.
The thick rice noodles/ loh shu fen is the noodle of choice for Penang
laksa. Every spoonful will contain almost everything, from the
mackerel-filled soup to the onion and minty laced thick rice noodles.
Penang Laksa/ Asam Laksa
Pasar Air Itam
Jalan Pasar
11500 Air Itam, Penang
Open daily: 11:30am – 10:00pm (Midnight on Sundays)
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