Laksa (2024)

There are various types of laksa (spicy coconut milk-based noodle soup) in Singapore–from the tamarind-tang of Penang laksa to the curry-like Sarawak laksa. But none is more famous than our home-grown Katong laksa.

Katong laksa is inspired by the Peranakans* who live in the Katong area. It has a spicy soup stock the colour of a flaming sunset, flavoured with coconut milk and dried shrimp, and topped with ingredients like co*ckles, prawns and fishcake.

Its defining characteristic is the noodles: thick vermicelli cut into shorter pieces that can be easily slurped up with a spoon. At some stalls, you only get a spoon to eat the laksa–no chopsticks needed.

The taste is so sought-after that Katong laksa has travelled beyond the east to reach every corner in Singapore, due to franchising and enterprising laksa stalls imitating the flavours.

*The term is an Indonesian/Malay word that means “local born”, which generally refers to people of Chinese and Malay/Indonesian heritage.

Turf wars

Over the years, many are confused about its authenticity as every stall in Katong claims to be the original.

There is the more well-known 'janggut' version, named after the hawker who sprouts a few hairs from a mole below his chin, hence his nickname, 'janggut'–which means beard in Malay. This stall—aptly named Janggut Laksa—is now helmed by his family, and operates from Queensway Shopping Centre.

There are also other reputable stalls along the Katong stretch, each selling the same tasting dish that has come to define the Singapore laksa. The difference is that normal laksa requires chopsticks to scoop up the uncut noodles.

Laksa (2024)

FAQs

Is laksa healthy to eat every day? ›

Health Risks: Regular consumption of Laksa, particularly because of its high saturated fat and sodium content, could pose health risks like increased heart disease and hypertension risk.

What is laksa broth made of? ›

In addition to those spices, the basic ingredients of Sarawak Laksa are rice vermicelli, chicken, fried tofu, omelette, bean sprouts, black mushrooms, shrimp, boiled eggs and musk. The broth is made from a mixture of sambal belacan, coconut milk, tamarind juice, garlic, galangal and lemongrass.

Where did asam laksa come from? ›

Origin. Although the exact origin of laksa is unclear, most agree that it was a dish born out of the booming Southeast Asian spice trade in the 16th century, when Chinese traders assimilated into the local communities along the Malay archipelago (what is now modern day Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia).

How do you use laksa in a sentence? ›

Laksa is a popular newcomer to the supermarket chill counter. And then came beef rendang and a curry laksa with prawns. And so finally my opportunity to taste the true, the real, the holy laksa in its natural habitat had come.

Is laksa inflammatory? ›

This Laksa curry is super flavorful, anti inflammatory and delightful. The paste can be made at home and used whenever you want a bowl of the soup or a quick stir fry.

Is laksa high in fat? ›

Cut the fat: Laksa is usually made with coconut cream or milk, both of which are high in fat, particularly saturated fat.

Is laksa Chinese or Thai? ›

What is Laksa? In simple terms, Laksa is a spicy noodle soup of Peranakan origin. Peranakan refers to the mixed heritage of Chinese, Indonesian and Malaysian culture within Southeast Asia.

What ethnicity is laksa? ›

The early version of Laksa likely originated with Chinese immigrants in the region who brought with them rice noodles and a tradition of noodle soups. They combined this with local ingredients and spices, such as tamarind, lemongrass, and galangal, to create a unique fusion dish that eventually evolved into Laksa.

Why is laksa so good? ›

The Laksa is a perfect balance of flavours. The sweet, sour, spicy and sour elements go perfectly well the rice noodles, prawns, tofu puffs and fish meat.

What noodle to use for laksa? ›

Noodles – The common noodles found in Laksa is vermicelli noodles (thin white noodles). However, “serious” laksa joints serve laksa with both vermicelli and Hokkien Noodles. Hokkien Noodles are optional – I only use it when making laksa for company. Fried Tofu Puffs – these are fried tofu pieces.

What is laksa in English? ›

Laksa is a popular spicy noodle soup from Peranakan culture. Curry laksa (sometimes called just laksa) is a coconut soup made with prawns, beef, bean sprouts and chili. It is very spicy but can be made milder by leaving out some of the chilis.

What is the Chinese name for laksa? ›

叻沙 : laksa, spicy no... : lè shā | Definition | Mandarin Chinese Pinyin English Dictionary | Yabla Chinese.

Why is laksa so spicy? ›

Chinese elements such as ginger, garlic and shallots harmonize with Malay elements like lemongrass, chile peppers, coconut milk and shrimp paste to create a unique and piquant spice paste that forms the heart of laksa noodle soup.

What do you eat laksa with? ›

Laksa food pairings
  • Tamarind and mackerel. ...
  • Coconut and bitter-sweet kalamansi lime. ...
  • Chicken and lemongrass. ...
  • Laksa leaves and shrimp paste. ...
  • Pumpkin and lime leaves. ...
  • Pork and grilled pineapple. ...
  • Scallops and sweet basil. ...
  • Beef and peanuts.

What is the difference between curry laksa and laksa? ›

The term “curry laksa” is more commonly used in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore Laksa is quite popular in Singapore, and curry laksa or nyonya laksa can be simply served as plain laksa, with just noodles and gravy, or with additional ingredients. Singaporean curry laksa ranked in number 44th of CNN World's 50 best foods.

How many calories are in one laksa? ›

Other sizes: 1 serving - 313kcal, 100 g - 131kcal, more...

Does laksa have high cholesterol? ›

Laksa. The creamy coconut milk base in Laksa is saturated fat-rich, potentially elevating cholesterol levels. Opt for a smaller portion or a reduced-coconut version if available.

How much sugar is in laksa? ›

Laksa: 1 medium bowl contains ~2 tsp of sugar (9.88g)

Is laksa high in salt? ›

Fried kuey teow, char kuey teow, and noodles with curry or soy sauce gravy contained almost 2000 mg sodium per serving. Laksa (rice-based noodles with gravy made from fish) from Penang and Perak also contained almost 2000 mg sodium per serving.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rubie Ullrich

Last Updated:

Views: 6227

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rubie Ullrich

Birthday: 1998-02-02

Address: 743 Stoltenberg Center, Genovevaville, NJ 59925-3119

Phone: +2202978377583

Job: Administration Engineer

Hobby: Surfing, Sailing, Listening to music, Web surfing, Kitesurfing, Geocaching, Backpacking

Introduction: My name is Rubie Ullrich, I am a enthusiastic, perfect, tender, vivacious, talented, famous, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.