Cooler days call for warmer meals – temperature and spice levels alike. And what a better way to soothe the soul than with a steamy bowl of laksa. The spicy noodle soup is a hit in South East Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Each country’s version varies slightly, but the staple flavours and ingredients we commonly see utilised in Adelaide and Australia are: rice or Hokkien noodles, a coconut broth mingled with a complex spice paste, herbaceous fronds, and a citrus element along with a protein, like tofu.

Here in Adelaide, the soup is somewhat elusive for us vegans, as shrimp paste and cow’s milk are often snuck into the mix. But never fear, there are nine casual eateries that are bowling up vegan laksa in Adelaide. In saying so, it’s always wise to double check the use of shellfish and dairy with your chosen restaurant, just in case their recipe has recently changed – you already know the deal. Happy slurping!

1. Bami, Various Location

Indeed a chain, but delicious nonetheless. New to the scene is South Australian-born, Bami, boasting a separate vegan menu with Vietnamese and Malaysian dishes aplenty. Opt for either Bami’s tofu and vegetable laksa or just the veg if tofu isn’t too high on your radar. Hokkien noodles swim in a rich, house-made coconut broth that’s full of spice, with beansprouts offering a finishing crunch.

Where: Blackwood, Christies Beach, Daw Park, Gilles Plains, Hallett Cove, Henley Beach, Hilton, Mitcham, Morphett Vale, Mount Gambier, Salisbury Downs, Seaford

2. Mai Kitchen, Ferryden Park

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As featured in our guides to the best vegan pho in Adelaide, vegan Vietnamese iced coffee in Adelaide, and casual dinner spots in Adelaide – Mai Kitchen is a crowd favourite amongst the vegan community of Adelaide. With plant-based options galore, Mai Kitchen offer two laksa adaptations. The first is a Vietnamese twist on the soup containing: lemongrass, bok choy, broccoli, shiitake, wood ear mushroom, tofu, and thick rice noodles in a mild broth. The second is Mai’s classic laksa with: juicy dumplings, tofu skin, carrots, shiitake, wood ear mushroom, and lemongrass in a mild broth.

Where: 1-5/34 Wright St, Ferryden Park

3. Little Viet Foodie, Various Locations

Another Vietnamese eatery going in for the laksa is Little Viet Foodie. The common denominator throughout Little Viet’s vegan offerings is trusty ol’ tofu, with their laksa no exception. Floating around the bowl you’ll find Hokkien noodles, a load of veg like broccoli, carrot, and beansprouts, as well as heaps of spring onion and coriander.

Where: Aberfoyle Park, Morphett Vale, Salisbury

4. Laksa House, Various Locations

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For 26 years the Market Plaza Food Court has been blessed with the herbal scents that waft out of Laksa House’s kitchen. The Malaysian hole-in-the-wall eatery specialise in a variety of laksa, slinging two vegan soups for us plant-eaters. Submerged in a lush, gingery broth you’ll find: chewy tofu puffs, rice noodles, bok choy, and fresh cucumber – or go crazy and opt for their vegan dumpling laksa. If you’re after more of a sit-down meal experience, hit up Laksa House’s Hutt Street locale.

Where: Market Plaza Food Court, and 214 Hutt St, Adelaide

5. Vietngon, Cowandilla

Making waves throughout the vegan community of Adelaide, Vietngon plate up outrageously good Vietnamese cuisine, with their heavenly rolls under the limelight in our guide to the best vegan banh mi in Adelaide. House-made vegan me*ts are in abundance at Vietngon, and their fragrant laksa gets the chick*n treatment along with marinated tofu, Hokkien noodles, and beansprouts. Served on Saturdays, it’s sublime.

Where: 182 Sir Donald Bradman Dr, Cowandilla

6. Banh Mi Cafe, Torrensville

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As highlighted in our guides to the best vegan pho in Adelaide, and the best cafes and restaurants in Mile End, Torrensville, and Thebarton, Banh Mi Cafe know a thing or two about flavourtown. This particular laksa goes out to those that relish succulent vegan me*ts – chick*n strips bathe in Banh Mi Cafe’s coconut curry broth, entangled with rice vermicelli noodles, tofu, and green beans along with a bunch of fresh herbs – what a treat.

Where: 2/184-188 Henley Beach Rd, Torrensville

7. Cafe Thu Ngan, Woodville Gardens

Coming in hot with a feature in our guide to the best vegan Vietnamese iced coffee in Adelaide, and the best vegan banh mi in Adelaide, Cafe Thu Ngan is pretty sensational when it comes to South East Asian fare. The Woodville Gardens joint is the sister store to the former Vegetarian Delight, so you already know it’s going to be above average with a humongous vegan menu to boot. As for their laksa, it’s a bold Singaporean take utilising slurpy Hokkien noodles.

Where: Shop 5/22 Hanson Rd, Woodville Gardens

8. Zenhouse, West Hindmarsh

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As seen in our guides to 100 per cent vegan cafes and restaurants in Adelaide, the best vegan dumplings in Adelaide, and the best dinner spots near the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, it’s no secret that Zenhouse whips up super satisfying plant-based cuisine from across Asia. Hidden amongst their extensive menu, spot Zenhouse’s laksa of: bean curd knots, Hokkien noodles, tofu puffs, bok choy, carrot, mushroom, as well as zingy mint and Thai basil.

Where: 462 Port Rd, West Hindmarsh

9. Chinatown Cafe, Adelaide

“It’s the best laksa you will ever eat,” according to one vegan Adelaidian. Chinatown Cafe allegedly dish out the goods, and they’re not afraid of raw veg. Crunchy slices of cucumber, crispy shallots, and mint sit atop the creamy broth, while beansprouts, bok choy, tofu puffs, and rice noodles lurk in the depths of the bowl.

Where: Market Plaza Food Court, Moonta St, Adelaide