
Laksa is one of Malaysia’s most iconic soup noodle dishes, and it comes with a lot of variants. Today we will be diving into to Penang variant of the dish, known as asam laksa. We’re going to show that you that Penang isn’t the only place to get a good comforting bowl of asam laksa. Here is our picks for the best asam laksa in KL and Selangor.
The 8 best places to get asam laksa in KL and Selangor
Laksa as a whole originated from Peranakan culture, but due to its many variants an exact origin remains unknown. The dish itself consists of a sweet and spicy broth made with mackerel. The asam (sour in Malay) taste of the soup comes from tamarind, the dish’s unique ingredient. Crushed pineapple, mint leaves, and banana flower also give the dish it’s fragrance and visual flair.
Asam laksa is one of Penang’s most popular hawker stall dishes, attracting foodies from around the world. Made in large pots of delicious bubbling broth, you can find the best bowls in New World Park and Balik Pulau. For a true authentic bowl of asam laksa we do recommend you pay a visit to Penang to check out their delicious streetfood and cafes.
However, you don’t have to travel to Penang to get a good bowl of asam laksa. KL and Selangor have many restaurants and stalls owned by Penangites that can satisfy your cravings. From Laksa Kg Baru in Chow Kit road and Mark’s in Jalan Raja Chulan, there are no shortage of asam laksa places in KL. Here’s where to find the best asam laksa in KL and Selangor today!
(Hero image credit: Facebook/Restoran Angcle Peoh / Feature image credit: Facebook/Aik Prawn Mee & Asam Laksa)
1 /8
Laksa Kg BaruAt Laksa Kg Baru, the asam laksa leans toward a modern, elevated hawker style. The broth is fairly balanced in its sourness, though not overwhelmingly sharp, allowing the fishiness to come through with clarity. The noodles are firm and slightly chewy, offering a satisfying bite. It’s garnishes are slivers of cucumber, onions, fresh mint leaves, and a modest amount of shredded fish. The serving is more clean and contemporary to street stalls, yielding a dish that appeals to diners seeking both flavour and a more refined presentation.
Operating hours: 10AM – 12AM (Closed on Friday)
Image credit: Instagram/laksa_life
Address : Laksa Kg Baru, Wisma Sabaruddin, 30, Jln Raja Alang, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala LumpurPhone : 011-2709 5216
Website here
2 /8
Asam Laksa Petaling StreetThis iconic stall deep in Chinatown delivers a strongly sour, concentrated fish broth that commands attention from the first spoonful. It emphasises tartness more than sweetness, yet remains balanced by layers of fish flavor and aromatic herbs. The bowl is loaded: ample shredded mackerel (or ikan kembung), thick rice noodles, julienned cucumber, pineapple, raw onion, and fresh mint or Vietnamese coriander (daun kesum). The combination of sour punch and generous fish content gives it an old-school Penang feel, transported into the heart of KL.
Operating hours: 12PM – 7:30PM
Image credit: Instagram/oo.spicycat.oo
Address : 63, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala LumpurPhone : 012-311 5987
3 /8
Restoran Angcle PeohAt Restoran Angcle Peoh, the asam laksa is prepared with a slightly more tempered sourness, making it approachable even for those wary of sharp flavours. The broth is rich, but not overwhelmingly fishy, with a mild depth that hints at slow cooking. The texture of the noodles is silky yet firm, and the ingredients are neatly arranged: shredded fish, bean sprouts, and sliced vegetables, with a modest hint of chili.
Operating hours: 9AM – 8PM
Image credit: Facebook/Restoran Angcle Peoh
Phone : 03-3885 5460
Website here
4 /8
Laksa Penang Rahim Jln 223This stakk offers a rendition of asam laksa that tilts more toward the Penang tradition. The broth holds a strong sour fish taste, enhanced with hints of lemongrass and galangal. It carries a fuller body than lighter hawker versions, but without becoming overly thick. The toppings are generous, plenty of fish, julienned pineapple and cucumber, and fragrant herbs. Come visit for an authentic Penang taste.
Operating hours: 5PM – 1AM
Image credit: Instagram/laksa.penang.rahim.jln_223
Address : Medan Selera, Jalan 223, Seksyen 51a, 46100 Petaling Jaya, SelangorPhone : 017-318 3193
Website here
5 /8
Kedah Asam Laksa StallThis stall’s version leans toward the Kedah laksa variant (which is similar to Penang’s). The broth is bright and tangy, with slightly more a sour vegetables taste than purely fishy character. The texture is lighter than overly dense bowls, letting the sour notes shine through. The noodle is soft yet firm, and the garnish includes familiar staples such as cucumber, onion, mint, and occasional slices of pineapple. Because of its popularity, portions sometimes sell out fast, so we recommend you come early.
Operating hours: 8PM – 10PM
Image credit: Instagram/melissajerrykikilala
Address : 1, Jalan SS 2/4, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, SelangorPhone : 012-391 2082
Website here
6 /8
Spicy Shack | Prawn Mee • Assam LaksaAt Spicy Shack, the asam laksa is served alongside prawn mee and other classic Malaysian staples. Its version emphasises a punchy sour backbone with moderate spiciness, giving it a zesty edge. The broth is clear but richly aromatic, with a clean fish base that doesn’t overwhelm. Noodles are supple and well-cooked, and the toppings are straightforward yet satisfying: shredded fish, mint leaves, onions, and diced cucumber.
Operating hours: 9AM – 7PM
Image credit: Instagram/pandacyf
Address : Jalan Perisa, Taman Bukit Indah, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala LumpurPhone : 010-222 2238
Website here
7 /8
Aik Prawn Mee & Asam LaksaThis stall brings a Penang-style sensibility to its asam laksa. The dish here presents a well-rounded sourness, supported by a solid fish base and subtle herbal undertones (such as galangal or torched ginger). The noodles are firm and add an wonderful texture. The portion of fish is generous relative to other stalls. Garnishes like cucumber, onion, and mint amplify the texture and freshness.
Operating hours: 12PM – 4PM
Image credit: Instagram/aprilfoolee
Address : 1, Jalan 21/11b, Sea Park, 46300 Petaling Jaya, SelangorPhone : 019-233 2963
Website here
8 /8
Mark's Asam LaksaMark’s is especially notable among KL stalls for making asam laksa a highlight of its menu. Its version emphasises a rounded sourness, avoiding sharp tang in favour of a more integrated sour-fish flavour. The broth is fragrant, with hints of lemongrass, galangal, and aromatic herbs in support of the fish stock. The noodles are thick and chewy, contrasting nicely with the light-textured broth. Garnishes are abundant: mint, red chilies, slices of cucumber, onion, and shredded fish. Despite its indoor setup and somewhat minimalist décor, Mark’s manages to deliver a bowl that retains the spirit of street laksa while catering to an office-lunch crowd.
Operating hours: 8AM – 3PM (Closed on Weekends)
Image credit: Facebook/Mark’s Asam Laksa
Address : 57, Raja Chulan Rd, Bukit Ceylon, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala LumpurPhone : 012-487 0050
Website here
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
