Penang Laksa

Laksa is amongst the best known and loved of hawker fare in Penang. A bowl of steamed spaghetti-sized rice vermicelli is first generously garnished with finely sliced vegetables including onions, cucumber, red chillis, pineapple, lettuce, mint and pink bunga kantan (ginger buds).Onto the mixture is poured a steaming hot curry soup that is sour and thick with fish meat. A spoonful of fish paste is provided for those who favour the addition. While for decades, Penangites and visitors only knew this variety, a lemak (coconut milk) version was subsequently introduced as an alternative.Apart from breakfast, laksa time is almost every time for some Penangites – lunch, tea, dinner or supper. And whilst this ubiquitous meal is available at most of the hawker complexes or coffee shops in the city centre of George Town and in the surburbs, the discerning enthusiast would prefer to go to one of three places.If you are in the city, the stall at Lorong Selamat off Macalister Road is a premium choice. It sells Penang laksa at tea time and both the sour and lemak varieties are available.The sour variety is piquant yet "sharp" while the lemak alternative is rich yet not too heavy on the stomach. A generous spray of chilli powder and/or spoonful of chilli oil is available upon request for those who enjoy the hot challenge. At RM3.00 a bowl and 50 sen extra for an additional fish to add more body, the price appears slightly on the high side but it is value for money.