Penang Laksa a.k.a. Asam Laksa
The all time authentic local Penang dish is definitely Laksa. Penang Laksa is a sour, fish-based soup dish. It’s made up of specially prepared white Laksa noodles, shredded mackerel, finely sliced vegetables like cucumber, chillies, onions, pineapple, lettuce, mint leaves and ginger buds.
The most important ingredient of Penang Laksa is the soup. The soup is prepared using finely shredded mackerel and asam (tamarind). The shredded mackerel will give the Laksa it’s sweet taste and the assam will do it’s part in the Laksa’s sourness. Together, they give the dish a sweet & sourish taste which is simply unique and out of this world.
Laksa is usually served with the ingredients stated above together with a sweet prawn paste known as ‘hae ko’. Personally, I like Laksa with extra pineapple and prawn paste.
There is another variety of Laksa called Lemak Laksa which the soup is prepared with rich coconut milk. It’s also known as nyonya laksa. The dish is heavily influenced by Thai laksa till a point one can even claim that they are both the same thing.
Laksa can be found all over Penang in most hawker centers / food courts. Be sure to try out this classic Penang dish when you are in Penang. You’ll sure to love it.
