With cooler weather on the way, Northern Beaches Living members set out to answer an important question; where can you get the best Laksa soup locally? Here’s the roundup of all the most highly recommended Laksa ladlers on the Northern Beaches…
Bau Truong @ The Harbord Diggers
Having moved from its original location in Cabramatta, Bao Truong is dedicated to serving up authentic Vietnamese cuisine to local Sydneysiders. Alongside their classic Pho soup, this Diggers favourite has also garnered a reputation for serving some of the best Laksa on the beaches, coming in as one of the most highly recommended spots on our list. Don’t believe the hype? Be sure to check it out for yourself!
Bau Truong
Harbord Diggers, 88 Evans Street, Freshwater
https://www.harborddiggers.com.au/dining-bars/bau-truong
Tastes of Asia, Dee Why RSL
This contender was one of the most highly recommended by our readers, with praise coming in thick and fast for the local favourite. Tastes of Asia is one of many excellent restaurants within Dee Why RSL and features an extensive menu of food from across Southeast Asia. Its famous laksa is available with chicken, prawn and vegetarian options, and is just one of many other amazing (and customizable!) options from the Dee Why RSL.
Tastes of Asia
Dee Why RSL, 932 Pittwater Rd, Dee Why
https://deewhyrsl.com.au/dining-bars/tastes-of-asia/
The Thai & I, Dee Why
It seems like we’re not finished with Dee Why yet (and there’s more to come!), as The Thai & I Restaurant in Dee Why also comes through as a highly recommended laksa joint. Located on Dee Why’s Strand, this longstanding venue prides itself on its authentic Thai cuisine – and although laksa predominantly originates from Malaysia and Indonesia, its tangier and spicier variants are still popular further north in Thailand. So, if you’re craving Laksa with a twist, be sure to try The Thai & I!
The Thai & I
10/26 The Strand, Dee Why
http://www.thethaiandi.com/
Take A Seat Thai, Manly Vale
While we’re talking about Thai food, let’s move on to a small restaurant that hits far above its weight. This unassuming venue in Manly Vale brings all the spice and tang that one expects from a good Thai joint, but has earned itself a reputation for providing excellent, spicy laksa to the lower north shore. It’s nestled away beside Dominoes on Manly Vale’s main road, but don’t let that fool you – this local gem sparkles just as brightly as its bigger counterparts.
Take A Seat Thai
329 Condamine St, Manly Vale
(02) 9948 6138
Taste Buds Thai, Dee Why
If you can believe it, it’s back to Dee Why again for Taste Buds Thai in Dee Why! One of many local food joints along the bustling Pittwater Road, Taste Buds Thai continues to assert itself as a series contender to the local food scene. It has all the Thai staples you know and love from tangy noodles to rich curries, as well as a large selection of soups to suit all taste – including, of course, its famous laksa, which the locals can confirm is some of the best on the North Shore.
Taste Buds Thai
828c Pittwater Rd, Dee Why
https://tastebudsthaionline.com.au/
HongFa Chinese BBQ Restaurant, Dee Why
Although primarily a Chinese restaurant, Hong-Fa continues to wow diners with its traditional Chinese goodness and outstanding BBQ Beef Laksa. It’s one of many soups available from this popular joint, but this unique twist on traditional laksa is warming, hearty and an absolute must for laksa fans – it’s all of the best parts of a traditional laksa, with extra Chinese barbecue-beef tang.
HongFa Chinese BBQ Restaurant
Shop 2/21 Oaks Ave, Dee Why
https://hongfachinesebbq.com.au/
Chilli Club Narrabeen
With stunning views across Narrabeen’s beautiful lake and a wide selection of high-quality Thai cuisine, Chilli Club is the perfect place for any occasion, from a fancy dinner to just a nice night out. Although laksa is predominantly made with chicken, seafood fans will be delighted by its specialty spicy Prawn Laksa, made fresh with hokkien noodles and mixed vegetables.
Chilli Club Narrabeen
1354 Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen
https://www.chilliclubnarrabeen.com/
Soy Noodle Bar
Okay, so it’s over the bridge – but the praises sung by our group members for this little joint have earned it an honourary place on our our list (besides, Double Bay counts as a ‘beach’, right?!). This unassuming local restaurant is a ferry ride away from Manly in Double Bay, so why not make a day of it? With an extensive range of authentic South-Asian noodle dishes, their customizable Laksa is right at home next to all the classic noodle soups you’ve come to expect and love.
Soy Noodle Bar
368 New South Head Rd, Double Bay
(02) 9328 1894
Simply Noodles @ Warringah Mall
You’ve definitely seen this one, and you’ve probably eaten here too – but have you tried the Laksa? This local favourite was overwhelmingly recommended by members of our group, praising its authentic Chinese BBQ menu, and of course its spicy, creamy Laksa soup. It’s nestled into the ground level food court near Woolworths at the Mall, so if all the shopping has made you hungry, why note stop off for a quick bite?
Simply Noodles
Warringah Mall, 145 Old Pittwater Rd, Brookvale
(02) 9939 0256
WockBar Manly
If you love good Thai, you’ve definitely experienced this longstanding local gem. But, have you experienced their Laksa? Served in the Malaysian style with a choice between chicken, beef, vegetable, prawn, or duck, their take on this soup dish is one you might have missed on their menu. If you somehow haven’t tried WockBar yet, this is your sign – and if you have already, this is also your sign!
WockBar Manly
3/27 Belgrave St, Manly
https://www.wockbarmanly.com/
Rick’s Wok N Noodles @ Home Co. Belrose
Finally, for those a little further up north, we have Rick’s Wok N Noodles at Home Co. Belrose (a.k.a. The Belrose Centre to locals). Whether you’re a local, or just in the area for a Bunnings or Spotlight run, this humble takeaway joint boasts some of the best noodles and soups around- including, of course, Laksa. So next time you’re in the Centre, be sure to swing by and try this highly-recommended contender!
