KL’s hawker favourite, the belly-warming curry laksa with its creamy coconut milk broth, has claimed second spot out of the world’s top 500 food experiences in travel authority Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Eatlist. The latter is a follow-up to Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travelist.
The book’s entry suggests travellers to sample the version at the “fantastic little hawker centres tucked into the shadows of towering skyscrapers, and at Madras Lane, just off Petaling Street.”
The spicy noodle dish isn’t just the only food that made it to the list. Ten more beloved Malaysian staples were also nominated including ikan bakar (#60), assam laksa (#123), beef rendang (#268), wantan mee (#299) and kaya toast (#352).
Lonely Planet ranked the 500 best food experiences around the world by asking its food-obsessed writers, bloggers and staffers, who named their favourite and most authentic gastronomic encounters. Their expert food editors, advised by a panel made up of Malaysian-born chef and TV presenter Adam Liaw and food blogger Leyla Kazim, evaluated the entries according to the taste of the dish, its cultural importance and the special atmosphere of the location.
Here are the top 10 food experiences according to Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Eatlist:
1. Pintxos in San Sebastián, Spain
2. Curry laksa in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
3. Sushi in Tokyo, Japan
4. Beef brisket in Texas, USA
5. Som tum in Bangkok, Thailand
6. Smørrebrød in Copenhagen, Denmark
7. Crayfish in Kaikoura, New Zealand
8. Bibimbap in Seoul, South Korea
9. Pizza margherita in Naples, Italy
10. Dim sum in Hong Kong
'Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Eatlist' goes on sale at major bookstores this week and retails for RM129.90.
