328 Katong Laksa

328 Katong Laksa? In Miri? Seemed unlikely, but according to the information on the wall, Sarawak was where it established its overseas branch. Hmn .... I was wondering why actually ... was it to cater to the Brunei market? I mean, there were so many types of food which had not made its way here to Miri .... I'd love so much to have Burger King or Wendy's over here, or maybe Auntie Anne's and Subway. But 328 Katong Laksa? The infamous 328 Katong Laksa all the way from Singapore?

AT had eaten there for three times this week. He was going to bring me there for dinner. That would make it his fourth bowl of laksa this week. Hmn .... if you asked me, it was rather unhealthy. But heck, I was not going to talk some sense into him ....

Well, first of all, I liked the clean and bright surroundings in the shop ... in the colours of white and orange. It made me feel cheerful and happy. There was information on the wall about the history of this establishment in Singapore ... and the other wall was filled with lots of photos of Nancy Koh, the founder, and celebrities from all over the world. So famous was her laksa that celebrities could testify for her!

Anyway, AT did not even asked what I wanted .... and took the liberty to order for me ....

 Nanyang Coffee O, and Nanyang Coffee

Well, AT liked the cup and wanted to bring it home. Silly man, again. 

But seriously, the coffee tasted good - very rich with the flavour of condensed milk. I just thought that was not hot enough, and was a bit too sweet too. I did not finish the drink. 

Katong Laksa, small bowl

Soon, our two bowls of laksa were placed before us. Where's my chopstick? I asked AT. 

No need, he said. Just use your spoon. 

Well, I soon found out why. Let me begin with the noodles. The noodles were bigger than rice vermicelli, but not as thick as those used for Assam laksa. They were also more translucent .... in fact, almost transparent. Like thick glass noodles! It was smooth, slippery, springy .... very good texture, really. The noodles were cut into short lengths ... making it very easy to scoop with the spoon. 

Topping the bowl of noodles were crunchy blanched beansprouts, blanched prawns that were halved lengthwise, a few slices of fishcake, cockles, sambal, and chopped laksa leaves. I mixed everything well before tasting my first spoonful of laksa.

Now, let's see ..... the turmeric-yellow broth was thick. Near creamy, and packed with the flavour of coconut milk, curry and dried prawns. The refreshing herbal flavour of the laksa leaves also came through. It felt sinful to be slurping the broth, spoonful after spoonful. Sigh. 

The portion was satisfactory for me. AT claimed that it took only a few spoonfuls to finish. Not true. But seriously, if you wanted to indulge in MORE of the delicious noodles, do order a big bowl. :P 328 Katong Laksa is located at the Boulevard Commercial Centre. Do try.