Laksa

Introduction

Laksa is one of Singapore’s most iconic and comforting dishes, known for its bold flavors, creamy texture, and satisfying combination of noodles, seafood, and aromatic spices. This beloved noodle soup reflects Singapore’s multicultural heritage, blending Chinese and Malay influences into one unforgettable bowl. The most popular version in Singapore is Laksa Lemak, a coconut milk–based soup that is rich, mildly spicy, and deeply fragrant.

Laksa is commonly enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is widely available at hawker centers across Singapore. Every spoonful delivers a balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors.

What Makes Singapore Laksa Special

Singapore Laksa stands out because of its luxurious coconut-based broth. Unlike clearer noodle soups, laksa’s broth is thick, silky, and infused with chili paste, dried shrimp, lemongrass, and spices. The noodles are traditionally cut short, making it easier to eat with a spoon, which allows you to enjoy both the broth and toppings together.

The dish is usually topped with prawns, fish cakes, and sometimes cockles, then finished with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime for brightness.

Ingredients Used in Singapore Laksa

Noodles

Laksa typically uses thick rice noodles, sometimes combined with thin rice vermicelli.
Tip: If you can’t find fresh rice noodles, dried rice noodles soaked in warm water work well.

Laksa Paste

The heart of laksa lies in its spice paste, usually made from dried red chilies, shallots, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, shrimp paste, and dried shrimp.
Tip: Store-bought laksa paste is convenient, but homemade paste gives deeper and more authentic flavor.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk gives laksa its signature creamy texture and rich taste.
Tip: Use full-fat coconut milk for the best flavor and mouthfeel.

Protein and Toppings

Common toppings include prawns, fish cake slices, tofu puffs, and sometimes cockles or shredded chicken.
Tip: Tofu puffs are essential because they soak up the flavorful broth beautifully.

Garnishes

Fresh coriander, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sambal chili are often added before serving to enhance freshness and spice.

How to Make Singapore Laksa

Step 1: Prepare the Broth Base

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the laksa paste and cook for several minutes until fragrant and the oil begins to separate. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor, so take your time and stir continuously to prevent burning.

Step 2: Build the Soup

Pour in water or seafood stock and bring it to a gentle boil. Add coconut milk and stir well. Let the broth simmer for 10–15 minutes so the flavors fully combine. Taste and adjust salt or spice levels as needed.

Step 3: Cook the Proteins

Add prawns and fish cake slices to the simmering broth. Cook just until the prawns turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as seafood can become tough quickly.

Step 4: Prepare the Noodles

While the broth simmers, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain well and divide them into serving bowls.

Step 5: Assemble the Laksa

Ladle the hot broth over the noodles, ensuring each bowl gets plenty of seafood, tofu puffs, and sauce. The noodles should be partially submerged, allowing the broth to coat them fully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top each bowl with bean sprouts, fresh coriander, and a squeeze of lime. Serve sambal chili on the side for extra heat. Laksa is best enjoyed hot, with a spoon and chopsticks to capture every bit of broth and toppings.

Tips for the Perfect Laksa

1. Balance is key: Laksa should be creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet all at once.

2. Don’t rush the paste: Cooking the laksa paste properly brings out its full aroma.

3. Use fresh seafood: Fresh prawns and quality fish cakes make a noticeable difference.

4. Customize heat: Adjust chili levels to suit your spice tolerance.

What to Serve with Laksa

Laksa is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs nicely with light sides such as:

• A simple cucumber or bean sprout salad

• Crispy spring rolls for texture contrast

• Iced tea or lime juice to cut through the richness

Singapore Laksa is warm, bold, and deeply satisfying—a true representation of the country’s vibrant food culture and a must-try dish for anyone exploring Southeast Asian cuisine.