Phaik Laksa @ Jalan Air Hitan, Air Hitam, Penang.

Previously located at Seang Teik Road, Phaik Laksa has since moved to a new location at Jalan Air Hitam, right next to the now defunct Shell Petrol Station on the same road. Phaik Laksa has been receiving overwhelming responses; particularly from the students studying in the nearby high schools. They are not visiting solely because of its signature Assam Laksa but for their famous Taiwanese Ai Yu Jelly as well. 

Phaik's signature Assam Laksa (Rm 3.50) seems to be one of the popular choices for the nearby students. It has the quintessential fresh greens and of course, the soul to Penang Assam Laksa- Shrimp Paste. Phaik's version has a lighter soup base, the flavor was not as heavy as compared to others. It possessed the essential acidity but we thought the spiciness was rather soft. The noodles were okay, though I would prefer them to be bouncier. Not out of the world good but a great place to assuage one's yearning for Assam Laksa. 

Alternatively, one might want to go for their Hokkien Mee (Rm 3.50); deceivingly simple but the seafood broth packs a flavorful punch. It has a nice flavor, fully accentuated from the crustacean and pork bones; completed with various condiments such as Hard Boiled Egg, Shrimps, Pork slices and Water Spinach. However, we thought the quality of the Chili Paste was unsatisfactory, it did not offer the expected chili heat. 

Prawn Cracker (RM 0.50/ piece) and Deep Fried Spring Rolls (Rm 0.80/ piece)

Jelly Ice (爱玉冰/ Rm 3)

Some Assam Laksa devotees might like to order Prawn Crackers and Spring Rolls to go with the flavorsome fish broth. The Prawn Crackers were great, skillfully deep fried till perfection with a shattering crisp; good to eat on its own as well as to dip in the fish broth. Spring Rolls, on the other hand, pallid in comparison with the former snack. The filling did not justify the Spring Rolls, as though they were under-seasoned and rather bland. Had I did not order it myself, I would not even know that I was eating Spring Rolls. Je Ne Sais Quoi.

Thirst quencher was Jelly Ice, Taiwanese dessert- Ai Yu, served with canned Lychee, a dash of fresh Lemon juice and completed with shaved Ice. It was dangerously refreshing, icy cold, sweet with a zingy acidic twist from Lemon, the perfect solution to the unbearable sultry tropical heat.

Ratings:

Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Price: 7.5/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Service: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Parking: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Ambiance: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Non-Halal

Service Charge: No

Additional Information:
Address: Jalan Air Hitam, 11400, Air Hitam, Penang (right next to the now defunct Shell Petrol Station on the same road).

Business Hours: 8 am to 6 pm. Closed on Mondays.

Contact Number: 6012- 482 3354