Penang Air Itam Laksa

Pls note that the authentic stall is by the road and not in the sheltered food court opposite. This authentic roadside stall opens at 11am (they seem to start getting set up after 10:30am). Taste is really good - vendor is generous with toppings and fish, taste is lemak, gravy flavourful, noodle is the right thickness unlike a lot of other laksa stalls. One of the best I’ve had in Penang. Thumbs up!

This one is interesting. Its broth is actually light. Didn't feel heavy mouth full type. There are fish meat inside. Sourness is there. But not overpowering. Condiment wise, this one does not come with pineapple like some places.

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.

Second Laksa I’ve ever had. The first one was in Malacca. Malacca’s Laksa by faaaaar is better than this supposedly authentic Laksa. The broth is diluted and lacks depth. There is a little acidity and mint flavor that were good. Otherwise flavor is lacking, noodles not bad but not great, broth very diluted. It’s not bad but not good either. Not worth my trip from Georgetown city center and I wouldn’t ever eat here again if I were a local unless other places in Air Itam are just as bland and unimpressive. To the cook/owner, throw in some shrimp heads and skin in the broth to simmer for a while to add depth. Also add may be extra tamarind/lemongrass to add acidity. And little chili never harmed anyone. Thank me later when business is booming.

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

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.