This might just be as close as you can get to having the real deal. Penang Signature only has one item on the menu — Assam Laksa ($3.50). White, slightly translucent noodles are pre-packed into takeaway containers, even if you're eating it there. Upon order, the staff gives the huge pot of broth a good stir before ladling out the lusciously rich gravy that Tastemaker Fabian Poon describes as "belacan, heh ko (prawn paste), lemongrass, assam and my favourite, mint leaves all mixed harmoniously together in a fish broth". Tastemaker Kenneth Lee loves how the "sweetish prawn paste mixes perfectly with the sour tamarind" without overpowering the other flavours. Pro tip: Request for the gravy to be stored separately from the noodles if you're going to have this taken away — it keeps the noodles from getting soft and soggy!
Avg Price: $5 per person
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Kenneth Lee