Since we did “Best Char Koay Teow in Penang,” we thought why not do a laksa version? Another staple street food which makes Penang what it is today, laksa. Particularly assam laksa in Penang, you can find them in every corner of the island. Again, not every stall has the “wow factor.” That’s why we’re here to introduce you some great laksa in Penang. Some are the traditional great, and some are hidden gems.
Best Laksa In Penang
Who’s craving for that sweet-soury mackerel broth that’s thick and vibrant in color? It’s another must-eat dish in Penang. If you didn’t know what laksa in Penang is, just follow this guide, eat, and say nothing. (Obviously a joke throw us with your opinions pls.)
1. Air Itam Laksa
This is no doubt the most famous laksa in Penang, the Air Itam Laksa. Having over 60 years of history and still cooking not stopping any sooner, you should try. Their broth has a stronger mackerel taste which can get fishy sometimes, but is balanced off with other condiments. While we thought this is not the best laksa in Penang, still, it’s worth a visit. Tastes are very personal so don’t get so quick into judging.
Address: 1, Jalan Pasar, 11500, Ayer Itam, Penang
Operating Hour: 11:30 a.m.- 08:00 p.m. (Daily)
2. Shell Station Laksa @ Farlim
Well locals who live in the neighbourhood are no stranger to this. In fact, back in the days this laksa in Penang was super famous. Editor used to be a regular of Shell Station Laksa. Their broth are super thick, with generous amount of mackerel and lies towards the sour side. Your mouth would water just by smelling it from afar, no joke. Besides laksa, there’s another stall with really good bak gua roti.
Address: 1-G-01, Jalan RU 1, Bandar Baru Air Itam, 11400 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 11:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m. (Closed on Alternate Tuesdays)
Contact: 016-459 7179
3. Kim Laksa @ Balik Pulau
Let’s take a moment to look at how creamy and thick Kim’s Laksa is? Set all the way in Balik Pulau, the heaven for durians. We know it’s a trip down but you get to savor both iconic food at once. Locals say it’s one of the traditional laksa in Penang, also famous apparently. The too-generous mackerel broth topped with condiments and prawn paste gives you the ohm factor.
Address: 20, Jalan Sungai Air Putih, Bandar Baru Air Putih, 11000 Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. (Closed on Tuesdays)
4. Laksa Janggus @ Balik Pulau
While assam laksa has zero pork regardless of who cooks it, somehow we still have terms like “Chinese laksa” and “Malay laksa” (Come pls educate us). This Laksa Janggus located far far away is seriously good claimed by many. While the soup is tad bit more liquid-y than the above mentioned, it’s still perfect for those who dislikes that thick texture. Topped with hard boiled egg, you gotta pair your laksa with chopped chilis, the right way to do it.
Address: Jalan Kampung Perlis, Kampung Perlis, 11020 Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating Hour: 3:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. (Closed on Wednesdays)
5. Laksa Under The Tree
Did you know that you can enjoy a bowl of piping hot laksa not only on its own? Here in Penang, we like to pair our laksa with popiah (fried spring rolls). Asam Laksa Under The Tree is a popular laksa in Penang that also serve snacks such as popiah and fried chicken. Dip the crispy popiah into your bowl of thick broth, let it soak for a bit and there you go. Really good no? If you can’t find the exact place, ask anyone in Sungai Ara, they’ll show you the way.
Address: Jalan Data Ismail Hashim, Sungai Ara, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang.
Operating Hour: 12:30 p.m.- 6 p.m. (Closed on Tuesdays)
6. Laksa Tempurung Ombak Damai
Laksa served in a coconut shell? This laksa in Penang went viral some time ago we even did a video on it. Set in Teluk Kumbar is this Halal laksa catering not only to Malays but attracted many other races as well. Instead of a bowl, coconut shells are used to contain their laksa. Aromatic, fully loaded and delicious laksa. You can also get desserts like ais kacang and cendul over here. What’s best, they’re set on a beach so you get sea view!
Address: Jalan Gertak Sanggul, Kampung Suluk, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating Hour: (Mon-Thurs) 3 p.m.-7:30 p.m. (Sat&Sun) 12:30 p.m.-8 p.m. (Closed on Fridays)
7. Laksa @ Jalan Stesen Bukit Bendera
Unknown by many including editor herself, this was introduced by some true foodies. Nestled right in front of Klinik Pergigian Kanak-Kanak Air Itam, this laksa stall shares the same site as the famous koay teow th’ng. The mackerel broth is perfectly balanced, not too spicy or soury. Those with a stronger taste bud, this might not be for you. Nevertheless, this is still a really good laksa in Penang.
Address: Jalan Stesen, Bukit Bendera, Pulau Pinang, 11500 Ayer Hitam, Penang.
Operating Hour: 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
8. Penang Road Famous Laksa
Penang Road has everything, the famous cendol, char koay teow, durian ice cream AND laksa. Don’t be skeptical thinking “it’s a tourist spot must be overpriced and disgusting.” Truth is, Penang Road has pretty awesome laksa. You can smell the aroma of the tangy soup while queuing for the cendol. Why not take a seat, order a bowl and try it for yourself. Though not the best laksa in Penang, we still find it quite amusing.
Address: No 5, Lebuh Keng Kwee, Penang Road, Penang.
Operating Hour: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (Daily)
9. Taman Emas Laksa
Another hidden laksa in Penang, also known as “Peng Hua Laksa.” Picture says a thousand words, just look, aren’t they amazeballs? Vibrant, tangy broth with generous amount of mackerel. Finishes off with a spoonful of prawn paste, mix all together for the best flavor and texture. Evidence of being popular: almost every table orders a bowl of laksa.
Address:1, Jalan Gottlieb, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 12 p.m.-5:15 p.m. (Closed on Mondays)
10. Tan Jetty Assam Laksa
The last one on our list, we thought we should give a proper shoutout. This particular assam laksa stall right in front of Tan Jetty has been selling for years. Run by a humble uncle, the recipe has been passed down for generations. Their broth is less fishy compared to others because sardine fish is used instead of mackerel. Add prawn paste to enhance the flavors. A good, savory meal can be this simple and contented.
Address: 50, Pengkalan Weld, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 2 p.m.-6 p.m. (Closed on Mondays&Tuesdays)
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