Laksa

Laksa is a flavorful and spicy noodle soup that is popular in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. It is made with a rich broth that combines coconut milk with spicy curry paste. Thick rice noodles or thin vermicelli noodles swim in the creamy, fragrant soup. Laksa is a beloved comfort food in Southeast Asia.

Types of Laksa

There are many types of laksa. Curry laksa has a creamy coconut milk broth with curry spices and is the most well-known type. Asam laksa from Malaysia has a tangy, fish-based broth made with tamarind. Sarawak laksa from Borneo uses a paste made from many local spices. Each region has its own special recipe that locals are very proud of.

What Goes in Laksa

Laksa is topped with many delicious ingredients. Shrimp, chicken, tofu puffs, and fish cakes are common protein toppings. Bean sprouts, mint leaves, and sliced onions add freshness. A hard-boiled egg is sometimes added. A squeeze of lime and a spoonful of sambal chili paste let you adjust the flavor to your liking. Every bowl of laksa is a complex mix of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors.

Fun Facts

• Malaysia and Singapore both claim laksa as their national dish.
• There are at least 20 different regional types of laksa across Southeast Asia.
• Laksa paste can include over 15 different spices and ingredients.

Did You Know?

Laksa may have been created when Chinese and Malay cooking styles mixed together hundreds of years ago in Southeast Asia!