Source: https://verify-veg.com/blog/is-laksa-vegetarian/
Language: en

# Is Laksa Vegetarian? (Shrimp Paste & Stock)

Laksa is a Southeast Asian noodle soup, and the animal products are in the paste and the broth,
not just the toppings. Here is what makes laksa non-vegetarian, and how to order a plant-based
version.

> **Key Takeaways**
> - Laksa is usually not vegetarian: the spice paste contains shrimp paste (belacan).
> - The broth is typically made with shrimp, chicken or fish.
> - Curry laksa (coconut) and assam laksa (fish-based) are both seafood-based by default.
> - Order a vegetable laksa made without shrimp paste, fish sauce or seafood.

**TL;DR: Laksa is usually not vegetarian.** The spice paste traditionally contains shrimp paste
(belacan), and the broth is typically made with shrimp, chicken or fish. Vegetarian and vegan
laksa exist but must be asked for.

## Curry laksa vs. assam laksa

- **Curry laksa (laksa lemak)**: coconut-milk noodle soup with a spice paste that includes
  **shrimp paste (belacan)**, plus chicken, shrimp or fish.
- **Assam laksa**: sour fish-based soup, made with **mackerel** and shrimp paste.

Both are seafood-based by default.

## Other non-veg add-ins

- **Shrimp paste (belacan)** in the paste
- **Fish balls, shrimp, chicken, cockles**
- **Fish sauce** in the seasoning

## How to order vegetarian laksa

Ask for a **vegetable laksa made without shrimp paste and fish sauce**, with tofu and vegetables
instead of seafood. Many Malaysian/Singaporean eateries make a "veg laksa" on request, and vegan
laksa paste is available in stores.

## The bottom line

- **Vegetarian?** Only a made-veg version (no shrimp paste, no fish/seafood).
- **Vegan?** Same, plus coconut milk is already dairy-free.

See our [Laksa dish guide](/food/malaysia/laksa/) for the full breakdown.

**Check before you eat.** The Verify Veg app scans a barcode or reads an ingredient list from a
photo and flags ingredients against your diet (vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher, Jain and more).
[Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verifyveg-vegan-scanner/id6758276834) - 
Android is coming soon.

*Written by Samir Narain, founder of Verify Veg. Verify Veg helps people check packaged food
against their diet by scanning barcodes and reading ingredient lists from photos.*

*Note: Verify Veg provides ingredient-based compatibility checks, not certification. Recipes and
preparations vary by restaurant, region and cook, so always confirm with the restaurant, brand or vendor.*