Marine Parade Laksa

Marine Parade Laksa at 57 East Coast Rd sits in one corner of the laksa war zone. Mr Ng has been selling there for about 15 years, a reputable inheritance from his famous uncle "Jangut" with forty years of history in that area. The stories about how the two other equally good competitors, at numbers 49 and 51, sprung up over the last 3-4 years are, by now, fodder for TV drama and gossip. Mr Ng's laksa is Nonya al-dente. His concoction differs from the others in the corner with one small, albeit important factor, he does not use condensed milk to flavour and thicken the gravy. He boils the dried shrimps (hei-bi) with stock, coconut milk and spices to stay on the safe side of Nonya authenticity.

The Lowdown:

Marine Parade Laksa scores points for it's true to Peranakan taste. My Baba in-laws will attest to it. Mr Ng does not usually slap on a spoonful of that delectable cockles on your serving. That is an ultimate no-no to any fussy Nonyas. But due to healthy competition, he will cave in only if you demand that shellfish. He reluctantly puts it at the corner of the bowl just before he serves you so as not to pollute the taste. It is served only with a spoon as the thick beehon are nicely cut to accommodate a scoop and slurp eating experience. It is generally not a spicy as you would imagine it to be, but if you need to, simply slap on more of their special chilli sauce which a supplier specially custom makes for Mr Ng.

Dish:	Marine Parade Laksa
Where:	57 East Coast Rd
Test date:	01 Apr 2001
Rating:	Excellent