Etta Is Making Winter More Comforting as Head Chef Lorcán Kan Serves a Special Laksa and Lok-Lok Combo Every Wednesday
Your midweek feed is sorted, as this soothing special has got enough aromatic kick to make you forget all about winter.
Midweek dining just got more comforting — Brunswick East hotspot Etta is serving its famed coconut curry laksa in the front bar every Wednesday throughout winter. Created by Head Chef Lorcán Kan, the dish has long been a restaurant favourite not only for guests, but also the staff seeking an enriching pre-service family meal.
Delving into the ingredients, it's not hard to understand why it's become so popular. Headlined by a rich aromatic broth steeped in lemongrass, garlic, makrut lime, galangal and chilli, a mix of egg and rice noodles combine with house-made golden tofu, fresh herbs and punchy Nonya sambal. There are just 20 serves available each Wednesday, so book ahead to secure your bowl.
Each laksa is complemented with lok-lok, a skewer of deep-fried school prawns which you're invited to dip. Inspired by classic Malaysian street-food vendors, affectionately known as 'skewer aunties', this much-loved steamboat-style skewer is ever-present in the country's night markets and roadside stalls.
Opened in 2017 by renowned restaurateur Hannah Green, Etta has become one of Brunswick East's most cherished restaurants. Kan's Chinese-Malaysian heritage guides the venue's menu, bursting with forward-thinking but approachable dishes. Supported by a stellar wine list, Etta's reputation has only grown stronger in recent years.
Now Green is preparing for the launch of her next project just a couple of doors down, with Daphne expected to open in the former home of Bar Romantica in September. Focused on elevated woodfired cuisine, expect a welcoming space that Green hopes will feel like stepping into her home, where you can stop for a quick wine or a fully fledged meal.
In the meantime, Lorcán's Laksa & Lok-Lok special is more than enough reason to plan a midweek visit to Brunswick East. Priced at $30, the special also lets skewer fans explore additional lok-lok options for $8 — including house-made fish balls of flame tail snapper, arrowhead squid brushed in sambal and cooked over hot coals, and woodfired satay curry-marinated chicken.
Etta's Laksa & Lok-Lok special is available every Wednesday night throughout winter. Head to the website for more information.
Images: Kristoffer Paulsen.
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