Laksa
Dec 28, 2025
Ritik Rana
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
Balance is key: Laksa should be creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet all at once.
Don’t rush the paste: Cooking the laksa paste properly brings out its full aroma.
Use fresh seafood: Fresh prawns and quality fish cakes make a noticeable difference.
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.
Singapore
Latest Blogs
Best Beaches in India
Best National Parks in Sri Lanka for Wildlife & Safaris
Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
Explore India’s Tropical Escapes: Goa, Kerala & Andaman
Visit India’s Iconic Landmarks: Taj Mahal & More
7 Best Summer Travel Destinations in India
Small Italian Towns That Make You Fall in Love With Italy
Experiencing Maori Culture as a Respectful Traveler
Traveling Spain by Train vs Renting a Car
Eating in Italy: Lessons About Food, Time & Culture
Small Towns in New Zealand: A Unique Travel Experience
Exploring Southern Spain’s White Villages: Travel Guide
Traveling Italy Slowly: Fewer Cities, Better Experiences
Driving New Zealand’s Scenic Roads Without Rushing the Trip
Living on Spanish Time: How Slow Days Change Travel
Italy Beyond Rome & Venice: Cities That Truly Surprised Me
New Zealand Without Adrenaline: A Calm Way to Explore
Spain Beyond Barcelona & Madrid: Cities That Feel Authentic
Winter Travel in Finland Without Extreme Adventure
Photographing Iceland Without a Drone or Expensive Gear
A Slow Travel Journey Through Norway’s Small Coastal Villages
Experiencing Sauna Culture in Finland as a Traveler
Driving Iceland’s Ring Road: What No One Tells You Before You Go
What It’s Really Like Traveling Above the Arctic Circle in Norway
Why Finland Feels Like the Most Peaceful Country to Travel In
Iceland Is Not Just About Waterfalls: Experiences That Surprised Me
Norway Beyond the Fjords: Unexpected Experiences Most Travelers Miss
Best Nightlife Experiences in the USA (Clubs, Bars & Rooftops)
Best Beach Destinations in the USA for Relaxation & Water Activities
Top USA Cities to Celebrate New Year’s Eve
Best Festivals & Events in the USA Worth Traveling For
Best Weekend Getaways in the USA
Hidden Gems in the USA Most Tourists Miss
Best Cities to Visit in the USA for Tourists
Top National Parks in the USA You Should Visit Once in Your Life
Best Budget Travel Destinations in the USA
Best Time to Visit the USA: Month-by-Month Travel Guide
Top USA Road Trip Routes You Must Experience
Best Places to Visit in the USA for First-Time Travelers
Roast Duck A Juicy and Flavorful American Classic
Creamy Chicken A Rich and Comforting American Classic
Bacon Meatballs A Flavor-Packed American Comfort Favorite
Honey Mustard Chicken A Sweet and Savory American Favorite
Pork Tenderloin A Lean and Flavorful American Classic
Tacho Macau’s Hearty Portuguese-Inspired Comfort Dish
Malaysian Satay A Smoky Street Food Classic Loved Worldwide
Dutch Cheese Gouda and Edam, The Pride of the Netherlands
African Chicken Macau’s Bold Fusion Dish with Portuguese Roots
Laksa Malaysia’s Iconic Noodle Soup Bursting with Flavor
Poffertjes The Fluffy Dutch Mini Pancakes Loved by All
Macanese Pork Chop Bun Macau’s Iconic Street Food Sandwich
Roti Canai Malaysia’s Beloved Flaky Flatbread
Haring The Iconic Dutch Raw Herring Tradition
Minchi Macau’s Comforting Minced Meat Classic with Portuguese Influence
Char Kway Teow: Malaysia’s Smoky Stir-Fried Noodle Street Food Classic
Bitterballen: The Ultimate Dutch Comfort Snack
Portuguese Egg Tart Macau’s Iconic Custard Pastry with a Golden Legacy
Nasi Lemak Malaysia’s Beloved National Dish of Comfort and Flavor
Stroopwafels The Iconic Dutch Caramel Waffle Treat
Breadfruit and Fish A Classic Seychellois Coastal Comfort Dish
Brunost Norway’s Sweet and Savory Brown Cheese Tradition
New Zealand Meat Pies: The Ultimate Kiwi Comfort Food
Ladob Seychelles’ Sweet and Comforting Coconut Dessert
Kjottkaker Norway’s Classic Homemade Meatball Tradition
Fish and Chips New Zealand’s Iconic Coastal Comfort Food
Shark Chutney A Traditional Seychellois Seafood Delight
Lutefisk A Classic Norwegian Holiday Dish
Lamb The Quintessential New Zealand Culinary Delight
Octopus Curry A Flavorful Seychellois Seafood Classic
Rakfisk Norway’s Bold and Traditional Fermented Fish Delicacy
Pavlova New Zealand’s Light and Elegant Dessert Icon
Grilled Fish A Taste of the Seychelles Ocean
Farikal Norway’s Timeless Lamb and Cabbage Stew
Hangi The Ancient Earth-Cooked Feast of New Zealand Hangi
Hoppers (Appa) Sri Lanka’s Crispy Coconut Pancake Delight
Kottu Roti
String Hoppers (Idiyappam)
Pol Sambol
Paella
Tapas
Tortilla Española
Churros
Gazpacho
Rice and Curry
Alplermagronen
Swiss Chocolate
Rösti
Raclette
Cheese Fondue
Pide
Lahmacun
Baklava
Döner
Kebab
Khubz
Luqaimat
Shawarma
Al Harees
Machboos
Satay
Char Kway Teow
Laksa
Chilli Crab
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Moussaka
Greek Salad
Spanakopita
Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Tzatziki
Bianco Fish
Private Chartered Boats Now Available in Mykonos, Greece
The Indian Traveller's Guide to Greece: Beyond the Usual!
21 Best Things To Do in Paros, Greece
Greece Family Holidays: Ultimate Guide to Perfect Family Vacations
Visit The Navagio Beach Shipwreck In Zakynthos
Journey through the timeless beauty of Greece’s Destinations
MyKonoos Gateway to Extraordinary Experiences
Travel: Explore. Dream. Discover.
Greece Awaits: Your Guide to Exploring Its Rich Heritage and Stunning Islands
Discover the Magic of Greece’s Historic Heart: Acropolis
Experience the Timeless Charm of Greece’s Historic Heart : Ancient Agora