![1. Tamarind and mackerel 1. Tamarind and mackerel](/chef-inspiration/food-trends-and-inspiration/laksa/food-pairings/jcr:content/parsys/content/tipsandadvice/image.img.jpg/1510666791167.jpg)
1. Tamarind and mackerel
The deep and sour taste of tamarind is the perfect addition to a fatty fish like mackerel – this creates the classic Penang Laksa.
![2. Coconut and bitter-sweet kalamansi lime 2. Coconut and bitter-sweet kalamansi lime](/chef-inspiration/food-trends-and-inspiration/laksa/food-pairings/jcr:content/parsys/content/tipsandadvice_copy/image.img.jpg/1510666802022.jpg)
2. Coconut and bitter-sweet kalamansi lime
Sweet and creamy coconut works well with the fragrant, fresh and slightly bitter kalamansi lime base for a curry Laksa.
![3. Chicken and lemongrass 3. Chicken and lemongrass](/chef-inspiration/food-trends-and-inspiration/laksa/food-pairings/jcr:content/parsys/content/tipsandadvice_copy_1071854557/image.img.jpg/1510666811646.jpg)
3. Chicken and lemongrass
Aromatic and elegant lemongrass complements the subtle taste of chicken.
![4. Laksa leaves and shrimp paste 4. Laksa leaves and shrimp paste](/chef-inspiration/food-trends-and-inspiration/laksa/food-pairings/jcr:content/parsys/content/tipsandadvice_copy_762410733/image.img.jpg/1510666819781.jpg)
4. Laksa leaves and shrimp paste
Laksa leaves (also referred to as Vietnamese coriander) are fresh and slightly pungent and these contrast well with shrimp paste. Both are used as a topping in Penang Laksa.
![5. Pumpkin and lime leaves 5. Pumpkin and lime leaves](/chef-inspiration/food-trends-and-inspiration/laksa/food-pairings/jcr:content/parsys/content/tipsandadvice_copy_19988843/image.img.jpg/1510666827545.jpg)
5. Pumpkin and lime leaves
For a vegetarian Laksa, bring together sweet pumpkin with lime leaves to create a fresh citrus flavour.
![6. Pork and grilled pineapple 6. Pork and grilled pineapple](/chef-inspiration/food-trends-and-inspiration/laksa/food-pairings/jcr:content/parsys/content/tipsandadvice_copy_1751250645/image.img.jpg/1510666835606.jpg)
6. Pork and grilled pineapple
The sweet yet subtle taste of pork works well with sour grilled pineapple. The taste cuts through the fat of the meat.
![7. Scallops and sweet basil 7. Scallops and sweet basil](/chef-inspiration/food-trends-and-inspiration/laksa/food-pairings/jcr:content/parsys/content/tipsandadvice_copy_1/image.img.jpg/1510666843000.jpg)
7. Scallops and sweet basil
Combining soft and delicate scallops with a fresh hint of sweet basil creates an elegant and subtle Laksa.
![8. Beef and peanuts 8. Beef and peanuts](/chef-inspiration/food-trends-and-inspiration/laksa/food-pairings/jcr:content/parsys/content/tipsandadvice_copy_1_403996607/image.img.jpg/1510666852948.jpg)
8. Beef and peanuts
The peanuts give the beef meat a more rounded flavour and combined they create a great Thai inspired Laksa.