Penang Road Famous Laksa, Penang
Last updated: October 2026
| Address | 5 Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town, 10100 Penang |
|---|---|
| Hours | Mon, Tue, Thu–Sun 9:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| Closed | Wednesday |
| Price | RM5–7 per bowl |
| Payment | Cash only |
| Halal status | Non-halal |
| Getting there | Central George Town, off Jalan Penang. 5-minute walk from Komtar. Street parking on Lebuh Keng Kwee. |
| Take me here | |
| Verified | Verified October 2026 |
What It Is
Penang Road Famous Laksa is a Michelin Bib Gourmand asam laksa stall on Lebuh Keng Kwee, a narrow lane off Jalan Penang in the heart of George Town. It is one of the most accessible and highly regarded asam laksa vendors in the city, drawing both tourists staying in the heritage zone and local office workers during lunch. The stall has been serving laksa for decades and earned its Michelin recognition in the 2026 Malaysia guide.
Asam laksa is a sour fish soup made with mackerel, tamarind, lemongrass, torch ginger flower and other aromatics, served over thick round rice noodles. It is topped with shrimp paste (hae ko), sliced onion, pineapple, cucumber and mint. The flavour profile is intensely sour, sweet and savoury — a defining dish of Penang cuisine.
What to Order
There is one dish: asam laksa. A small bowl runs RM5, a regular bowl RM6-7. The laksa here has a well-balanced broth — sour but not overwhelmingly so, with enough fish flavour to give it depth. The shrimp paste on top adds a fermented sweetness. The stall also sits beside the Teochew Chendul vendor, so many visitors pair a bowl of laksa with a bowl of cendol (shaved ice with palm sugar, coconut milk and green pandan jelly) for a complete Penang snack stop.
Best Time to Go and Queue Tips
The stall opens at 9:00 am and the first hour is the quietest. The lunch crowd from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm brings the longest waits, typically 15-30 minutes. Weekend afternoons are busier than weekday afternoons. The stall closes at 5:30 pm but can sell out earlier on busy days. Avoid Wednesday as the stall is closed. The seating is shared with other food vendors in the area, so grab a table and then queue.
How to Get There
Lebuh Keng Kwee is a short lane connecting Jalan Penang to Lebuh Cintra, in the commercial centre of George Town. From Komtar, walk 5 minutes east along Jalan Penang and turn left into Lebuh Keng Kwee. From the heritage zone around Lebuh Chulia, walk about 8 minutes west. Rapid Penang buses stopping at Komtar or Jalan Penang put you within a few minutes' walk. Limited street parking is available on the lane itself.
Nearby
- Chew Jetty — 15-minute walk southeast to Weld Quay
- ChinaHouse — 10-minute walk east to Beach Street
- Air Itam Laksa — 20-minute drive for a comparison bowl in Air Itam
Verdict: Who It's For
Penang Road Famous Laksa is the most convenient place to try asam laksa if you are staying in George Town's heritage zone. Its central location, Michelin recognition and consistent quality make it ideal for first-time visitors to Penang. Pair it with cendol from the neighbouring stall for a two-dish Penang food experience in one sitting. Skip it if you prefer a more local, off-the-beaten-path setting — in that case, head to Air Itam Laksa instead.
What to Order at Penang Road Famous Laksa
Penang Road Famous Laksa offers a menu that changes with seasonal ingredients and availability. Below are the typical items you can expect. Prices are in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) and may vary.
- Signature dish (RM15–25) — The house specialty and most popular order. Ask staff for the day's recommendation if it rotates.
- Set meal (RM20–35) — A main course paired with a drink. Good value for a full meal.
- Drinks (RM5–15) — Coffee, tea, fresh juice and soft drinks. Specialty coffees cost slightly more.
- Dessert (RM8–18) — Daily selection that changes regularly. Worth asking what's freshly made.
Prices are approximate and were last checked in October 2026. The venue may adjust pricing without notice.
Location
Photos
Visitor Reviews
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★★★★★September 2026
The Michelin Bib Gourmand is well earned. The broth has real depth — sour from tamarind, fishy from the sardine base, and sweet from the hae ko dollop on top. The lai fun noodles had a good chewy texture. We paired a bowl of laksa (RM6) with cendol from the Teochew Chendul stall right next door. Perfect combo.
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★★★★★August 2026
Most convenient laksa in George Town — five minutes from Komtar on Lebuh Keng Kwee. The broth is well balanced, tangy without being overwhelmingly sour. Generous fish flakes and the condiments (mint, pineapple, onion, cucumber) are always fresh. Queued only 10 minutes at 9:30 am when they had just opened.
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★★★★☆July 2026
Decent asam laksa with a complex broth that has a nice tanginess. The small bowl at RM5 is enough as a snack. Service is fast once you get to the front of the queue. Slightly more tourist-heavy than Air Itam Laksa, but the quality is consistent and the central location makes it easy to fit into a walking tour of George Town.
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★★★★★May 2026
Third-generation family recipe and you can taste the heritage. The shrimp paste on top is essential — it adds a fermented sweetness that ties the whole bowl together. The thick rice noodles soak up the sour fish broth beautifully. At RM5-7, this is the cheapest Michelin-recognised meal you can find in George Town.
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★★★★★March 2026
Came for the laksa, stayed for the cendol next door. The broth is properly sour with good mackerel flavour. Torch ginger flower and lemongrass come through clearly. The lunch queue from 11:30 am to 1 pm can stretch to 20-30 minutes, but service moves quickly. Closed Wednesdays — check before you go.
Reviews sourced from Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Penang Road Famous Laksa's opening hours?
Penang Road Famous Laksa is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. Closed on Wednesday.
How much is a bowl of laksa?
A bowl of asam laksa costs RM5-7 depending on the size. Cash only.
Is Penang Road Famous Laksa halal?
No. Penang Road Famous Laksa is non-halal. The broth and shrimp paste topping are prepared in a non-halal environment.
How does it compare to Air Itam Laksa?
Penang Road Famous Laksa is more accessible for visitors staying in George Town, located right in the heritage zone. Air Itam Laksa has a stronger local following and a market-stall atmosphere. Both serve high-quality asam laksa — try both if your schedule allows.