Here is a new Cup Noodles variety from Nissin Hong Kong – Laksa! It’s interesting how a lot of flavors of Malaysia and Singapore are making their way further east lately. Many different Laksa varieties exist, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen one from Hong Kong before. Here’s a little from Wikipedia about Laksa –
Laksa is a popular spicy noodle soup in the Peranakan cuisine.[1][2][3] Laksa consists of rice noodles or rice vermicelli with chicken, prawn or fish, served in spicy soup; either based on rich and spicy curry coconut milk, or based on sour asam (tamarind or gelugur). It can be found in Malaysia,[4] Singapore, Indonesia[5] and Southern Thailand.[6]
There are various theories about the origins of laksa. In Indonesia, the dish is believed to have been born from the Chinese coastal settlements and the mixing of cultures between Chinese merchants and the local cooking practices.[7] As Peranakan Chinese communities have blended their ancestors’ culture with local culture, Peranakan communities in different places now demonstrate diversity according to the local flavour.[8] In Malaysia, the dish is believed to have been introduced by Chinese immigrants in Malacca.[9] In Singapore, the dish (or its local “Katong” version) is believed to have been created after interaction between the Peranakans with the local Singaporeans.
Various recipes of laksas have gained popularity in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia; and subsequently international recognition. Initially in July 2011, CNN Travel ranked Penang Asam Laksa 7th out of the 50 most delicious foods in the world.[12] Its rank however, fell to number 26th after CNN held an online poll by 35,000 people, published in September 2011.[13] Singaporean Curry Laksa on the other hand ranked in number 44th.[13]
In Indonesia, laksa is one of the traditional comfort foods; the spicy warm noodle soup is great during cold rainy days. However, its popularity is somewhat overshadowed by soto, a similar hearty warm soup dish, which is often consumed with rice instead of noodles. In modern households, it is common practice to mix and match the recipes of laksas; if traditional laksa noodle is not available, Japanese udon noodles might be used instead.
Alright – let’s give this new Nissin Cup Noodles Hong Kong variety a try!
Nissin Cup Noodles Laksa Flavour – Hong Kong
Detail of the side panels (click to enlarge). Contains crustaceans. To prepare, remove lid add cold water to fill line. Microwave 3 minutes at 800W. Finally, stir and enjoy!
Detail of the lid (click to enlarge).
The noodle block.
Lots of loose seasonings inside the cup.
Finished (click to enlarge). Added Salad Cosmo mung bean sprouts, Dodo fishballs, fried onion and coriander. The noodles are the standard flat ones you’ll find in Cup Noodles varieties from Hong Kong. Still amazes me how many noodles fit into a little cup. The broth has a kind of creamy and spicy hit with a shrimp bump to it. The included tofu puffs are a welcome surprise and the bits of egg are great too. 4.25 out of 5.0 stars. EAN bar code 4897878100187.
