Laksa King

What was once Bo Laksa King's Bubble and Bits, is now under new management and ownership, and goes by just Laksa King. Some things have changed while others are still the same, such as the front door screen which for those who do not open properly, will result in a large startling *bang* and direct all attention that way. Something that has happened at the previous restaurant along with this one, whoops.

Asides from the front door screen which has not changed, is the strong aroma of spices when we walked in. To me, an aroma of spices is always a good sign. Furthermore, with the front door open and a good amount of ceiling fans, the restaurant tries to be well ventilated. However, laundry night is a must after a visit here.

As for the interior, the blue walls (except for a portion at the back of the counter) and black tables along with the squeaky matching chairs, are gone. Instead, Laksa King has a diner theme going on with neon lights, red vinyl booths and a portrait of a gas station diner painted on the wall. Furthermore, the seating arrangements are more comfortable and properly maximized compared to the previous restaurant.

BEEF RENDANG, SLOW COOKED MARINATED BEEF WITH COCONUT GRAVY AND HOUSEMADE SPECIAL SPICE, SERVED WITH RICE ($10.50).

After waiting twenty five minutes, we wondered why the roti was taking so long. No… is everything going to show up at once? Just as that thought ran through our minds, everything arrived except for the roti.

The beef rending has a creamy coconut milk flavour along with plenty of spices. If anything, we could have used a hint of spiciness. As for the beef, half the cubes taste tender but dry, and the other portion is rock hard. Nevertheless, the curry was not bad and did the job since the both of us were hungry. 

LAKSA SERVED WITH VERMICELLI, PRAWN, FISH BALL, TOFU PUFF, HARD BOIL EGG, CHICKEN AND HOUSEMADE AUTHENTIC COCONUT CURRY BROTH ($8.75).

Deciding to pass on an authentic way of having laksa which is half yellow noodles and half vermicelli, we went for just vermicelli.

The laksa has a rich creamy curry flavour and a mild spiciness that lingers in the mouth. We were not expecting the mild spiciness considering we have had pretty bad laksa before, and it was a nice change to have good laksa for once. In addition, we actually really liked the laksa; the onion, chilli, garlic, lemon grass, dried shrimp, curry and coconut flavour is all there. As for the ingredients, the prawns are not overcooked and have a nice bounce. However, the cuts of chicken are too big and taste very chewy.

BUTTER CHICKEN, BONELESS CHICKEN COOKED IN A HOUSEMADE CREAMY BUTTER SAUCE, SERVED WITH NAAN BREAD AND RICE ($9.25).

Craving for Indian food, I went for the butter chicken. Plus, it is a good price considering naan and rice are included. About that naan, it tastes like the one from Indian Oven! Turns out that is the taste of grocery purchased naan, which I do not mind at Laksa King considering they are not an Indian cuisine restaurant. The naan tastes boring, stiff, dry and hard to rip. But, I love carbs and did not mind since again, this is not an Indian cuisine restaurant.

The curry taste buttery as well as creamy, and not tomatoey. In addition, there is a good amount of dark meat which tastes moist as well as tender. Actually, the butter chicken is not bad. As for the rice, the portion is very small and is  similar to the portion which was served with the beef rendang.

ROTI CANAI, HOMEMADE AUTHENTIC SOUTH-EAST ASIAN PA-RA-TA SERVED WITH CHICKEN CURRY DIPPING SAUCE, LARGE ($6.99).

Last to arrive is the roti. I am so embarrassed for forgetting to take a better photo because the roti is one of the best I ever had! There are plenty of moist as well as soft layers, and the exterior is perfectly crisp. The roti actually has like six to eight layers! Although unfortunately, we did not like the curry sauce as we found the taste was very weak and not flavourful. The roti tasted better without it.

TOTAL: $38.85 + TIP $6.15 = $45.00.

Overall, the highlights are the laksa along with the roti, especially the roti. Altlhough the beef rendang and butter chicken were not bad nor tasted bland. As for the service, there was none but the family seems very friendly.

POSITIVES
- Laksa is pretty good (3.5/5)
- One of the better roti (4/5)
- Clean restaurant, comfortable seats and newly renovated
- Complimentary guava candy!

NEGATIVES
- Portions of rice are a bit small but hey, at least rice is included in the price
- A bit awkward the staff did not speak
- You come out smelling like the restaurant

LITTLE THINGS
- I would definitely tag along if someone wanted to drop by here, but only get the roti (and perhaps bring my own curry sauce LOL jk)

Food: 2.5/5

Service: 2.5/5