[Penang] Talk about one of the must-eat local street food from Penang, and I would happily vote Assam Laksa in and I am sure many others will too.
Ah, tat tantalising blend of sour, spicy, and slightly sweet flavours with a distinct fish undertones.
This trip, I went for Penang Road Famous Laksa, found in the bustling “Penang Road” of George Town. The Assam Laksa shop also has a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Many foodies head over to this stretch, since there are a few famous stalls you can try including Penang Road Famous TeoChew Chendul and Penang Road Famous Jin Kor Char Kuey Teow.
Opened since 1970, do note the stall has relocated from its original spot in Joo Hooi Cafe to 5 Lebuh Keng Kwee.
This move was necessitated apparently when the café was taken over by the Teochew Cendul team, leading to some confusion among customers.
The current location in Lebuh Keng Kwee is where you can find this authentic, third-generation run Penang Road Famous Laksa.
This is really a no-frills shop that also sells Char Koay Teow, Oyster Omelette and other dishes as well, unpretentious and lively. While it is obviously popular, the crowd comes in and out fast.
So what’s Penang Assam Laska?
The popular Malaysian noodle dish is renowned for its unique and bold flavours – which I assure you it is nothing quite like you ever had before. (Though can be a bit overwhelming for tourists unaccustomed to traditional Southeast Asian flavours.)
It has a spicy and sour fish-based gravy typically made from mackerel, tamarind (assam), lemongrass, galangal, and chilies.
The soup is served with thick rice noodles and typically garnished with fresh ingredients like cucumber, red onion, pineapple, lettuce, mint, and ginger flower.
A drizzle of shrimp paste is often added to enhance the dish’s complexity.
Back to Penang Road Famous Laksa, the moment I had the first spoonful, the one thing that hits me first was the smooth lai fun noodles which had such a soft yet bouncy texture.
Each slurp was so satisfying.
Apparently, the soup is made from a combination of sardine and bigeye kingfish, instead of the usual mackerel.
It was spicy, salty, sweet and sour all the same time, and I was impressed they kept it rather balanced.
However, despite all that richness and flavours, I suspect there are better Assam Laksas out there. Perhaps I would have liked more of that fish for meaty texture and tangy pineapple flavour.
The shop’s Assam Laksa is a testament to nearly five decades of flavour perfection. Its popularity among both locals and tourists is a clear indication of its enduring appeal.
Penang Road Famous Laksa
5-7, Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9am – 5:30pm (Mon – Tues, Thurs – Sun), Closed Wed
Google Maps – Penang Road Famous Laksa
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Penang Air Itam Laksa (Penang, Malaysia)
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This all are non halal food is not for Muslim to consume.
Hi Anuar md Noor.. Penang Road Famous Laksa is certified by Halal JAKIM Malaysia.