🐟Assam Laksa

#2 Assam Laksa in Malaysia · 2026

Air Itam Market Laksa

🌶️🌶️🌶️ Legenda

🐖 Non-halalRM7–RM10Since 1955

Started in 1955 and made world-famous by Anthony Bourdain, this roadside stall at the foot of Kek Lok Si is the pilgrimage bowl for assam laksa purists. Punchy, sharply sour broth loaded with flaked fish — now carried on by the family.

⚠️ Last confirmed before 2025 — check it is open before you go.

What to order
Classic Air Itam assam laksa, extra hae ko
Address
Jalan Pasar, Air Itam Market (below Kek Lok Si), 11500 Air Itam, Penang
Area
Air Itam, George Town, Penang
Hours
Sat–Sun 11am–6pm (closes some weekends; check Facebook) (check before you go)
Price
RM7–RM10 per person
Halal status
🐖 Non-halal
🧭 Directions

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🐖 Non-halalRM5–RM10Since 1936

Order: Chendul with red beans, gula Melaka and fresh coconut milk

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🐟Assam Laksa
🌶️🌶️🌶️Legenda

Penang Road Famous Laksa

🐟 Assam Laksa · Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town, Penang

🐖 Non-halalRM8–RM15

Order: Penang assam laksa with shredded mackerel, pineapple, mint and hae ko

The bowl most people mean when they say 'Penang laksa' — decades at Joo Hooi before moving next door to Keng Kwee Street, and a Michelin Bib Gourmand every year since the Penang guide began. Sour, fishy, sweet-sticky with prawn paste; pair it with the chendol across the lane.

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