The best laksam in the world is on a languid road leading up to Northern Terengganu. It faces the South China Sea and lives in a modest open-aired shop. This shop is situated in the village of Rhu Sepuluh in Penarik. Apparently original settlers here think that this beachfront land is so attractive they named it 'Penarik'. Very apt. It's not pretty in a showy manner, just quietly alluring. One can understand why the best laksam in the world decided to set up shop here.
Is the best laksam in the world a bit too much of a boast? For sure there are many places serving delicious laksam in the East Coast and many would say Kelantan has the best. But here are my reasons. Penarik is near enough to Kelantan to have the right set of skills to make the tantalising white gravy but because Mak Ngah is 'orang Ganu' she has a lighter hand. Hence the gravy is not too insanely rich (a common thread in Kelantanese cuisine) having the right balance of savoury-sweetness and fishiness. The white rice noodles itself is handmade and as soft as any hor fun. It's cut into thick ribbons before drenched in the laksam gravy.
Now this is where a litte magic happens. First taste I could swear that Mak Ngah squeezed some lime into the gravy since there is a fresh zesty zing to it. But here's the thing, there's no lime in the gravy. It's just that the fish is so fresh that it's naturally zesty. It's hard for me to describe it. On top of all this delectable whiteness are fresh scallions and local parsley for a burst of colour. Then freshly pounded chilli with a hint of tamarind completes it.
"The best laksam in the world"
The best laksam in the world is very popular. People come from all over Teregganu to have it hence it's an early riser. There's nary a speck left after 9am. However if you know Mak Ngah, which my friend does and ask her nicely, she will keep some for you. So you can saunter there after 10am and enjoy it at leisure to jealous glances from other tables. Mak Ngah also serves rather tasty karipaps and kuihs, nasi lemak and the ever popular nasi dagang.
The nasi dagang here is also good. Again there's a lightness in the cooking here. The half and half of plain rice and glutinous rice is not too rich and the simple fish curry is fresh. I like mine with a boiled egg on the side. So here's the thing. Sometimes the best meals you will have are part great cooking and part time and place.
Here, the laksam has that zesty personality that makes it one of the best I've ever tasted. However, it's eating it while watching the sea, with soft morning breezes in your face and feeling like you have all the time in the world that makes it pretty damn sensational.
Opens: 7am- 12pm
Price: Less than RM10 for 2 people
GPS: 5.58711, 102.83347
Pros: Wonderful food with a great view
Cons: It's in Teregganu and even if you get there, you have to wake up early

TehBeng
July 01, 2009 11:49AM GMT
aiyoo. so far. can tapau for me next time you go? ![]()
Honey Ahmad
July 01, 2009 1:02PM GMT
Sure dude, but alas! It doesn't keep for long because of the fish and santan. It was torture actually writing it because I can just about taste it at the tip of my tongue- damn...
You must be logged in to post comments
Nasi Lemak Gemilang -- Design Delish : A year ago, I bumped into a series of flag designs…
Double Crown -- Global Malaysian Restaurants : Brad Farmerie, the Executive Chef of Double Crown was…
Cuisine of the Premiers -- Cookbook Review : This book inspires you to cook traditional Malay style…
Dapur Sarawak -- Chinese (pork free) : One day, after a long while of not having a bowl of…
Ramadhan Market Trawl -- Photo Essay : The Pasar Ramadhan tradition here in Kuala Lumpur is…
Double Crown -- Brad Farmerie, the Executive Chef of Double Crown was in a good mood.…
Saba Restaurant -- Great food & CyberJaya doesn't rhyme. Not even close. If you've ever…
Sahara Tent Ramadhan Buffet -- That tender fall-off-the-bone lamb. Mounds of golden fragrant rice…
Restoran Tasik Indah -- For a while now, everytime I come over to my sister's there's always…
Dapur Sarawak -- One day, after a long while of not having a bowl of Sarawak Laksa,…
Jaffna Food Festival at Aliyaa -- Promotions : The Jaffna Food Festival is a festival filled with…
Ramadhan Buffet Promotions 2010 -- Promotions : It's that time of year where you may be looking for…
Jarrod & Rawlins Dine for Charity -- News : Jarrod and Rawlins officially announced its charity…
The Last Polka Ice Cream -- Product Review : The one major gripe I have about good ice cream here…
Bialetti Moka Coffee Pot -- Product Review : Coffee drinks can be a bit expensive to have at cafés…
Maggi Goes Healthy with Atta Noodles -- Product Review : Maggi will be launching a new line of healthy instant…
Nasi Lemak Gemilang -- Design Delish : A year ago, I bumped into a series of flag designs…
Ramadhan Market Trawl -- Photo Essay : The Pasar Ramadhan tradition here in Kuala Lumpur is…
Food Sanity During Ramadhan -- Makan Musings : I have been fasting regularly now for 20 odd years.…
Home-Cooked-Food in Bandar Sri Damansara : -- September 02, 2010 : 06:46 pm
The Dead, The Dying and the Forgotten... : Jon, were you referring to Just… -- August 18, 2010 : 09:05 pm
Burgers!! Suggestions Please!!! What Type Of Burgers U'll Like : I don't know about that. I have… -- August 17, 2010 : 08:10 pm
Talking about Kopitiams : Dat may just be a place ppl want… -- August 12, 2010 : 11:26 pm
Tipping in restaurants for better service : Actually I have tipped waiters… -- August 12, 2010 : 12:12 am