8 contemporary venues for classic laksa recipes in KL & Selangor

From Sarawak laksa to Johor laksa to asam laksa, the diversity of Malaysia’s traditional laksa dishes makes for slurp-worthy deliciousness at these modern eateries.

1. Makan at The Basikal at Bangsar

Terengganu-style laksa kuah putih and Penang’s asam laksa are the highlights here – both cost RM6 each, princely portions at relatively pauper-friendly prices for Bangsar, prepared with less salt & oil than the norm, in line with a creed of healthy living at this cyclist-themed café.

Address: Backlane of 90, Jalan Bangsar, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, WP Kuala Lumpur
Read review of Makan at The Basikal

2. SALTed at Mutiara Damansara

SALTed started out as a stall at Bandar Utama, but in November 2016, it moved into its own full-fledged physical outlet in Mutiara Damansara – the Sarawak laksa is served by a couple from Kuching, boasting firm-to-the-bite, thicker-than-usual rice vermicelli submerged in a savoury broth made with Kuching-produced paste (plus a few extra secret ingredients), blanketed with prawns, cuttlefish, shredded chicken, bean sprouts & omelette strips

Address: 30-1, Jalan PJU 7/16A, Mutiara Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Read review of SALTed

3. Katie’s Stove at Ampang

This friendly, family-run restaurant brings a bit of Johor to KL, relying on recipes that catering veteran Khaty Ahmad inherited from her mother – the star attraction is the Johor Laksa, made with ikan parang (wolf herring) in adherence to authenticity, aromatic with mild spices, creamy with a coconut milk gravy, balanced with shredded cucumbers, sliced onions & bean sprouts. The portion’s small, but the laksa has a nice home-made feel to it.

Address: Unit G-1, 241B, Hyde @Hock Choon, , Lorong Nibong Off Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Read review of Katie’s Stove

4. Straits Food Company at Bangsar

Straits Food Company’s fans adore the Malacca-style Nyonya laksa (prepared with a choice of mee hoon or kuey teow), comprising shrimp, fish balls, cockles & more in a light coconut milk gravy, blessedly not too spicy or oily.

Address: 2 Jalan Abdullah, Off Jalan Bangsar,, Bangsar Utama, 59000 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor
Read review of Straits Food Company

5. TOKB Café at Petaling Jaya

The menu here spotlights flavours from Kelantan state (TOKB stands for Taste Of Kota Bharu, Kelantan’s capital), with northeastern recipes like laksam sourced from a woman who’s cooked for three decades in Kelantan.

Address: Avenue D’ Vogue, No.3A, Jalan 13/2, , Seksyen 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Read review of TOKB Cafe

6. The Hawker Street at Taman Desa

Assam laksa tops the list here, hitting the right notes for harmonious proportions of tangy, sweet & savoury nuances. It takes us back to 1999, to the backstreets of Georgetown on a Sunday afternoon.

Address: 33 Jalan 109F, Plaza Danau 2, Taman Danau Desa, Kuala Lumpur
Read review of The Hawker Street

7. Tossed at Jaya Shopping Centre

Tossed takes pride in recipes that its founder’s family has guarded for generations; his mom hails from Johor, so it’s no surprise that the southern state’s staunchly loved version of laksa a should-try here – onion-&-cucumber-garnished spaghetti soaked in slowly-simmered ‘ikan parang’ fish gravy that’s gratifying to the final savoury slurp, served with a potent sambal.

Address: Level 4, Jaya Shopping Centre, Section 14, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Read review of Tossed

8. Antara Restaurant at Raja Chulan

Many recipes in Antara’s oeuvre reflect a respect for time-honoured local flavours, artfully balancing the generations-old heritage of Malaysian cuisine with modern gastronomy’s ever-expanding palette. Sarawak laksa is crowned with marron for a princely flourish, while retaining the robust dynamics & dimensions of a Kuching-proud rendition, bolstered by belacan brought into KL from Sarawak.

Address: Lot 2, 66-68 Lorong Raja Chulan, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Read review of Antara Restaurant