Laksa

The term Laksa etymologically derived from Old Persian, which means "slippery";[1] refers to the texture of laksa which is chewy and slippery when eaten because this dish is usually served with soup.

Following the pattern of terminology, the term Laksa is undoubtedly originated from Persia and its surroundings (which also includes Sanskrit-speaking areas), this is evidenced by the discovery of the term Laksa in various indigenous languages around the Persian region; in Afghanistan this dish known as Lakhchak, in Armenia called as Լապշա (Lapsha), in Belarus called локшына (Lokšyna), in Kazakhstan called лағман (Lağman), in Kyrgyzstan called лагман (Lagman), in Lithuania called Lakštiniai, in Palestine (also known as Israel) called לאָקשן (Lokshen/Lokshyn),[lower-alpha 1] in Mongolia called лапша (Lapsha), in Russia called лапша (Lapsha), in western China called لەڭمەن (Lagmen),[lower-alpha 2] in Ukraine called локшина (Lokshyna), meanwhile in Uzbekistan called as Lagʻmon. Even the term Lasagna in Italy also thought to have come from the same etymological root; i.e. from Ancient Persia (introduced to Italy from Persia via Greek, in Greece itself it is called λαζάνια (Lazánia)).

In the modern era, Laksa in Iran now tends to be better known as aush, āsh, ashe, āshe, aash, osh; the term "aush" specifically means "thick soup" in Iranian languages. However, the usage of the term "Laksa" is still common.

It is not exactly known when Laksa was introduced to Indonesia, but it is likely that Laksa was brought and introduced by the Persian (or Indians or Arabs; or Persians via India or Yemen) traders who came to Indonesia hundred years ago, and in the 1300s this dish was already widely known by the Javanese people.

Based on the narrative of Denys Lombard (expert of eastern customs and traditions) in his book entitled Le carrefour Javanais: Essai d'histoire globale II, one of the ancient records that alludes to Laksa (as a noodle dish) can only be found in the Old Javanese Biluluk inscription dating back to 1391 era of Majapahit empire which mentions the word Haṅlaksa (modern spelling: Hanglaksa),[2][3] which those Old Javanese word means "noodles/vermicilli maker".[4] Those Old Javanese word is thought to have been taken from the Sanskrit, namely लक्ष (Lakhshah) which means "one hundred thousand", although this Sanskrit word does not have any indication of any connection with the noodle dish in general; however the "-shah" at the end of the word indicates that this word was most likely influenced by the Old Persian terminology.

In Indonesia, there are many kinds of Laksa. They were made following the local tastes and culinary traditions of the local community. Among the popular Indonesian Laksa variants are:

A plate of Banjar laksa

Banjar laksa has different appearance from laksa in general, the laksa noodles in Banjar laksa are usually unraveled, but woven together to form a roll-like unit. For the soup, Banjar laksa usually uses a mixture of local fish that has gone through a refining process first.[5] Various special spices (formerly imported from the Maluku Islands) are also mixed together with coconut milk. The soup color of Banjar laksa sauce usually tends to be orange in color because it also contains a little mixture of Habang Sambal (a type of Sambal typical of Banjarmasin).[5]

A bowl of Bogor Laksa

The Bogor laksa is characterized by the prominent usage of Oncom (a Sundanese vegan food similar to Tempeh) which usually grilled first. It is also sometimes eaten with Ketupat (Javanese rice cake) or Perkedel (Javanese potato patty) as a complement to the dish.[6] The broth of Bogor laksa usually uses a mixture of various special spices mixed together with coconut milk.[6] The color of Bogor laksa soup usually tends to be greenish yellow.[6]

A bowl of Betawi laksa

Based on its history, the Betawi Laksa is actually a developed version of Cibinong laksa. It was originally developed in the Cibinong district of Bogor Regency. However, the Betawi Laksa variation is becoming more popular than its predecessor due to getting greater exposure. In 1988, Betawi laksa was named as one of the winners of the Betawi Food Festival at the 26th anniversary celebration of the Hotel Indonesia in Jakarta.[7]

The variants of Laksa in Singapore usually have Chinese influence, one of the popular Singaporean Laksa variants is the one from the Katong district.

A bowl of Katong laksa

The Katong laksa originally developed to popularize the Katong district as recreational place. After the official visit of President Tony Tan Keng Yam in 2013 to Katong district, the popularity of Katong laksa started to grow and reach international audience.