Asam Laksa
A tangy, sour soup from Penang made with mackerel flakes in a broth soured with asam (tamarind or torch ginger flower), topped with cucumber, pineapple, shredded onion, and garnished with shrimp paste (hae ko).
Allergen data cross-referenced against published allergen databases.
Your dietary restrictions
The full allergen breakdown is below. Select your restrictions to see a personalized safety status.
Full allergen breakdown
Ingredients
- rice noodles
- mackerel (ikan kembung)
- tamarind (asam jawa) or torch ginger flower
- lemongrass
- belacan
- hae ko (thick shrimp paste for topping) (Shellfish)
- cucumber
- pineapple
- onion
- mint
Hidden Ingredients
These ingredients are not typically listed on menus but are present in traditional preparations.
- mackerel flakes throughout the broth (fish)
- belacan in the broth base (shellfish)
- hae ko (black shrimp paste) as a mandatory tableside topping (shellfish)
- tamarind for sourness
Allergen Breakdown
Dairy-Free
Likely OKNo dairy in asam laksa.
Gluten-Free
Likely OKUses rice noodles. No wheat in standard preparation.
Peanut-Free
Likely OKNo peanuts in asam laksa.
Tree Nut-Free
Likely OKNo coconut milk in asam laksa (unlike curry laksa).
Shellfish-Free
Likely contains restrictionBelacan in the broth and hae ko (thick shrimp paste) drizzled on top.
Egg-Free
Likely OKNo eggs in asam laksa.
Fish-Free
Likely contains restrictionMackerel is the primary protein in the broth. Fish flakes are throughout.
Soy-Free
Likely OKNo soy sauce in traditional asam laksa.
Sesame-Free
Likely OKNo sesame in asam laksa.
Vegetarian
Likely contains restrictionFish broth base with mackerel and shrimp paste.
| Restriction | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy-Free | Likely OK | No dairy in asam laksa. |
| Gluten-Free | Likely OK | Uses rice noodles. No wheat in standard preparation. |
| Peanut-Free | Likely OK | No peanuts in asam laksa. |
| Tree Nut-Free | Likely OK | No coconut milk in asam laksa (unlike curry laksa). |
| Shellfish-Free | Likely contains restriction | Belacan in the broth and hae ko (thick shrimp paste) drizzled on top. |
| Egg-Free | Likely OK | No eggs in asam laksa. |
| Fish-Free | Likely contains restriction | Mackerel is the primary protein in the broth. Fish flakes are throughout. |
| Soy-Free | Likely OK | No soy sauce in traditional asam laksa. |
| Sesame-Free | Likely OK | No sesame in asam laksa. |
| Vegetarian | Likely contains restriction | Fish broth base with mackerel and shrimp paste. |
Key risk: Asam laksa is distinctive from curry laksa — it is sour, not creamy, and fish-forward. The broth is made by simmering mackerel and straining the flakes back in. Hae ko (a thick, intensely flavored black shrimp paste) is drizzled on top of every bowl and is as essential to asam laksa as ponzu is to sashimi. Both fish and shellfish are unavoidable.
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Scan a menu nowImportant: Dish Scout is a reference guide, not medical advice. Traditional recipes vary by restaurant, region, and chef. Always verify ingredients with restaurant staff before ordering. When in doubt, don't eat it.