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Penang Asam Laksa — traditional dish from Penang, Malaysia
Soup Fish & Seafood

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥580kcal
💪38gProtein
🌾55gCarbs
🥑18gFat
🌿3gFibre
⚖️350 gServing

* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.

Allergens

🐟 Fish

Penang Asam Laksa

How to order / say it
Say it 亚参叻沙 — [Pe-nang Ah-sahm Lak-sah]
Order I'd like a bowl of Penang Asam Laksa, please.
Locally 我想要一碗亚参叻沙,谢谢。
Say locally

A tangy, spicy fish-based noodle soup with a distinct sour taste.

Why try it?

This dish captures the soul of Penang's street food culture with its unique blend of spicy and sour flavors that reflect the island's multicultural heritage.

How it tastes

The soup is a blend of spicy, sour, and umami notes with a rich fish broth, served alongside thick rice noodles and garnished with fresh mint, cucumber, and onions.

Origin & History — first documented: 1880

Originating in the late 19th century, Penang Asam Laksa was created by the Peranakan community. It quickly became an iconic dish, showcasing Penang's trade route significance and cultural diversity.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🐟 300 g mackerel
  • 🌾 200 g rice noodles
  • 🧂 50 g tamarind peel
  • 🌿 1 ginger flower
  • 🧂 50 g chili paste
  • 🌿 10 g fresh mint leaves

Method

  1. 1 Boil mackerel until cooked, then flake.
  2. 2 Simmer broth with tamarind, spices, and flaked mackerel.
  3. 3 Add rice noodles to bowl, pour broth, garnish with herbs.
All Asia recipes — Malaysia — Penang — Penang Asam Laksa
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