If someone says “let’s go eat laksa,” your next question should probably be: “Which kind?” Because in Malaysia, “laksa” doesn’t refer to just one dish. In fact, it’s kind of a catch-all word for a whole family of noodles swimming in all sorts of broths. Depending on where you are, laksa can mean sour fish soup, rich coconut curry, spaghetti with spicy gravy, or even a thick white sauce made from blended fish.
So here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular types of laksa in Malaysia — what they are, where they come from, and where you can try each of them (yes, you need to try them all).
If you’re looking for other types of Malaysian noodle dishes beyond laksa (like the famous char kuey teow), I’ve written a separate guide on 10 must-try noodle dishes in Malaysia — you might want to check that out too.
1. Assam laksa / Penang laksa
Probably the most popular laksa in Malaysia, this version is bold, sour, and unapologetically fishy. Penang assam laksa gets its signature tang from a tamarind-based broth, and is usually made with flaked mackerel, thick round rice noodles, and a handful of fresh toppings like shredded cucumber, onions, mint leaves, chopped chilies, and a dollop of shrimp paste for added depth and richness. It’s served hot, but the fresh herbs and crunchy veg balance it out nicely.
You won’t find any coconut milk in this one — it’s not creamy at all. Instead, the flavor leans bright and intense, with a slightly sweet edge. Some people fall in love with it instantly; others need a few bites to adjust. But if you enjoy dishes that are a little tangy and a little spicy (the spice level is totally customizable), assam laksa is definitely worth trying at least once. And in Penang, it’s practically a rite of passage.
Fun fact: Penang assam laksa was ranked the 7th best dish in the world by CNN in 2020.
Best places to try Penang laksa
Penang
- Penang Road Famous Laksa (George Town) – A must-visit street stall highlighted in travel guides as the classic Penang experience.
- Penang Air Itam Laksa (Air Itam) — A legendary street stall serving thick, tangy assam laksa right next to Kek Lok Si Temple, loved for its bold fishy broth and unbeatable old-school flavour.
- Wan Dao Tou Assam Laksa (George Town) – A Michelin Bib Gourmand spot with a 50‑year‑old family recipe famous for its perfect balance of sour, spicy, and sweet.
Kuala Lumpur
- Asam Laksa Petaling Street (Chinatown) – A legendary stall since 1968 serving a thick, homey bowl using chunky tuna, mint, pineapple, and shrimp paste.
- Little Penang (Suria KLCC, Atria Shopping Gallery, IOI Mall Damansara) — A reliable chain that serves decent Penang-style asam laksa with a milder broth, perfect if you’re easing into the dish or dining with picky eaters.
- If you want something convenient and affordable in shopping malls, go for Ah Cheng Laksa or D’Laksa. Both have multiple branches around Kuala Lumpur.
2. Laksa utara (northern-style laksa)
Laksa utara is the version of laksa you’ll find in the northern states of Malaysia, especially Kedah and Perlis. It’s sometimes called Kedah laksa or Perlis laksa in their respective states. At first glance, it looks a lot like Penang assam laksa — and honestly, to the untrained palate, it might even taste the same. Both are made with a fish-based broth (usually mackerel), thick rice noodles, and the same usual toppings: sliced cucumber, bunga kantan (torch ginger), red onion, some chili, lime, and hard-boiled egg.
But ask anyone from the north, and they’ll insist they’re completely different dishes. Laksa utara tends to have a slightly thicker, smoother broth as the fish is blended until smooth instead of shredded like in Penang laksa. The color is also noticeably less red compared to its Penang cousin, more of a brownish or greyish tone instead of that reddish hue you’d expect from assam laksa.
Best places to try laksa utara
Kedah
- Zakaria Laksa Teluk Kechai (Alor Setar) — A cult favorite with a tangy fish broth, and uniquely topped with sambal kelapa and daun putat. It’s so good locals line up every day (except Fridays).
- Din Laksa Beras (Alor Setar) — Praised on Tripadvisor as “incredibly delicious” and affordable, this stall uses homemade rice noodles and a lighter broth.
