Overview
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.