Cover Photo: Flickr/Pandora Voon
Photo: Flickr/Pandora Voon
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These five chefs in Kuala Lumpur share where they go for their favourite bowls of assam laksa
CNN ranked it at number seven on its list of best foods in the world in 2021. It was also one of the late Anthony Bourdain's favourite dishes.
From George Town to Johor Bahru, assam laksa is a dish beloved by both Malaysians and foreigners, something these five chefs can attest to.
See also: The Best Nasi Lemak in Malaysia, According to These Malaysian Chefs
Aidan Low, head chef and co-owner of Akar Dining
Above Photo: Instagram/@___callery
Above Photo: Instagram/@___callery
Photo: Instagram/@___callery
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"It’s been a while since I last had a good bowl of assam laksa but I have fond memories of the assam laksa in Air Itam, Penang. It's got a really concentrated broth and a very tasty prawn paste. The size of the bowls are on the smaller side but you could easily go for a second or third serving!"
Penang Air Itam Laksa | Jalan Pasar, Paya Terubong, 11500 George Town, Penang | +6012-500 7063 | Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm
See also: 6 Open-Kitchen Eateries in Malaysia You Need to Try for Your Next Meal Out
Nicholas Scorpion, chef and owner of Jing Ze Contemporary Asian Restaurant
Above Photo: Instagram/@soyabooya
Photo: Instagram/@soyabooya
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"I had the best assam laksa Little Penang Cafe, which I used to frequent with my late godfather. The bowl of laksa brought him so much joy every time; in turn, it brought me joy and good memories. It's got big flavours and they have the noodles just right—silky and slightly springy. More importantly, the taste is consistent every time."
See also: Kuala Lumpur Named One of Eater's Best Food Cities in 2022
Tyson Gee, executive chef of The RuMa Hotel and Residences
Above Photo: Instagram/@sunny.cct
Photo: Instagram/@sunny.cct
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"One of the first places I tried assam laksa was in Petaling Street (this shop has since moved to Cheras). The broth was intensely flavoured and sharp. Also, the slight snap of noodle just rounded everything off beautifully."
Asam Laksa Petaling Street | No.9, Jalan Temenggung 5/9, Seksyen 9, Bandar Mahkota Cheras 43200 Cheras | +6017 716 2623 | Monday-Sunday, 8:30am-7pm
Kalidevan Murugaya, founder of D’Vegan Academy and PB Kitchen
Above Photo: Instagram/@pinxinvegan
Photo: Instagram/@pinxinvegan
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"Penang assam laksa is one thing I thought would be hard to recreate as a vegan dish but Pinxin in Penang proved me wrong. Its vegan assam laksa tastes exactly like the regular laksa. Even my non-vegan friend, who always complains to me about vegan food, approves of it."
Pinxin Vegan Cuisine | 38, Lebuh Tye Sin, 10300 Georgetown, Penang | +604 261 0043 | Monday-Sunday, 11am-9.30pm
See also: Chef Dave Puts A Vegan Spin On Popular Malaysian Dishes
Ivan Chong, chef and owner of Cotta
Above Photo: Instagram/@so3dna.kl
Photo: Instagram/@so3dna.kl
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"A good assam laksa is a well-orchestrated balance of ingredients, each doing its part, never overpowering nor hiding. It might not be everyone's favourite but Restoran Penang Corner gets it right seven out of 10 times."
Restoran Penang Corner | Gerai 28B, Jalan Besar, Kepong Baru, 52100, Kuala Lumpur | Tuesday-Sunday, 8am-4pm
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Amanda is a KL-born and raised third culture kid, who lives to eat. If not found reading, writing for Tatler Dining, or snacking, she is most likely playing with her dog, Katsu, sourcing new Birkenstocks, or looking for a new restaurant to venture to.
Follow her on Instagram at @feedingamanda.
