Whether you’re looking for a warming hug-in-a-bowl during winter or something piquant to open up your appetite in summer, a good laksa always does the job. Laksa is definitely one of my favourite noodle soups and, luckily enough, London has quite a few great halal laksa options to offer! We love visiting Malaysian restaurants in London, so we’ve put together a list of our go-to places for a good laksa fix.
What is Laksa
If you haven’t had laksa before, laksa is a spicy noodle soup that originated in Malaysia and Singapore. It is served with either egg noodles, rice vermicelli, or a mix of both! Typical laksa toppings include prawns and/or chicken, together with tofu puffs, beansprouts, etc. A laksa is usually spicy, tangy, and coconut-y, though flavours vary depending on the style and variation.
Where to Find the Best Laksa in London
Normah’s
When it comes to the best Malaysian food in London, Normah’s is firmly my top favourite on the list. Normah’s laksa wins with its unique homely touch that no other could replicate. My personal favourite is to enjoy it with a side of roti – one that puts every other restaurant to shame!
Halal status: All meats served are halal
Location: Queensway
(click to open location on Google Maps)
Malay Fellas
Perfectly fragrant, savoury, tangy, with a kick of spice, Malay Fella’s Kari Laksa totally hit the spot. I particularly like it with the prawn topping.
Halal status: All meats served are halal
Location: Bayswater
(click to open location on Google Maps)
Hawker’s Kitchen
Hawker’s Kitchen is a humble little gem in King’s Cross serving Mamak-style Malaysian & South Indian cuisines. Their Char Kway Teow is stellar, and their Curry Laksa is a pretty decent one too. You can choose between chicken, mixed vegetables or prawns as your laksa toppings, and it also comes loaded with boiled egg, tofu puffs, fish balls, and bean sprouts. Wash it down with a steaming cup of Teh Tarik, and it seriously couldn’t get more satisfying than this.
Halal status: All meats served are halal
Location: King’s Cross
(click to open location on Google Maps)
Phat Phuc Noodle Bar
They may not be Malaysian, but Phat Phuc Noodle Bar does make a pretty decent curry laksa! The name Phat Phuc might give you a little giggle, but it actually translates as “happy Buddha” in Vietnamese instead.
Halal status: Chicken is halal
Location: Chelsea
(click to open location on Google Maps)
Med Salleh Kopitiam
We’ve also become quite regulars at Med Salleh Kopitiam, which is another excellent halal Malaysian restaurant in Queensway, London. Their Singaporean Curry Laksa is a wonderful symphony of spicy & tangy flavours and is loaded with both mixed seafood and chicken.
Halal status: All meats served are halal
Location: Queensway
(click to open location on Google Maps)
Tukdin
Situated between Paddington and Lancaster Gate is another popular local halal Malaysian restaurant named Tukdin. Their Curry Laksa wins with the generous amount of toppings they include. Apart from the usual tofu puffs, bean sprouts, boiled egg and vegetables, Tukdin’s curry laksa is also loaded with chicken, prawns, and mussels.
Halal status: All meats served are halal
Location: Paddington
(click to open location on Google Maps)
Sambal Shiok
From humble street food stall beginnings to restaurant pop-ups to now a permanent site, Sambal Shiok has been a very popular spot for offering one of the top laksa in London. If you’re looking for a good hit of spice, Sambal Shiok‘s laksa can deliver that (you can even ask for extra hot). Choose from their signature laksa, Assam laksa, or even a vegan laksa option. In addition, they also offer some terrific Malaysian-style fried chicken and gado-gado salad to satisfy your Malaysian cravings.
Halal status: All meats served are halal
Location: Holloway Road
(click to open location on Google Maps)
Putera Puteri
Another great Malaysian restaurant in the Queensway/Bayswater area is Putera Puteri, who’s been winning the hearts and bellies of locals. One thing that strikes us is how massive their curry laksa was! Flavour-wise, it was spot on as well, featuring a beautifully fragrant curry coconut broth, intricately laced with a tingle of spice that sends a warming sensation down your stomach.
Halal status: All meats served are halal
Location: Bayswater
(click to open location on Google Maps)
Laksamania
If you’re looking to sample different regional styles of laksa in London, Laksamania offers quite a selection, such as Ipoh, Singaporean, Assam, Nyonya style, etc. My go-to is either the Singaporean Curry Laksa or the Signature Tiger Prawn Laksa. All options on the laksa menu are halal-friendly, with one exception where pork is involved as a topping, which you can ask the staff to swap it with chicken.
Halal status: Chicken is halal
Location: Tottenham Court Road
(click to open location on Google Maps)
Roti King
Roti King is known for its Malaysian Roti Canai, but their Laksa should not be overlooked either! Their Seafood Kari Laksa makes a delightful treat to the palate and is a perfect “hug in a bowl”.
Halal status: All meats served are halal
Location: Euston
(click to open location on Google Maps)
