Ask any Southeast Asian food lover what their comfort dish is, and laksa is bound to come up. Creamy, spicy, slurp-worthy — it’s the kind of noodle soup that stays with you long after the bowl is empty.
But not all laksas are the same.
At Nanyang Blossom, we celebrate both Malaysian and Singaporean takes on this iconic dish — and our guests often ask:
What’s the difference between the two?
Let’s break it down — flavour by flavour, spice by spice.
🍜 First, What Is Laksa?
Laksa is a spicy noodle soup that blends Chinese and Malay culinary traditions — a true Nanyang classic. It typically features:
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A rich broth (coconut or tamarind-based)
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Vermicelli or egg noodles
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Protein like prawns, fish cake, or chicken
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Toppings like bean sprouts, herbs, boiled egg, sambal, and fried tofu
But from Penang to Singapore, each region has its own twist — and that’s where the fun (and flavour) begins.
🇲🇾 Malaysian Laksa
Most Famous Style: Penang Assam Laksa
Broth Base:
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Tamarind & mackerel fish broth
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Sour, tangy, fishy — no coconut milk here
Flavour Profile:
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Bright, sharp, and pungent
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Strong aromatics from torch ginger flower, galangal, and shrimp paste
Noodles:
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Thick rice noodles
Toppings:
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Pineapple, mint, cucumber, onion, chilli, prawn paste
Best For:
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Fans of sour, bold, punchy flavours
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Adventurous palates who love fermented elements
“Penang laksa wakes up your palate — it’s unapologetically bold.”
🇸🇬 Singaporean Laksa
Most Famous Style: Katong Laksa
Broth Base:
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Coconut milk & prawn stock
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Rich, creamy, and warming
Flavour Profile:
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Spicy but mellow
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Slightly sweet and incredibly aromatic
Noodles:
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Cut thick vermicelli (eaten with spoon, not chopsticks)
Toppings:
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Prawns, boiled egg, bean sprouts, sambal, dried tofu puffs
Best For:
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Comfort food seekers
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Guests who love creamy curries and aromatic coconut dishes
“Katong laksa is like a hug in a bowl — spicy, soothing, and deeply satisfying.”
🍽️ Which Laksa Do We Serve at Nanyang Blossom?
Our take on laksa draws inspiration from both styles — but with a modern twist that matches our Knightsbridge setting.
Chef Daren’s Signature Laksa Features:
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Creamy coconut base infused with lemongrass, shrimp paste, and chilli
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Served with wild prawns, house-made sambal, and herb oil drizzle
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Finished with laksa leaf, torch ginger, and fresh lime
It combines the depth of Malaysian rempah with the creaminess of Singaporean broth — all plated with precision and beauty.
“It’s not a replica — it’s a respectful reimagining.”
💬 What Our Guests Say
“This laksa reminded me of home — but somehow more elegant.”
“Loved the balance of spice and coconut. And the prawns were massive!”
“I grew up in Penang and my partner’s from Singapore — and we both approved.”
📍 Taste Laksa Like Never Before
👉 Book Now to try Chef Daren’s reimagined Southeast Asian laksa.
📞 Call us at 020 4529 3643 for chef specials and private dining menus.
📍 Visit us at 12 Knightsbridge Green, London SW1X 7QL
Nanyang Blossom — where tradition meets creativity, and laksa lovers feel right at home.