As someone who takes laksa pretty seriously, I can be very particular about it. Most of the time, I end up making it myself at home because finding a bowl that checks all my boxes? Not easy. Itâs rare to come across one that lives up to my (very personal) standard.
Last weekend, during a lunch date with my partner, I mentioned that I had a mouth ulcer and wasnât in the mood for anything too heavy or chewy. I just wanted something warm, light, and easy to eat. He immediately suggested we go for something soupy. And since he knows how much I love laksa, he brought up a place called Cendol Laksa OMMA, known for its authentic Utara (Northern) dishes like laksa utara, bihun sup utara, and a tempting variety of cendol.
It sounded promising.
And since Iâm from Utara myself, letâs just say my expectations were naturally high. After all, if anyone knows how laksa should taste, itâs us from the Utara. đ
â Ambience & Vibe
Stepping into Cendol Laksa OMMA felt a bit like stumbling upon a familiar roadside stallâbut tucked into a small shoplot in Bandar Baru Bangi. No frills, no fuss. Just a laid-back, straight-to-the-point kind of place. You walk in, place your order at the counter, and pick any table you like. The setup is simple, with basic furniture and zero attempt at trendy dĂŠcor. Itâs just a humble spot where the focus is on food.
We happened to be the only diners during our visit, which made the experience even more relaxing. No crowd, no queue, and no side-eyes nudging you to finish up fast. Just us, our food, and a bit of peace (wellâalmost). There was some renovation work going on just outside the eatery, so we did catch some background noise, but nothing too disruptive.
Service-wise, it’s very hands-off. Most of the staff stayed behind the scenes in the kitchen. No table service, no chit-chatâbut surprisingly, the food came out pretty fast. It was that kind of quiet efficiency that makes you go,
âOh! That was quick.â
Itâs not a spot for your next Instagram photo. However, if you’re seeking a nostalgic, unpretentious place that serves authentic Utara-style comfort food, this small eatery provides just thatâwithout the need to dress it up.
đ Whatâs on the Menu
Cendol Laksa OMMA keeps things simple, which is part of its charm. Instead of offering everything under the sun, they focus on what they do best:
- Laksa UtaraÂ
Utara-style laksa served with a fish-based broth (usually mackerel) over slightly chewy rice noodles. Itâs usually topped with cucumber, lettuce, pineapple, red onion, boiled egg, chili, lime, and fresh herbs like mint or selom. - Bihun Sup Utara
Utara-style soul-soothing bowl of beef broth with rice vermicelli, served with generous chunks of tender beef. Each bowl is topped with crispy fried onions, fresh scallions, and a sprinkle of Chinese celery for that added depth and aroma. - Cendol Varieties
From the classic version to upgraded bowls with pulut (sticky rice), tapai, red beans, sweet corn, and fruity toppingsâeach one comes with shaved ice, green jelly noodles, creamy coconut milk, and rich gula Melaka. - Nasi Ayam Penyet
In the mood for something more filling? Go for their take on this Indonesian-inspired favouriteâcrispy smashed fried chicken paired with fragrant rice and a fiery, punchy sambal that packs just the right heat.
â What We OrderedÂ
⨠Laksa Utara
Iâll be honestâthe laksa didnât exactly blow me away, but it was still a good, satisfying bowl. The broth leaned more toward the sour side, something not everyone might enjoy, though I know some people prefer their laksa that way. Personally, I like a more balanced flavour, but that day, when I just wanted something light and comforting, this bowl did the trick. đ
The toppings were simple: chopped cucumber, selom, red onions, and a whole boiled egg. No pineapple, lettuce, or mintâthree ingredients I usually love to include when making laksa at home. Still, I appreciated that they served the chili and lime on the side, letting you adjust the spiciness and acidity to your liking.
The brothâs consistency was just rightânot too thick, not too watery. A nicely balanced, slurpable base that paired beautifully with the soft, slightly chewy rice noodles. It wasnât trying too hard to impress, but it delivered the kind of quiet comfort you sometimes donât realise youâve been craving.Â
⨠Bihun Sup Utara
This dish surprised me… in the best way. What impressed me first was how generous they were with the beef chunks. No sad, thin slices hereâjust tender, flavourful pieces that gave the bowl real substance. It instantly felt more like a proper meal than just a light snack.
The broth had a lovely depth and warmth. It was aromatic, comforting, and exactly what youâd hope for in a good bowl of beef soup. The bihun (rice vermicelli) was soft and soaked up the broth beautifully without turning mushy. Topped with crispy fried shallots and chopped scallions, each spoonful had just enough texture and brightness to keep things balanced.
What really sealed it for me, though, was the sambal. They offered two option: the classic Utara-style red chili sambal and a darker, soy-based sambal. Utara-style typically leans toward the red sambal, but having both was a nice bonusâand of course, I mixed them. They enhanced the flavour without overpowering it.Â
đ¸ Budget-Friendly Eats
One thing I really appreciated about Cendol Laksa OMMA is how reasonably priced everything is. The menu doesnât try to be fancy or overpricedâjust good, honest food that doesnât break the bank. Most of the mains, like the laksa and bihun sup, are priced around RM10 to RM12 per bowl, which feels like a sweet spot for a hearty, home-style meal these days. Thatâs cheaper than most cafĂŠ pasta plates. While the portions arenât oversized, theyâre more than enough to leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Even the cendol, with its rich coconut milk and gula Melaka options, feels like a treat without the guiltâusually priced below RM6, depending on your toppings. Itâs the kind of place where you can enjoy a full meal (including dessert!) without worrying about blowing your budget.
Overall, Cendol Laksa OMMA delivers on value. Itâs a great spot for anyone looking for authentic Utara-style Malaysian food thatâs tasty, comforting, and affordableâperfect for students, families, or just anyone craving something warm and honest.
đ Location & Essentials
Cendol Laksa OMMA is located at Jalan Gerbang Wawasan 1, Bandar Baru Bangi, tucked within a row of shoplots. Itâs not directly visible from the main road, as it sits at the back of the building block. After parking your car, just take a short walk around the corner and youâll spot it.
đ Opening Hours:
Daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Perfect for lunch, a late afternoon bite, or even an early dinner.
đ Parking Tips:
Thereâs ample parking right in front of the shoplots, but like most places in Bangi, it can get a little tight during peak lunch hours (especially on weekends). If youâre coming during a busy time, try circling around once or twice or aim to come a little earlier. Itâs generally manageable and safe.
đ˝ď¸ Extra Services:
They also offer event catering and delivery options, which is great if you’re planning a small gathering or just want to enjoy a comforting bowl of laksa or cendol at home.Â
Final Thoughts: Worth the Stop?
If you happen to be in the area or youâre simply craving some Utara-style comfort food, Cendol Laksa OMMA is a nice little spot to check out. Itâs not flashy or trendy, but thatâs part of its charm. What it offers instead are honest, familiar flavours served with heartâlike something your mum would cook on a laid-back Sunday afternoon.
Whether youâre looking for a light lunch, a mouth-pleasing dish, or simply a comfortable bowl of laksa or bihun sup utara that warms you up from the inside out, this little spot does the job with quiet confidence.
It might not stand out at first glance, but give it a try.Â
Until my next food hunt,
X, Auri.
Coffee helps me write. Support helps me shine. đĽ°
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