I EAT: Angcle Peoh Air Itam Asam Laksa @ Bukit Tinggi, Klang : Original and Best Asam Laksa!

I told you a while ago that my favourite Penang Asam Laksa was at Air Itam, Penang. I can’t eat asam laksa anywhere else because everything just pales in comparison to what I perceived to be the original and best. Well, I don’t have to make that 4 hour drive to Penang any longer!

Now, I just have to drive 1 hour from KL to savour mouthwatering asam laksa!

Angcle Peoh Air Itam Asam Laksa – RM8

I found out only very recently, that the original owner of the Air Itam Asam Laksa is actually now here in the Klang Valley! Opened under the name Angcle Peoh (pronounced “Uncle Peoh”) the shop specialises in asam laksa, but also have other Penang delicacies to round up the menu.

There are now 3 outlets, but the one I’ve been to is at Bukit Tinggi, opposite the Aeon Bukit Tinggi mall. Use waze to find your way there – it’s a lot easier than trying to follow directions. 

The Angcle Peoh Air Itam Asam Laksa is what I remembered the Air Itam Asam Laksa to be. The soup is thick with shredded fish, tangy with tamarind juice, spicy and pungent with shrimp paste (he-ko) and chock-full of shredded vegetables and fresh herbs. From recollection, the portion size is much larger than what you get in Penang as well.

I’ve been there 3 times so far, and to be honest, I’ve found the quality a little inconsistent from bowl to bowl. Sometimes, I get a bowl brimming with thick, spicy, sour, pungent soup and other times, I get a slightly more diluted version. But taste-wise, I cannot fault it one bit. It hits the asam laksa spot every single time and makes the hour long drive worth its while!

Another dish I’ve tried is the Penang Hokkien Mee or Prawn Mee (RM8). The prawn broth is tasty albeit a little light, and portion sizes are fairly generous, compared to what you get in most coffeeshops. It is a good option for those who’d rather not indulge in the acquired taste of asam laksa.

I would also recommend trying the Char Kuey Teow (RM10 with duck egg) which I find has a good burnt wok flavour to it, and is well-fried. I believe it is usually fried to order and it comes piping hot, and is a good-sized portion, and tasty. Not perfect, but for a one-stop Penang food centre, I’d say it’s absolutely worth trying. I always do, because it’s not easy finding good char kuey teow around anymore, without travelling long distances from KL city.

I have tried a couple of other dishes on the menu (not pictured) and WILL NOT RECOMMEND the cendol, ais kacang nor rojak.

The Cendol (RM5.30) I find has too much milky coconut milk and not enough gula melaka. It is also sweet and not to my tastes at all. Ditto the Ais Kacang (RM5.30) which is equally disappointing. Order it if you must, if you feel that you’d like to slake your thirst, but be warned that they suck.

SUMMARY

AMBIANCE: I’ve only been to the Bukit Tinggi shop. On weekends it can get busy and while it is air-conditioned, it is rather warm inside. Seating is at long tables, and it can be a little cramped for large groups. Not a place to linger as you’d likely just slurp down your noodles and leave because it gets very warm especially on a hot day.

SERVICE: You self-order by marking what you want on pre-printed order chits. The servers are mostly foreigners who may not understand you, so bear it in mind if you want to change or modify your orders. Food is otherwise served very quickly – almost immediately upon placing your order, most of the time! The Asam Laksa and soup noodles are made in the front of the shop, and Angcle Peoh himself is usually around making the noodles. Payment is made at the back of the shop, where the cashier isn’t the most friendly person around. As I don’t consider this a fine dining experience, I don’t really bother about things like these. It’s the food I come for in places like these.

TASTE: The asam laksa is as authentic as they come, and hits the spot for me. That’s the true pulling factor of the shop. Do be warned that other dishes are alright, but not spectacular.

PRICE: I’d say prices are average for the portion size that you get. You can request additional toppings for an additional charge, but I’d say that RM8 for a generous bowl of authentic, delicious asam laksa is pretty reasonable in this economic climate.

Restoran Angcle Peoh (Bukit Tinggi)
42, Lorong Batu Nilam 21B,
Bandar Bukit Tinggi 2,
41200 Klang, Selangor

Restoran Angcle Peoh (Kota Kemuning)
27, Jalan Anggerik Vanilla Ab 31/Ab,
Kota Kemuning, 40460 Shah Alam,
Selangor