We tried JB’s best-rated laksa
Since my school days, I’ve heard many things about Foon Yew Laksa. Back then, though, I didn’t fully appreciate laksa, so I never felt the need to try it. Recently, after a satisfying experience at another eatery, I suddenly had a craving for laksa. It brought back memories of this long-standing stall near CIQ at Stulang Laut, which has been serving the community since 1976 and holds memories across generations.
Even though I knew the stall had a great reputation among locals, I was surprised to find out it boasts a high rating on Google, holding 4.1 stars based on 916 reviews (at time of writing). That’s quite impressive for a modest stall.
The stall may appear unassuming from the outside, but you’ll be surprised by the crowd once you step in. Seats are casually scattered under the trees, with laughter and conversations filling the air—a down-to-earth vibe. While the environment might seem somewhat rustic to some, if you appreciate the vibe, you’ll find it enjoyable.
The operation of the stall resembled a school canteen, where you could select your desired sides at the counter and the staff would cook them for you. The counter showcased a variety of options, most priced between RM0.60 to RM1.20. Larger items like fried dishes would cost up to RM2. Therefore, the total price varied significantly, depending on your selection.
What I tried at Foon Yew Laksa
There were 2 soup options to choose from: laksa and clear soup. Undoubtedly, I opted for the laksa base and added sides such as fu chuk, taupok, fried fish cake, fish balls, cheese tofu, fried fish ball, half a hard-boiled egg, and quail egg— my bowl was filled to the brim! Despite some noticeable oil patches floating on top of the soup, it still looked incredibly appetising.
Being the star of the dish, the soup didn’t disappoint. It was perfectly infused with herbs and spices, with a hint of creaminess from coconut milk. The broth was light yet packed with flavour— I couldn’t resist taking another sip.
As usual, I had my yellow mee mixed with bihun. If I were to use a metaphor to describe it: the bihun acted as a lively character with a bouncy mouthfeel, while the yellow mee played the steady counterpart with a slightly soft texture. Together, they balanced each other out, keeping the bihun from being overly exuberant.
Among all the ingredients, one stood out and left a lasting impression on me— the taupok. Its appearance was unassuming, but its taste was quite the opposite. It was exceptionally soft and carried a slight bean fragrance. The only downside was that it didn’t soak up the essence of the broth.
The fried fish ball is also a notable side that I thoroughly enjoyed. Unlike typical fish balls, it had an uneven surface and leaned towards a sweeter flavour profile. The perfectly-fried skin added a nuanced fragrance, and its chewy texture made it quite addictive.
I also ordered a clear soup to try out different flavours. The soup was gentle and clear, perfect for a light snack. These 2 bowls cost me RM23, which was a bit steeper than expected.
Final thoughts
The laksa reminded me of school canteen fare, with a familiar taste that I enjoyed. What stood out for me was how the soup maintained its balance; unlike many laksa dishes where coconut milk dominates, here the herbs and spices were rich and prominent.
Despite the slightly higher price than expected, I believe it’s still an affordable option and it’s worth paying for such a delightful experience.
In my opinion, this eatery truly lives up to its high ratings and rave reviews online. I will definitely return for their delicious laksa and the charming atmosphere. However, if you’re very particular with hygiene, do note that you may encounter some insects and flies here.
Expected damage: RM12 – RM20 per pax
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