Savoring the Flavors of Laksa at Janggut in Roxy Square

Embarking on a Culinary Journey

This culinary adventure takes me to the eastern side of Singapore, widely recognized as a paradise for delicious food. Janggut Laksa at Roxy Square has made a name for itself since the 1950s as "The Original Katong Laksa."

The name 'Janggut' means 'beard' in Malay, a nickname for Mr. Ng, the founder of this establishment. Previously known as Marine Parade Laksa, it was one of the first places to sell laksa in the Katong area, where this dish gained its fame.

Arriving at Janggut Laksa

Upon arriving, I was greeted by a long queue. Honestly, I thought, "Is this really a line?" Out of curiosity about what made their laksa special, I decided to wait it out.

The menu here is straightforward: just laksa in different sizes. The prices are quite reasonable, starting from S$6 for a small bowl, S$7 for a medium, and S$8 for a large. I opted for the small bowl to give it a try, but I must admit, it was rather petite.

The noodles are cut short, making them easy to scoop with a spoon. Each spoonful is filled with plenty of bean sprouts and fish cake. While the noodles were slightly soft, they suited those who prefer their noodles this way.

The Distinctive Flavor of Katong Laksa

There were plenty of sweet prawns and a few clams without an overpowering metallic taste. Although the portion could have been larger, it was still enough to fill me up. I found the sambal here to be fragrant and slightly sweet, blending well with the laksa broth.

The broth at Janggut Laksa is rich and creamy, with a delightful coconut flavor. It isn’t overly greasy, yet it delivers a robust umami taste. Notably, the broth isn’t diluted, maintaining a smooth, creamy texture that’s easy to sip.

Is It Worth It?

Compared to other eateries, Janggut Laksa did not disappoint, but it didn’t leave me eager to return immediately. While the broth was delicious and aromatic, considering the slightly higher price and modest portion, I believe there are other places worth exploring as well.

When I glanced over at my friend’s bowl, the larger portion had double the prawns compared to mine, but I wondered if it was truly worth the extra cost. If you’re looking for the best experience, I think opting for the medium bowl at S$7 is the most reasonable choice.

Final Thoughts on Janggut Laksa

While I hoped that Janggut Laksa would blow me away, perhaps my expectations were set too high. The food here is undeniably tasty, but nothing stood out significantly compared to other places. If you want to experience authentic Katong Laksa, it’s worth a visit to Roxy Square. It may not be my top pick, but with its delicious flavors and pleasant service, Janggut remains a spot worth checking out.