Penang Air Itam Laksa

This is the famous laksa. The one that everyone will tell you to try. Since they are open only on the weekends, you will need to plan your trip accordingly if you want to try this laksa. Compared to other laksas, you will find that this laksa is a bit thicker, fish pieces are a bit more generous, the taste is a lot heavier. If you like your laksa to have a light flavour profile, this is probably not for you. I, however enjoyed the heavy mix of salt, sour and fish flavours. Nostalgically, pre mco, the taste was even heavier and the fish was also more generous. Naturally your will also need hei ko (sweet thick dark pungent) sauce in it. This will add another layer of taste complexity to the soup. You should be able to ask for more if the amount they give you in the beginning is not enough. As usual laksa will have some greens and most importantly ginger flower. I thought there used to be more previously but I guess shrinkflation is normal nowadays. I personally find the flavour combination of everything they add into the bowl syncs well and you end up with a bowl of delicious laksa. It's definitely one of the best you can get in penang. The only downside is the difficult parking and the slightly uncomfortable hot humid sidewalk atmosphere you eat in but that's part of the charm I would suppose.

renovated food court. overall is clean. nearby the kek lok si. liked the curry mee. roti canai not bad

The Asam Laksa is among the exceptional ones in Penang. Service is better than I thought as they are positively welcoming your order in nice way. Much better than the older days when they are just rude. Though 2 stars for atmosphere, nothing to compliant about as it is real street food.

The original famous laksa place is closed. We went to the 2828 place instead. Had the Penang Laska, chendol and spring roll. The laksa is done well, the broth is rich and tasty. We enjoyed the chendol and spring roll too. There air con in the shop, a big relief during this hot weather

Not a fan of laksa but this one is outstanding. Well balanced flavor. Mad respect to the artists Ps. While waiting, try out lok2, shrimp kue and sugarcane nearby. Thank me later

Purposely come and so so disappointed with the laksa. First look ok but actually no taste at all, soup very diluted. Both of us cannot even get ourselves to finish the bowl. I can say worst laksa that I’ve eaten so far. Definitely won’t come back. The opposite food court laksa is much much better.

Still among the best Assam Laksa around. We came back here after trying a Michelin rated one and this one is still much better. Maybe those french tyre fellas were taken in by the deco and friendly staff at the other place.

Delicious and authentic Penang Laksa. Bowl is on the savoury/salty side! Very fragrant and savoury prawn paste flavour in the soup, good mix of herbs, spices, and fish, good texture from the noodles. Good pairing with sugarcane juice from the stall beside this!

Laksa Bisu is a lesser known laksa stand in Air Itam. It is overshadowed by the popular Air Itam Laksa across the street. I had intended to visit that stand, but it seemed like seating would be a challenge. So I decided to venture into the Air Itam Market Annex Food Court to find another stand that sold this dish which is where I encountered Laksa Bisu. This laksa stand is run by an old woman giving you that feeling like you are eating grandma's cooking. It seemed like this stand has been around a long time. The laksa served here is different from what is served elsewhere which is generally curry laksa. Here you will find assam laksa which is a Penang specialty. Assam laksa is a fish based noodle soup that has a slightly sour and pungent taste to it that is flavorful. This dish is also filled with a shrimp paste on top. I loved this humble noodle soup and would highly recommend trying this dish out when you visit Penang.