Wait, what?
A $2 Laksa in Singapore?
I was walking around Chinatown Complex Food Centre, when I saw this stall selling incredibly affordable $2 bowls of Laksa.
Located at the green zone of the food centre, you may just walk past The Asian Makanstall without paying much attention.
There is a little ‘makeshift’ vibe about the stall, as the menu is pasted outside using A3 and A4 printed sheets.
Turns out that the hawker dabbled in other hawker food before, such as Chicken Nasi Briyani and Fuzhou Oyster Cake.
Perhaps calling it The Asian Makanstall will give more room for maneuvering.
The Laksa is sold in $2 and $3 versions.
I got myself the $3 version which comes with more pieces of ingredients. Chopsticks are also provided, and the thick vermicelli is not cut up (even though it’s displayed as “Katong-style” – just in case you are wondering).
The bowl itself is straightforward, with a coconut-based broth that carries a creamy, fragrant punch.
It may not come brimming with lavish ingredients, but the essentials are there – thick rice noodles, tau pok (fried bean curd), slices of fish cake, and crunchy bean sprouts.
I found that while the broth isn’t as thick or as spicy as some pricier options around town, it holds its own in terms of flavour.
The portion is modest, fitting for the price, and it feels like a no-frills take.
The hawkers also sell other items such as Curry Puff, Mee Hoon Goreng ($4) and Char Kuey Teow ($4), though these items are not always available.
It’s not trying to be the best laksa you’ll ever have, but rather an accessible, honest bowl that satisfies cravings.
The Asian Makanstall
Chinatown Complex Food Centre #02-055, 335 Smith St, Singapore 050335
Opening Hours: 11am – 2pm (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
63 Laksa (Ghim Moh Food Centre)
Janggut Laksa (Queensway)
Depot Road Zhen Shan Mei Laksa (Alexandra Village Food Centre)
George’s Katong Laksa (Upper Changi Road)
Guang Fa Laksa (Havelock Road Food Centre)
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