Last Updated on July 30, 2014 by Nancie
Posting to Foodie Tuesday, hosted by Inside Journeys. You can have a peek at past Foodie Tuesday deliciousness here.
The list of signature dishes associated with Penang is a long one. One dish that hovers close to the top is the island’s famous Asam Laska, and it is readily available in every food court, and numerous food carts throughout the island. However, if you want what is reputed to be the best, a trip to the small town of Air Itam is in order. Located on Jalan Pasar next to the town market, you can’t miss the red LASKA sign, or a food stall that is always bustling with workers and customers, alike. You can combine your quest for Penang’s best Laska with a visit to the largest Buddhist Temple in South East Asia, Kek Lok Si Temple.First the laska! You’ll need energy to climb all those steps to the top of the temple!
Hard at work…
Everything I read told me that this place would be packed, but I lucked in. Yes, it was busy, but not packed. I was able to sit at a table right next to all the action.
Great logo on all of the tables!
I have the feeling that a big part of their delicious secret lies in the bubbling vats of broth.
The laska arrives, a wee bit messy around the edges, but that’s forgiven with the first slurp. My mouth explodes with a perfect combination of sweet and sour. The aromatic lemon grass, and a perfect drizzling of prawn paste kicks in with the spiciness of the chili to produce this taste bud nirvana.
I would definitely go back again, in a heartbeat!
If you want to try this iconic dish, I highly recommend that you board a bus in downtown Georgetown for the 25 minute ride. Either the 203 or the 204 will drop you in the center of the small town, directly at the market. There are two bus terminals in Georgetown; Komtar and Weld Quay. You can catch the 203 or 204 at either location.
Travelers Tip
Address…
Pasar Air Itam,
Jalan Pasar,
11500 Air Itam,
Pulau Pinang
Bus 203 or 204 from Georgetown’s Komtar or Weld Quay (2 Ringgit)
Hours: 11:15am – 7:30pm (They don’t list a close day.)
Price: 4 Ringgit ($1.26US)
4 responses to “Penang: Pasar Air Itam Laska for Foodie Tuesday”
My mouth is watering just looking at your photos, Nancie. Wonder if I could find that here? I’ll do a little research.
Thanks for linking up this week!
Oh my what a great looking and sounding dish you’ve shown us. And I love that you can catch a bus and get there. I will keep this in mind should we head that direction again one day!
You definitely went to one of the top places for Penang’s signature Asam Laksa. Laksa has many regional variations around Malaysia, similar to the way that different parts of the USA prepare chili differently. Some people find Penang’s too fishy, so I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’m more of a Singaporean Laksa type gal myself since I like its coconut milk base.
GREAT ARTICLE, NANCIE.
AT CHULIA COURT THE TAVERN WE HIGHLIGHT SOME NATIONAL DISHES LIKE NASI LEMAK, CHAR KOAY TEOW AND OF COURSE THE PENANG ASAM LAKSA WHICH WAS VOTED 7TH IN CNN’S WORLD TOP 10 YUMMIEST FOOD, AS WELL AS SEVERAL OTHER VARIETIES OF THIS FAMOUS DISH THAT IS GAINING POPULARITY AROUND THE WORLD.
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON AT CHULIA COURT.
THANK YOU,
KH