Nyonya Laksa Ramen with Mantou Char Siu

**Prepare the Mantou Char Siu:** Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Slice the mantou buns in half horizontally. Brush the cut sides generously with char siu sauce. Place pork belly slices on top of bottom bun. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and the sauce is slightly caramelized. The aroma should be sweet and savory.

**Prepare the Eggs:** Gently lower the eggs into a pot of boiling water. Cook for exactly 6 minutes for a perfectly soft-boiled egg. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, peel the eggs carefully and set aside.

**Bloom the Dried Shrimp:** Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the soaked and drained dried shrimp and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them, as this will impart a bitter taste.

**Build the Laksa Broth:** Add the laksa paste to the pot and stir-fry with the dried shrimp for another 2-3 minutes, until the paste is fragrant and the oil separates. This step is crucial for releasing the flavors of the laksa paste. The aroma will be intensely spicy and aromatic.

**Add Liquids and Simmer:** Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add salt to taste. Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The broth should thicken slightly and take on a vibrant orange hue.

**Cook the Noodles:** While the broth is simmering, cook the ramen noodles according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.

**Add Tofu Puffs:** Add the tofu puffs to the simmering laksa broth for the last 5 minutes of cooking. This allows them to absorb the flavorful broth.

**Assemble the Ramen:** Divide the cooked ramen noodles among four bowls. Ladle the hot laksa broth over the noodles, ensuring each bowl gets plenty of tofu puffs. Top with bean sprouts and laksa leaves (if using).

**Add the Toppings:** Gently place a soft-boiled egg (cut in half) and the baked mantou char siu slices on top of each bowl of ramen. Garnish with nori seaweed strips.

**Serve Immediately:** Serve the Nyonya Laksa Ramen immediately while hot. The combination of textures and flavors – the creamy broth, chewy noodles, crispy tofu puffs, soft egg, and savory mantou char siu – is an unforgettable culinary experience.