- Maksu Laksa Dapur Arang (Gurun) – Traditional laksa utara cooked over charcoal for that smoky, old-school flavor.
- Laksa Ikan Sekoq (Langkawi) — The classic laksa but served with a whole mackerel, and a view of the airport and the beach.
Perlis
- Kak Su Laksa (Kuala Perlis) — Known for thick, fish-packed broth and the signature pulut udang (grilled glutinous rice with prawn). Locals recommend mixing the two together.
- D’ Adna Laksa House (Kuala Perlis) — Another local favorite that serves both laksa and pulut udang.
- Beng Laksa Perlis (Kangar) — Operated in a house by Uncle Chuah who had been selling for over 40 years. This place offers both asam laksa and a coconut-rich lemak laksa, and even a mix for those who want the best of both worlds.
Kuala Lumpur
- Kedai Kak Mah Laksa Utara (Taman Kobena) — A no-frills spot serving thick, flavorful northern-style laksa that tastes like something straight from a Kedah kampung.
- Laksa Kedah Dapur Abah (Pandan Indah) — Homemade-style laksa with generous fish gravy, spicy sambal, and soft rice noodles. Comfort food for northern Malaysians in the city.
3. Nyonya laksa / lemak laksa
If you like your noodles with a bit of richness, go for laksa lemak, also known as Nyonya laksa. This version is all about balance — creamy from the coconut milk, but still fragrant and slightly tangy thanks to ingredients like lemongrass, fresh turmeric, kesum leaves (Vietnamese coriander) and galangal. The broth is usually a soft orange color, full of aroma and warmth, but without being overwhelmingly heavy or spicy. It’s often served with prawns, tofu puffs, hard-boiled egg, and a spoonful of sambal for a bit of heat on the side.
You’ll find different takes on it depending on where you are. In Melaka, the broth tends to be a bit sweeter and richer, while Penang’s version might come with a bit more spice and some Thai influence. Both are rooted in Peranakan or Straits Chinese cooking, which blends Malay and Chinese influences in a way that’s truly unique to this region.
Best places to try nyonya laksa
Melaka
- Restaurant Baba Kaya (Melaka Tengah) – A charming riverside Nyonya café serving standout dishes like creamy nyonya laksa, served via pulley basket.
- Calanthe Art Café (Jalan Hang Kasturi) – A café championing top-tier Nyonya laksa, rated among the best in Malacca.
- Bess Kopitiam (Kampung Solok Musai) – Winner of “Malaysia’s best laksa” award, with a rich and creamy broth.
Penang
- Laksalicious (George Town) – A modern café with both creamy Nyonya laksa and tangy Assam laksa, awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand.
- Laksa Mana (George Town) – A minimalistic cafe known for their bold-flavored nyonya laksa, assam laksa, and a mix of both.
- Laksa Houze (George Town) – A humble stall inside a food court, serving the classic laksas along with some creative inventions, such as laksa spaghetti and fried laksa.
Kuala Lumpur
- Baba Low (Bangsar) — Originating from Melaka, this popular Bangsar outlet serves a Nyonya Laksa well-loved by locals.
- Limapulo: Baba Can Cook (Chow Kit) — Hailed by Tripadvisor reviewers as “the best Laksa in KL,” this nostalgic kitchen specializes in Melakan-style Nyonya Laksa.
- The Peranakan (Bangsar) — A stylish newcomer serving Malacca-style Nyonya laksa, with a fragrant, prawn-spiced coconut broth, widely praised for its authentic flavor and artisan preparation.
4. Curry laksa
Curry laksa is a popular noodle dish with a coconut milk-based broth that’s rich, creamy, and spicy all at once. In Penang and the northern states, it’s usually called curry mee, but it’s essentially the same dish. The broth is made with a blend of curry spices and coconut milk, giving it a bold, creamy kick that warms you up from the inside out.
You’ll get either yellow egg noodles or rice vermicelli (or a mix of both), topped with shredded chicken, cockles, tofu puffs, long beans, and bean sprouts. Some stalls add fried eggplant or a spoonful of sambal on the side. It’s a familiar dish that you can find at many hawker stalls and kopitiams (traditional coffee shops).
