Many people label this dish as having a powerful flavor, drawing character from the extremely strong fish smell. Others declare that the intense aroma of the rich herbs gives it a taste like none other. However, it is widely acknowledged that the strong aroma of the herbs, the sourness of the soup and the quality of the prawn paste makes Penang Assam Laksa stands outs distinctively from the rest.

This delicacy has been captivating diners worldwide for years, and it was even recently voted No. 7 under CNNGo International Food Survey as “foods worth traveling the world to gorge on”. It only serves as a great testament to the local hawkers who prepare this dish by maintaining the authentic flavors for generations.

Assam Laksa is essentially a fish based soup noodle which combines spicy, herbal and salty sensations with slight sweetness. It comes with plenty of fish flake with distinctive flavor from the chilies, lemongrass, galangal (lengkuas) and assam (tamarind).

As for garnishing, the Laksa is generously topped with shredded Chinese lettuce, cucumber, onions, pineapples, mint leaves and also finely chopped ginger buds. This is rounded off with a swirl of shrimp paste to enhance the noodles with a fishy taste.

Though is found abundantly around the Penang, however, most locals would point you to the Ayer Itam Market Assam Laksa. Located right in front of Ayer Itam Market, the stall is resting on pavement of the market just beside the bustling Ayer Itam Road. The sitting place in general is not particularly comfortable; however locals and tourists alike still flock to this stall.

It is indeed mouthwatering, especially when the bowl of noodles is prepared right in front of your eyes. The Ayer Itam Assam Laksa comes with fresh rice noodles in thick mackerel soup. The fish is poached and then flaked, making it a perfect complement with the noodles.

The noodles, soup and vegetables are all placed in perfect synchronization with the all-important shrimp paste, more commonly known to locals as Heh Koh. The sweet fermented shrimp paste adds that distinct contrast to the sour and spicy dish.

The stall is opened from lunch hour right up to around 8pm.

Assam Laksa Ayer Itam Market Jalan Pasar 11500 Air Itam Penang