What is Laksa? – Latitude International College Darwin (2024)

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What is Laksa? – Latitude International College Darwin? ›

It's a delightful combination of rich and creamy coconut milk-based soup, noodles, and a variety of toppings, making it a harmonious fusion of Chinese and Malay flavors.

Darwin's proximity to Asia and extensive multicultural population means it's not surprising that laksa is Darwin's most highly acclaimed dish. While the ingredients in Darwin's laksas are a closely guarded secret by each connoisseur, there will surely be a laksa style and flavour to suit everyone.

Some etymologists believe the word laksa originates from an ancient Persian word for noodles, 'laksha' – a remnant of the centuries old trade links between the Middle East and islands of the Pacific. But the dish is claimed by Malaysia and Singapore as their own and slurped from Thailand to Indonesia and beyond.

In Singapore, the oft-repeated origin story of laksa is this: That the coupling of Chinese noodles and broth infused with Southeast Asian spices came from the 15th-century mixed marriages of traders from China and local women - which gave rise to Peranakan culture in the Straits Settlements of Singapore, Melaka and ...

A bit similar to Khow Suey, the main difference between a Singapore Laksa and Khow Suey is that egg noodles are used, in addition to a garnish of deep fried egg noodles in Khow Suey. And the preferred meat for a Khow Suey is chicken.

Laksa is a popular dish in Singapore, containing influences from Chinese, Malay, and other cultures. At its core, laksa is a spicy soup comprising the base ingredients of coconut milk, dried shrimp, fishcake, and prawns. A delicate balance is achieved in the best laksa soup to ensure it is neither too thick nor watery.

The Laksa is a perfect balance of flavours. The sweet, sour, spicy and sour elements go perfectly well the rice noodles, prawns, tofu puffs and fish meat.

In Sanskrit, laksa means "one hundred thousand", referring to numerous strands of the vermicelli. The term laksa or lakhshah is also believed to have come from Persian or Hindi which refer to a kind of vermicelli.

Health Benefits: Laksa offers a balance of macronutrients: proteins from shrimp and fish cake, carbohydrates from rice noodles, and healthy fats from coconut milk. The dish also includes micronutrients from its various ingredients.

The Nyonya laksa is sometimes dubbed the original laksa as the recipe was passed down by the Peranakan community, many of whom still live in Melaka today. The laksa has a seafood-based broth, but added with coconut milk. This gives the soup a slightly creamy, sweet flavor but with a spicy kick.

Is laksa Chinese or Thai? ›

Laksa is a spicy noodle soup from Malaysia, also found in other South East Asian counties including Singapore and Indonesia. Laksa as we know it here in Australia is made with a coconut broth that is spicy and fragrant.

Thai Laksa: Very similar to the Laksa Lemak above as coconut milk features heavily in Thai cuisine. Reminiscent of tom yum, as the spices are often more Thai-oriented (lotsa lemongrass, ginger, fish sauce). Katong Laksa: The most renowned of Singaporean laksas. Characterised by short, bite-sized chunks of noodles.

Laksa is a delicious traditional Malaysian soup which is basically a combination of a curry and a pho or stock based noodle soup. It uses the creamy coconut milk component with a more liquid base to give super cozy soup.

Laksa base broth, bacon ham chashu, scallions, eggs, side dish of nori, gyoza, roasted garlic, with black vinegar dip. The broth used has different origins and spices than traditional ramen, but it has the same core concepts so I for one welcome this delicious looking relative of ramen!

For sizzling street food

Darwin has a long history of bustling markets where you'll find the city's iconic flavours. Mindil Beach Sunset Market (open Thursday and Sunday afternoon and evenings) has some of the best laksa in the city, while the Parap Village Market is a paradise of tropical fruits and smoothies.

Darwin is renowned for its art—hidden galleries of contemporary works featuring paintings from highly collectable Aboriginal artists. Start at the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT, a sprawling cultural complex five minutes from the city.

Originating from Peranakan Chinese cuisine, laksa recipes are commonly served in Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Sarawak Laksa is a Symbol of Cultural Diversity!

However, the defining difference in Sarawak Laksa is the use of sambal belacan, a potent chilli condiment made from fermented shrimp paste, that imparts an incredible depth of flavour to the dish.