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'Assam Laksa' or 'Asam Laksa' is a famous local delicacy in Penang. Sometimes, it is also called 'Penang Laksa' as it is considered as an indigenous food of Penang. Commonly found at Penang hawker centers or coffee shops but usually not available at restaurants. Of Peranakan origin, Penang Laksa is a combo dish from both Malay and Chinese flavors.
'Assam' or 'Asam' is a Malay word for tamarind which is used as stock to prepare the soup for this popular dish. In fact, a bowl of Laksa is served with rice noodles in a thick sour soup of shredded fish, garnished with slices of shallots, cucumbers, pineapples, lettuces, mint leaves, chilies, ginger torch flower bud ('bunga kantan') and topped off with sweet shrimp paste (Or 'Hae Ko' which literally means prawn paste in Hokkien). The delicious soup is usually prepared with local spices includes galangal (or 'lengkuas' in Malay), lemon grass (or 'serai' in Malay), minced onions, chilies, polygonum leaves and shrimp paste granules (or 'belacan' as called in Malay). These spices are cooked under low fire for at least an hour before adding in the debone mackerels and continue to be simmered for another hour. Finally, the soup is perfected with salt, sugar and sweet shrimp paste.
If you happen to pass by Balik Pulau town during your Penang round island trip, do not miss the opportunity to try the Famous Balik Pulau Laksa. Located at the 'T' junction of Tun Sardon Road (Jalan Tun Sardon) and Balik Pulau Road (Jalan Balik Pulau) in the heart of Balik Pulau town, the Laksa at Nan Guang corner coffee shop is serving two types of Laksa - 'Asam Laksa' and 'Siam Laksa' which is also known as 'Laksa Lemak'.
In 1970s, Balik Pulau Laksa was dominated by Khoo family who lived at No. 100, Main Road of Balik Pulau. Unfortunately, following the deceased of Mrs Khoo, the Laksa business was discontinued. Later, it was picked up by Ewe's family whom happened to stay next door of the Khoo and benefited from their secret recipe owing to Mrs Ewe's interest in cooking. Mrs Ewe then perfected the recipe and went a step further to introduce a sweeter variety called 'Laksa Lemak' which is another version of Laksa that contains coconut milk. After 30 years in business, Mrs Ewe decided to retire. Thus, John who happen to be Ewe family's friend took over in February 2004 and is the present owner of the Laksa business of Balik Pulau Laksa.
In order to differentiate the best laksa from the good ones is by tasting the soup. Although food is a piece of subjective object to evaluate, my preferance of delicious Penang Laksa should have a thick soup which also means plenty of fish and reasonable combination of tamarind stock and sweet shrimp paste.
Keen to try and cook one for yourself? Check out the ingredients and some simple steps here!
Address:
Balik Pulau Laksa at Nan Guang Coffee Shop (next to former Balik Pulau Market)
Jalan Balik Pulau,
Balik Pulau, Penang, Malaysia
Business hours: 12:30pm - 3:30pm (Close on Wednesday)
Come earlier on weekends to avoid disappointment
Recommendation: 4/5
Location: Courtesy by Google Map, please click and zoom in: Balik Pulau Laksa
If you are looking to stay at this place you may try find your hotels in Penang
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Famous Penang Balik Pulau Asam Laksa and Siam Laksa at Nan Guang Coffee Shop
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