Firstly, growing up in JB, we never ate Laksa Johor at shops. NEVER. It's a traditional, home-cooked dish, and that's how we used to prepare and consume it. It was something for special occasions, especially. Our Hari Raya would simply not be complete without our atuk or one of my aunties making Laksa Johor for everyone at our family home in Kampung Melayu, JB. (my late mom's own specialty was mee rebus.)
So, Laksa Johor for me = fabulous food + meaningful memories.
It's a relatively "simple" dish. We use spaghetti, instead of other types of noodles. (Some people foolishly laugh at this and say that because of this, Laksa Johor is a recent creation. But in fact, it was because the Sultan of Johor was a world-traveller even back in the 19th Century, and he took a liking to spaghetti and asked for it to be part of this traditional dish.)
Then there are the condiments; taugeh, daun kesum, shredded cucumber, bawang and caipoh. MUST. HAVE. CAIPOH. The pièce de résistance is the gravy; a thick and flavourful fish-based goodness. And not forgetting the sambal belacan!
These days, plenty of restaurants serve Laksa Johor, especially the ones that specialise in Johor cuisine, even in the Klang Valley. But over the years, it's been a hit and miss affair for me personally. (Even places touting to serve "authentic" Johor food have failed miserably when it comes to Laksa Johor.)
But here are 3 places that I recommend!
1. The Teapot Deli, SACC Mall, Shah Alam
2. Puteri Restoran, Jalan Datuk Sulaiman, TTDI
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| Couldn't find a pic of me at the restaurant, so here's that time I tapau-ed some home. And yes, the real Johor way is to makan pakai tangan! |
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