KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 27 — When it comes to Johor Laksa, it takes a lot of effort to find places that even serve it in the Klang Valley since it is so laborious to prepare. Of course, the home-made version is far superior. If you ever get an invitation to eat the home-cooked version, make sure you go.
Unique to the southern state, the laksa’s broth is a creamy one with the abundant use of coconut milk. A lot of work goes into the laksa, like boiling the ikan parang or mackerel fish ahead to create the fish stock. Subsequently the fish is ladled out and painstakingly deboned for its flesh.
A spice paste made with lemongrass, onions, dried prawns and galangal is blended and sautéed until fragrant. The fish stock is added to the spice paste and slowly cooked. Usually, pieces of asam gelugor are added into the stock to balance out the sweetness from the use of kerisik or toasted grated coconut and the rich coconut milk.
The deboned fish flesh is also added into the broth. The laksa is always paired with spaghetti. Some families in Johor even make the broth thicker and twist the spaghetti strands into bundles to make it easier to eat the laksa with their hands. It’s always garnished with shredded cucumbers, herbs like daun kesom or bunga kantan and vegetables like finely chopped long beans or four-angled beans. Sambal belacan is served on the side. Just before you eat the laksa, squeeze calamansi lime juice over it to cut through the richness of the laksa.
Nowadays, quite a few homebased caterers are peddling the laksa. Look for Instagram @johorcravings or https://www.facebook.com/laksajohorheritage/ for deliveries within certain areas. Usually there is a minimum order for five persons and the laksa can be delivered to your doorstep at a charge.
Restoran Azira, No. 5, Jalan Cheongsam 10/11, Section 10, Shah Alam.
This place serves from 11am onwards. What’s interesting is the laksa is served in a plate lined with a large piece of leaf that makes it incredibly eye catching. The mound of spaghetti ladled with the thick laksa broth is garnished with crunchy shredded cucumber, onions, bean sprouts and a spicy sambal belacan. Don’t be surprised if you see people eat it with their hands here as this place is a draw for many Johoreans with its spread of Southern delights. For lunch time, their nasi campur selection is popular.
Cik Mek Molek, Stall No. 9, Selera Wawasan, Jalan SS3/33, Petaling Jaya.
Look for this stall within a food court for a delicious mix of Johor and Kelantan eats like laksam and nasi kerabu. Their laksa is served from 10am onwards and it is one of the best budget eats for RM5. The thick broth with flaked fish is mildly spicy and topped with finely shredded cucumber, chopped long beans and bunga kantan. Even their sambal belacan is fragrant with a mild spiciness.
Pinang Masak Cafe & Restaurant, K2, Taman Tunku, Bukit Tunku, KL.
Available for breakfast from 8am onwards and sometimes for lunch, their laksa is thick and delicious with an abundance of flaked fish that trumps its paler look. Unlike other places, they use angel hair pasta or thinner strands of spaghetti to accompany their laksa. It’s garnished with finely sliced vegetables like cucumber, long beans and cabbage, chopped chillies and onions. Take your time to slowly savour the laksa here as each spoonful is delicious.
D’Cengkih, 6, Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL.
Famed for their Johor eats, this place serves up a plainer version of the laksa with a thick reddish brown broth and spaghetti. It’s topped with a generous garnishing of shredded cucumber, onions, bean sprouts and the fragrant daun kesom. Mix it all up with their aromatic sambal belacan with calamansi lime for a delicious breakfast. Other goodies you can also enjoy here is their lempeng or banana coconut pancakes made on a hot griddle.
Twenty & Co., 15, Plaza Azalea, Shah Alam.
This cafe in Shah Alam serves a Johor Laksa that is incredibly mild tasting. The laksa is garnished with bunga kantan, cucumber and carrot. Strangely enough they throw in a piece of hard boiled egg too. If you are looking for a nice spot to enjoy your laksa, this place will be ideal.
