BABA’s is Hu’u Bar and Grill’s Alice in Wonderland-styled restaurant perched on Seminyak’s legendary eat street, but behind this chic and swanky facade lies a concept brimming with culture and heritage. For owner Sean Lee, BABA’s is about sharing the story of a real-life baba; a Peranakan descendant and a mishmash of cultures and unique cuisines. As a self-proclaimed baba himself, Sean has painstakingly chronicled all the recipes he grew up with, calling upon family members for their best recipes. And it is one of these recipes that we are highlighting here – BABA’s Signature Laksa Noodle Singapura. The dish comes from his paternal grandmother from the time when his family sold Laksa at a food stall in the neighbourhood coffee shop. Sean notes, “if my relatives were alive today they would be very happy to know that this family recipe has made its way across the ocean to hip and happening Seminyak.” But with its addictive spices and mélange of succulent seafood treats, we are not nearly surprised that this dish has shot to culinary fame on the island. The rich and spicy aromas of this famous Laksa is the first thing to rock your senses, followed by a glimpse of juicy shrimps, fish cakes and tofu braising in abundance in the spiced coconut gravy broth. It has a pleasant kick to it without being too heavy on the heat, almost as fiery as its red and orange hues. Sweet and spicy, ‘meaty’ and aromatic; this Laksa recreates the classic Singaporean tradition to a tee.
