
Laksa is the signature dish of Malaysian cuisine. Coconut broth with curry paste and noodles is at once a soup, a main course, and a whole world of flavors in one bowl. Malaysia has dozens of regional versions — from mild to fiery.
Laksa paste is the secret — if you can find it in an Asian store, use it instead of regular red curry paste. It gives a much more authentic flavor. Always cook the noodles separately so they don't absorb all the broth.
Curry Laksa
Malaysia's most beloved noodle soup — a rich, spiced coconut curry broth with chicken or shrimp, rice noodles, bean sprouts, and a soft-boiled egg. Bold, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. A bowlful of Southeast Asia.
Key Ingredients
What you'll need
Ingredients
- 150 gSee recipes with chicken fillet or shrimp
chicken fillet or shrimp
i - 150 gSee recipes with rice noodles
rice noodles (or egg noodles)
i - 1 canSee recipes with coconut milk
coconut milk (400 ml)
i - 500 mlSee recipes with chicken or vegetable broth
chicken or vegetable broth
i - 2 tbspSee recipes with red curry paste
red curry paste (or laksa paste)
i - 1 tsp
- 1 tbspSee recipes with fish sauce
fish sauce
i - 1 tspSee recipes with lime juice
lime juice
i - 1See recipes with boiled egg
boiled egg, halved
i - 30 gSee recipes with bean sprouts
bean sprouts
i - See recipes with fresh cilantro
fresh cilantro, lime leaves, chili and lime for serving
i
How to make it
Instructions
- 1
Heat a little oil in a pot. Add curry paste and fry until fragrant (1-2 minutes). Pour in broth and coconut milk, stir to combine and bring to a boil. Add sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice.
- 2
Add chicken (5-7 minutes) or shrimp (2-3 minutes) and cook until done. Cook noodles separately and drain.
- 3
In a deep bowl place the noodles, ladle the broth over the top. Garnish with boiled egg, bean sprouts, fresh cilantro, chili slices, and a lime wedge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is curry laksa and how is it different from regular curry?
Laksa is a Malaysian noodle soup in a coconut curry broth. Unlike curry, it is a soup — thin, spicy, coconut-forward — served over noodles with toppings like egg, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs.
What can replace laksa paste if it's not available at the store — can regular curry paste be used?
Red curry paste is the best substitute. Add a pinch of turmeric and extra coconut milk. The flavor will be simpler but very close.
What noodles are best for curry laksa — rice noodles or egg noodles?
Traditionally rice noodles or thin egg noodles are used. Rice noodles give a more delicate texture and are gluten-free. Egg noodles add more body and richness.
Can curry laksa be made without chicken — vegetarian version of the recipe?
Yes — replace chicken with tofu or extra vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, spinach). Use vegetable broth and replace fish sauce with soy sauce.
How long does curry laksa keep and can it be prepared in advance?
The broth keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cook noodles fresh — they absorb the broth and become soggy. Store broth and noodles separately and combine just before serving.














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