1.
Simmer the cleaned whole fish in a pot of water until cooked. Remove fish and let cool before separating the flesh from the bone. Flake the flesh in small pieces.
2.
Strain the stock and add to the pot with tamarind juice, ginger buds, polygonum, fish and sugar to taste.
3.
Blend the spice paste ingredients until fine. Add to the stock along with the asam keping. Simmer for 20-30 minutes and the soup thickens slightly then add salt to taste.
4.
Blanch the laksa noodles in boiling water, drain and set aside.
5.
To serve: Put some noodles in a bowl and ladle the soup over it. Put a pinch of each garnishing ingredient over the top and serve.