Best places to try curry laksa
Penang
- Sister Curry Mee (Air Itam) – Run by two sisters for over 70 years, but now has been taken over by their descendant. The egg‑noodle curry mee comes loaded with tofu puffs, prawns, cuttlefish, and a fiery coconut‑based broth.
- Uncle Loke Curry Mee (George Town) — A top spot for vegetarian curry mee, served with tofu puffs, long beans, and a rich, milky broth that doesn’t skimp on flavor despite being meat-free.
- Chulia Street Curry Mee (George Town) — An legend on Lebuh Carnarvon, this street stall dishes out classic curry mee with yellow noodles, cuttlefish, prawns, cockles, and a killer sambal.
Kuala Lumpur
- Jia Li Mian Noodle House (Pandan Jaya) — Penang-style curry mee with rich coconut broth and perfectly balanced spice, a local KL favorite.
- Girl and Mommy Curry Mee (Salak South) — Family-run stall known for hearty, homey curry laksa loaded with a generous portion of fresh juicy cockles, tofu puffs, and spicy sambal.
- Grandmama’s (various locations) — Upscale restaurant chain serving a variety of Malaysian dishes, including consistently satisfying bowls of curry laksa.
5. Sarawak laksa
Sarawak laksa is a bit different from the rest. It comes from East Malaysia, specifically from Sarawak, and has its own unique blend of flavors. The broth is a reddish-brown color, slightly creamy but not overly rich, with a base made from a special laksa paste that combines spices, herbs, and sometimes a hint of sambal belacan. It’s not as sour as Penang’s assam laksa, nor as heavy as curry laksa — it sits somewhere in between.
The noodles are usually thin rice vermicelli, and the toppings are generous: shredded chicken, poached prawns, thin slices of omelet, crunchy bean sprouts, and a sprinkle of fresh coriander. A squeeze of lime and a little extra sambal on the side tie everything together. People from Sarawak are deeply proud of their laksa, something you’ll have to taste for yourself to understand why.
Fun fact: Laksa Sarawak was endorsed by the late American celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain in 2015 as the “breakfast of the Gods“.
Best places to try Sarawak laksa
Sarawak
- Choon Hui Cafe (Kuching) — Anthony Bourdain’s go-to spot for its creamy‑spicy broth packed with prawns, chicken, egg, and vermicelli.
- Mom’s Laksa (multiple branches, Kuching) — A creamy, homestyle laksa with a richer coconut‑broth consistency and a slightly sweeter profile.
- Chong Choon Cafe (Kuching) — Known for the impressive big-prawn laksa, a favorite among families and locals, praised for its perfectly balanced broth and juicy prawns.
Kuala Lumpur
- Aunty Christina’s Sarawak Laksa (Petaling Jaya) – Slightly out of town but still close enough, this restaurant serves rich Sarawak laksa, beloved by homesick East Malaysians and Klang Valley locals.
- Dayang Sarawak Corner (multiple branches) — A restaurant chain known for affordable, authentic Sarawakian goodies.
- Restoran Dapur Sarawak (Pekeliling) — Popular spot serving one of the best Sarawak laksa in KL, along with other Sarawakian cuisine.
6. Kelantan laksa / laksam
Kelantan laksa doesn’t look like the laksa most of us are used to. There’s no bright orange curry or tangy fish broth here. Instead, you get a white, slightly grainy gravy made from coconut milk and blended fish. It’s thick, rich, and usually comes with a handful of fresh herbs and a dollop of spicy sambal on the side. Another version, called laksam, comes with the same gravy but uses soft, flat rice noodles that are rolled up into thick ribbons, almost like chee cheong fun.
This version of laksa is most commonly found in Kelantan and Terengganu. Note that in Terengganu, they have both laksa with red gravy (similar to Johor laksa sauce), and laksa with white gravy. If you’re travelling along the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, it’s definitely a must-try.
