Picture this: you take your first bite. You take in the satisfyingly chewy texture of the thick rice noodles while the flavours of prawn, chilli, and tamarind explode in your mouth and just as you think the heat of the spice will bowl you over, the subtle, soothing taste of coconut milk brings you back. That first bite of a dry laksa dish is the most exciting.
The rest of the meal keeps you busy trying to decide whose fish cake you’d like to steal, slyly checking who has more dried shrimp in their dish, and discretely switching plates with your sister who can’t handle the spice of her own. One thing is inevitable after having a great plate of a fragrant and deeply flavoured dry laksa: your belly will be full and there will be a satisfied smile on your face.
Here are six restaurants that are specially handpicked by Expat Choice for dry laksa-lovers in Singapore.
Curry Times
From the trusted Singapore brand that brought you “Rex Curry Puffs” comes an establishment that specialises in curries. In addition to many well known curries and comfort food, the dry laksa is also lauded by the customers. Made in the traditional way, the rice noodles are cooked in the flavourful laksa paste and cut with a bit of coconut milk. A generous helping of prawns and fish cakes accompany the dish, making it a pretty satisfying meal. Try out some of their refreshing coconut desserts if the heat gets to you! Image Credit: Curry Times Facebook Page
a. 238 Thomson Rd, #02 - 33 / 34 / 41 / 42, Singapore 307683
National Kitchen by Violet Oon
The name Violet Oon is synonymous with culinary excellency, and the brand’s venture, National Kitchen combines an elevated taste experience and a luxury ambiance. Impressively, the year after it opened in 2015, it won the award for Best New Restaurant (Asian) at the Peak G Awards. It is just as popular with customers as it is with critics, amassing a 4.5 star Google rating with over one thousand reviews. Tau pok, crispy bean sprouts, and prawns are served with their highly rated dry laksa. Experience the tangy heat of a deliciously prepared laksa with the tasteful, classy decor of National Kitchen. Image Credit: National Kitchen by Violet Oon Facebook Page
a. 1 St Andrew's Rd, #02–01 National Gallery, Singapore 178957
Sevendaze
Sevendaze is an award winning brewery, which also serves a variety of hearty meals. Try an ice cold beer with their popular dry laksa dish. You’ll be drooling just taking a sniff of the flavourful thick curry cooked with a mix of rice and sweet potato noodles. You can expect some juicy tiger prawns and squid with the laksa. For those who want an extra special meal, opt for the additional squid with salmon roe and seafood tofu. Image Credit: Sevendaze Facebook Page
a. 1 Jalan Rajah, Zhongshan Park #01-02 & 03, Singapore 329133
Jelebu Dry Laksa
The head chef got her footing at Le Bintochan. After Covid’s effect on the world, Chef Renee decided to take her home business to the streets. The secret of Jelebu’s tasty laksa is in the unique preparation: the noodles are flavoured in a broth that contains a dozen spices - each adding their own taste and fragrance. The finishing touch is a dash of coconut milk - adding that touch of the classic nutty taste. Laksa-lovers have the option of choosing from additions - ranging from a butter poached lobster to tiger prawns. Image Credit: Jelebu Dry Laksa Facebook Page
a. 1 HarbourFront Walk, #02-48, Singapore 098585
w. www.tipsycollective.com/jelebudrylaksa
Straits Chinese Nyonya Restaurant
If you want the unique experience of eating at an authentic Peranakan restaurant, head “strait” to Straits Chinese Nyonya Restaurant. Serving Singapore since 1953, this restaurant chain is known for its recipes passed down from generation to generation. Their dry laksa, a portion big enough for 3 people to feast on, is made with their special laksa paste recipe. The spiced rice noodles are then garnished with taupok and juicy prawns. Straits is a great place to experience a tasty and aromatic meal at a reasonable price. Image Credit: Straits Chinese Facebook Page
a. 8 Raffles Ave., #02-21 Esplanade Mall, Singapore 039802
Quentin's the Eurasian Restaurant
Laksa is undeniably a comfort food. Quentin’s provides the comfort and cosiness of a home with the experience of the restaurant that has been serving Singapore authentic Eurasian cuisine since 2001. Their dry laksa contains all the classics, the fragrant lemongrass, the spicy ginger, along with the coconut milk and laksa gravy. Two people can feast on the dish, served with bean sprouts, fish cakes, and prawns. As an added bonus, visit Thursday to Saturday to have dinner with a show; Quentin’s hosts live music every week. The restaurant is also family friendly, even featuring an indoor play room if you’re coming with young kids. Image Credit: Quentin's the Eurasian Restaurant Facebook Page
a. 139 Ceylon Rd, Level 1 Eurasian Heritage Gallery, Singapore 429744
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