Soup for the Soul: Where to Find the Best Laksa in Sydney

Autumn is starting to roll in and already on the laksa train. Simple, satisfying and soul-warming, it's got everything you need to get you through the day. Aside from pho and pizza, it may well be Sydney's ultimate comfort food. 

There is an almost intimidating array of establishments serving up this coveted liquid gold so we’ve decided to sip and slurp our way to deliver you the ultimate laksa hit list. If you’re craving something warm and cosy, here's where you'll find the best laksa in Sydney.

Malay Chinese

This no-frills takeaway turned BYO often sees queues winding out the door and along the street, with dozens vying for a table come lunchtime. Serving up what is widely regarded as the best laksa in Sydney, Malay Chinese allows ravenous customers to not only choose their preferred protein but also the cut of meat. There’s a whopping 11 different laksas on the menu ranging from your classics like chicken (drumstick, thigh or skinless), beef and seafood to heartier surf and turf combos – the chicken and prawn is a must.

Shop CQT06, 33 Pitt Street, Sydney

Ho Jiak 

This popular Haymarket haunt pays homage to Malaysian homestyle and street food-inspired dishes. Naturally, laksa is a part of that. In fact, one of Head Chef Junda Khoo's specialities is cooking up a bowl of spicy laksa, complete with perfectly cooked egg noodles. Many claim Ho Jiak's laksa is one of the best in Sydney and after a taste and trial, we agree! 

92 Hay Street, Haymarket 

Penang Cuisine

Epping’s beloved hawker-style restaurant, Penang Cuisine, offers hundreds of steaming bowls of curry laksa to their devoted customers night after night. Using a blend of Chinese and Malaysian cooking styles, Penang’s chicken laksa teams’ fishcake, bean sprouts, bean curd, yellow noodles and vermicelli with their ‘piquant’ coconut curry soup for an addictive dish.

32/74 Rawson Street, Epping

Malacca Straits

A favourite for Malaysian connoisseurs, Malacca Straits is a must for some soul-warming laksa. Their traditional laksa, or ‘rapture in a bowl’ is on offer with chicken, prawns or a seafood mix. Their Assam laksa is a spicy and sour Penang laksa using fish-based soup and is adored by laksa enthusiasts.

5/66 Mountain Street, Ultimo

Alex Lee Kitchen

Taking up position amongst the hawker-style dining options along Chippendale’s Spice Alley, Alex Lee’s Kitchen slings out mouth-watering laksa by the bucket load. Head chef Alex Lee (of Temasek and Ginger & Spice fame) brings Singaporean cuisine to spice-loving locals with their Katong laksa with rice vermicelli and your choice of chicken, prawns, pork balls, fish balls or vegetables.

Spice Alley, Chippendale

Albee’s Kitchen

A long-running favourite for Malaysian fare, Albee’s Kitchen offers encyclopaedic menus. On the laksa front, all the classics are on show but if you’re after something a little left of field, the Penang Asam laksa with thick rice noodles served in a tangy fish soup might just hit the spot.

Kingsford & Campsie

Made your way through the best laksa in Sydney and looking for more delicious fare? These are the restaurants doing delicious pho, ramen and burgers for your feasting pleasure.