Best places to try laksam
Kelantan
- Kedai Laksam Telur Puyuh Best Kelar (Pasir Mas) — Located along Jln Pasir Mas–Tanah Merah, this stall pairs traditional laksam with quail eggs and spicy sambal‑daging topping.
- Kopitiam Kita (Kota Bharu) — A beloved Kota Bharu kopitiam renowned for its authentic Kelantan classics, including a comforting, hearty bowl of laksam, plus nasi berlauk and kaya toast in a traditional morning setting.
Terengganu
- Nasi Dagang Atas Tol – Bandar (multiple branches) — A legendary breakfast joint famous for its fragrant nasi dagang and creamy laksam — worth queuing before 7 AM to beat the crowds.
- Kedai Laksa Beseng Makcik Ros (Kuala Terengganu) — A beloved neighborhood laksa stall selling several different types of laksa (currently fewer online reviews, but locally recommended).
- On the Way Kopitiam (Kuala Terengganu) — A highly rated waterfront kopitiam serving up classics like laksam, papaya rojak, keropok lekor, and kaya butter toast in a relaxed, local hangout spot.
Kuala Lumpur
- Kantan @ Damas (Taman Sri Hartamas) — Located in a high-end shopping mall, this restaurant serves Kelantanese delicacies including laksam, nasi kerabu, and ayam percik.
- Kak Som, Pantai Timur (Kampung Baru) — Authentic East Coast restaurant, serving creamy Kelantan-style laksam and nasi dagang in KL’s last remaining traditional village.
- Restoran Tuu Dok Ko 1488 (Batu Caves) — Rolled fresh on-site each morning, this place serves creamy fish‑coconut gravy laksam with a punchy sambal kick.
7. Johor laksa
Laksa Johor is one of the more unique versions out there — it uses spaghetti instead of the usual rice noodles. The gravy is thick and rich, made from fish (usually ikan parang/wolf herring), coconut milk, and a blend of spices that gives it a deep, almost curry-like flavor. Some people describe it as a cross between laksa and rendang, which honestly isn’t too far off. It’s usually served dry or with just a little gravy coating the noodles, and comes with traditional garnishes like bean sprouts, cucumber, herbs, a squeeze of lime, and a generous spoonful of
This dish has strong royal roots and is especially popular in Johor during festivals or special occasions, though you can still find it at some restaurants year-round. It’s not the easiest laksa to track down outside the state, but if you ever find yourself in Johor or come across a stall that makes it well, it’s definitely worth trying.
Best places to try Johor laksa
Johor
- Restoran Rumah Mas (Johor Bahru) — A highly rated spot for Laksa Johor loved for its flavor-packed gravy, generous portions, and friendly service.
- Al-Ansar Cafe @ Restoran Musa (Johor Bahru) — A suburban gem famed for serving authentic Johor laksa with rich, fish-packed gravy and freshly pounded sambal.
- Bumbu Asli Kolam Ayer (Johor Bahru) — Halal-certified and recommended by food guides, this place excels in traditional laksa Johor served with hearty local hospitality.
Kuala Lumpur
- Paktam Laksa Johor (Taman Melawati) — A cozy stall serving generous bowls of Laksa Johor with rich, flavor-packed gravy and plenty of fresh garnishes, earning repeat praise from local brunchers.
- D’Timer Cafe (Wangsa Maju)– A modern café by and for Johoreans, this spot is praised for its thick, homestyle Laksa Johor that “really tastes like homecooked”.
- Selera Johor Masakan Asli Muar (Desa Melawati) – A no-frills restaurant specializing in authentic Muar-style Johor cuisine, known for hearty, traditional Laksa Johor among other Johor favorites.
Final thoughts
Laksa is a window into Malaysia’s wildly diverse cultures. The fact that one country can have this many variations of the same noodle soup says a lot about how food here is tied to identity, geography, and generations of home-cooked tweaks.
If you’re the kind of person who plans trips around meals (hi, same), consider joining a food tour while you’re here. It’s one of the easiest (and most delicious) ways to sample the country’s best eats, especially if you’re short on time or overwhelmed by choices. Here are some of the best Malaysian food tours I recommend.
