Published Aug 15, 2009 Updated Sep 15, 2024
What Is Asam Laksa
Asam laksa, also spelled as Assam laksa, is a piquant, pungent, sour, and fiery-hot noodle dish featuring fresh vegetables bathed in a flavorful fish broth. Originating from Penang, it’s considered a Nyonya creation. Referred to simply as Laksa in Penang, this dish is ubiquitous across the region, available in kopitiams (coffee shops), roadside stalls, mobile pushcarts, and hawker centers. With its perfect balance of tartness and spiciness, Asam laksa stands out as a uniquely Malaysian dish. Its distinctive flavor profile sets it apart from other dishes in the Southeast Asian culinary landscape.
#7 Most Delicious Food In The World
Asam laksa, arguably the quintessential street hawker food in Penang, has undeniably placed the city on the culinary map. The mere mention of “Penang Assam Laksa” is enough to evoke cravings among Malaysians and foreigners alike who have had the pleasure of tasting it. This dish stands as one of the most successful, explosively delicious, addictive, and appetizing Nyonya concoctions. Its fame transcends borders, earning it a coveted spot as No. 7 on CNN World’s 50 Best Foods list.
My Family’s Asam Laksa Recipe
This noodle dish holds a special place of celebration in my family, largely due to my late grandmother. Grandma was a devout Buddhist, deeply immersed in her faith. Raised by her Thai-Chinese mother, my grandma spoke Thai fluently, and Thai influences permeated her religious practices and daily life. Grandma’s devotion was particularly evident in her visits to Wat Chayamangkalaram, the Thai reclining Buddha temple in Penang. Every month, my father, mother, aunt, and I would accompany her for prayers at the temple. Inside Wat Chayamangkalaram, there’s a shrine dedicated to a deity known as “Laksa Ang Kong” or Laksa God. Legend has it that Laksa God had an affinity for laksa, hence why the only offering made to Him is this beloved noodle dish. Every month, on the morning of prayer, my grandmother, mother, and aunt would rise early to prepare a large pot of the soup base. I eagerly joined them in the kitchen, slicing vegetables, deboning fish, and crafting the spice paste. This cherished ritual not only bestowed upon me invaluable culinary techniques but also forged unforgettable bonds. This is my family’s recipe for asam laksa, a dish that holds a special place in my heart. Its exquisite flavor evokes memories of precious moments spent with loved ones, relishing both our shared faith and the delights of homemade cuisine. These nostalgic recollections will forever linger in my mind, a testament to the enduring power of tradition and togetherness.
What To Serve With Asam Laksa
For a complete Penang street food experience, I recommend the following recipes. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates. Additionally, feel free to explore my other Malaysian recipes, such as Chicken Satay, Beef Rendang, Nasi Lemak, Char Kuey Teow, Penang Hokkien Mee next. Happy cooking!
