Laksa

Laksa is a popular spicy noodle soup dish found in the Peranakan cuisine. It is commonly served in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Southern Thailand. The dish is renowned for its rich, complex flavors, which are created by combining various ingredients and spices.

History

The origins of Laksa are unclear, but it is believed to have been created in Malacca, a state in Malaysia, by the Peranakan people. The Peranakans are descendants of early Chinese migrants who settled in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, inter-marrying with local Malays. The term 'Laksa' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'lakshas', meaning 'one hundred thousand', which could refer to the multitude of ingredients used in the dish.

Varieties

There are two main types of Laksa: Curry Laksa and Asam Laksa.

Curry Laksa (also known as Nyonya Laksa) is a coconut-based curry soup. The main ingredients for most versions of curry laksa include tofu puffs, fish sticks, shrimp, and cockles. Some variants might include chicken.

Asam Laksa is a sour, fish-based soup. Asam (or asam jawa) is the Malay word for any ingredients that makes a dish tastes sour (e.g., tamarind, gelugur or kokum). The main ingredients for Asam Laksa include fish, normally mackerel, and finely sliced vegetables including cucumber, onions, red chillies, pineapple, lettuce, common mint, daun kesum (Vietnamese mint or laksa mint), and pink bunga kantan (torch ginger).

Preparation and Serving

Laksa is traditionally served with rice noodles or rice vermicelli, and is garnished with Vietnamese coriander, or laksa leaf, which is known in Malay as daun kesum. This is usually served with a spoonful of sambal chilli paste and traditionally garnished with Vietnamese coriander, or laksa leaf, which is known in Malay as daun kesum.

Cultural Significance

Laksa has a significant place in the culinary cultures of Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. It is often served at special occasions and is a staple at many street food stalls and hawker centres in these countries. In 2011, CNN Go (now CNN Travel) listed Penang Asam Laksa as one of the top 10 world's most delicious foods.

See Also

• Peranakan cuisine
• Malaysian cuisine
• Singaporean cuisine
• Indonesian cuisine