Best Laksa in Cairns
The best laksa in Cairns right now is Malatang Noodles (score 69 from 2,016 reviews), based on 15 venues re-ranked weekly.
Where locals actually go for laksa in Cairns — not just what tops a Google search.
● Updated September 2026 · re-verified 15 venues this month
🔄 Re-ranked 2026-09-08: no moves since 2026-09-02 — the current order held steady.
The verdict: the best laksa in Cairns right now is Malatang Noodles in Cairns City (4.8 stars across 2,016 Google reviews), ahead of Hungry Wombat, Lanna Thai Restaurant. That call comes from Google review strength across 15 ranked venues — no pay-to-rank, updated September 2026.
The numbers: 15 venues ranked · 12,542 Google reviews analysed · median rating 4.6★ · #1 leads the field by 4 ranking points. Updated September 2026.
| 🏆 Top pick | Malatang Noodles (Cairns City) |
| 💸 Best cheap eat | Lanna Thai Restaurant |
| 📊 Most reviewed | Malatang Noodles (2,016 reviews) |
| 📍 Venues ranked | 15 across 4 suburbs |
| Venue | Suburb | Price | Rating | Known for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Malatang Noodles | Cairns City | — | 4.8★ | — |
| #2 | Hungry Wombat | Cairns City | — | 4.9★ | — |
| #3 | Lanna Thai Restaurant | Cairns City | $ | 4.6★ | — |
| #4 | FINN FINN | Cairns City | — | 4.8★ | — |
| #5 | Nón Lá Kitchen | Cairns City | — | 4.8★ | — |
You've tried 0/15
#1 of 15 laksa spots in Cairns
📍 121/123 Abbott St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
★ 4.8 (2,016 reviews) on Google Maps
#2 of 15 laksa spots in Cairns
📍 Orchid Plaza, shop9/58 Lake St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
🍴 What to order: Get the udon and tempura; both are must-eat dishes.
★ 4.9 (667 reviews) on Google Maps
#3 of 15 laksa spots in Cairns
📍 74 Shields St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
🍴 What to order: Get the Pad Thai and Penang curry; the crispy pork is the sleeper hit.
★ 4.6 (1,343 reviews) on Google Maps
#4 of 15 laksa spots in Cairns
📍 Alivio hotel, 136-140 Sheridan St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
🍴 What to order: Get the green curry beef cheeks; the Sukizaki stir fry is the standout.
★ 4.8 (264 reviews) on Google Maps
#5 of 15 laksa spots in Cairns
📍 16 Shields St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
🍴 What to order: Get the pho and the banh mi; try the soft bao with grilled chicken.
★ 4.8 (260 reviews) on Google Maps
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#6 of 15 laksa spots in Cairns
📍 149 Esplanade, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
🍴 What to order: Get the satay skewers; the pecel and duck are excellent.
★ 4.6 (816 reviews) on Google Maps
#7 of 15 laksa spots in Cairns
📍 208 Spence St, Bungalow QLD 4870, Australia
🍴 What to order: Get the Yellow Curry with Prawn and Jackfruit; try the Curry with Duck.
★ 4.7 (431 reviews) on Google Maps
#8 of 15 laksa spots in Cairns
📍 Harbour Lights Boardwalk, 1 Marlin Parade, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
🍴 What to order: Get the crocodile and prawn appetizer; the kangaroo sirloin is excellent.
★ 4.5 (1,816 reviews) on Google Maps
#9 of 15 laksa spots in Cairns
📍 314 Mulgrave Rd, Westcourt QLD 4870, Australia
🍴 What to order: Get the massaman curry and crying tiger with coconut rice.
★ 4.6 (591 reviews) on Google Maps
#10 of 15 laksa spots in Cairns
📍 60 Abbott St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
🍴 What to order: Get the Thai milk tea; the BBQ pork egg noodles are excellent.
★ 4.5 (1,232 reviews) on Google Maps
#11 of 15 laksa spots in Cairns
📍 183 Lake St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
🍴 What to order: Get the bbq pork and turnip cakes; the custard buns are a sleeper hit
★ 4.6 (511 reviews) on Google Maps
#12 of 15 laksa spots in Cairns
📍 45 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
★ 4.5 (623 reviews) on Google Maps
#13 of 15 laksa spots in Cairns
📍 227 Sheridan St, Cairns North QLD 4870, Australia
★ 4.5 (516 reviews) on Google Maps
#14 of 15 laksa spots in Cairns
📍 7/12-20 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
★ 4.4 (1,264 reviews) on Google Maps
#15 of 15 laksa spots in Cairns
📍 Orchid Plaza, Shop 21/58-70 Lake St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
★ 4.6 (192 reviews) on Google Maps
Common laksa questions in Cairns
What's the best budget laksa in Cairns?
Lanna Thai Restaurant is the top-ranked budget ($) option in Cairns City — #3 overall for laksa.
Where's the best laksa in Cairns for a special occasion?
IN 2 THAI ($$ price tier) is the highest-ranked venue worth the splurge, in Bungalow.
What's the best vegetarian-friendly laksa in Cairns?
Bagus Cafe is the highest-ranked venue with confirmed vegan options, in Cairns City.
Where can I get gluten-free laksa in Cairns?
Ochre Restaurant and Catering is the highest-ranked venue with confirmed gluten-free options, in Cairns City.
Keep exploring: Related: 🍜 best ramen in Cairns · 🍲 best pho in Cairns · 🍝 best pad thai in Cairns · 🍲 best hotpot in Cairns. Laksa elsewhere: Melbourne · Sydney · Brisbane · Perth. By suburb: best in Cairns City. Q&A: your laksa questions answered. Nationally: best laksa in Australia, 14 cities compared. Also: head-to-head: the top two compared · best value ($) picks. See the data report.
How we rank
Venues are ranked by review strength: Google rating above a 3.8 baseline, weighted by review volume (a 4.6★ with 2,000 reviews beats a 4.8★ with 60). Global fast-food and dessert franchises are excluded — this site exists to find the best local specialists, not chains you already know. Community-consensus mining is added to high-traffic pages over time.
Frequently asked
What is the best laksa in Cairns?
Malatang Noodles currently ranks #1 for laksa in Cairns with 4.8 stars across 2,016 Google reviews.
What is the best cheap laksa in Cairns?
Lanna Thai Restaurant is the highest-ranked budget option in Cairns City.
How does BestDish rank laksa in Cairns?
Venues are scored by blending community mentions from local discussions with Google review strength (rating above a 3.8 baseline, weighted by review volume). Global chains are excluded.