Itβs that time of year again, Territory foodies! The Darwin International Laksa Festival officially kicks off today, bringing together the best flavours from the Top End and the Red Centre for a month-long celebration of all things laksa. From now until November 3rd, over 20,000 laksa-inspired dishes will be served up by our incredible local hospitality venues, promising one unforgettable culinary journey.
Now in its sixth year, the festival is bigger than ever, with a record-breaking 127 venues whipping up over 180 unique dishes. And weβre not just talking your traditional chicken, beef, seafood, or veggie laksa β oh no. This year, the chefs have seriously upped their game! Expect a fusion of creative and quirky twists: think laksa inspired cheesecake, margaritas, pork belly lollipops, coconut laksa waffles, and even a laksa smoothie for the daring foodie.
With 31 days to indulge, the Laksa Festival is split into two main events: the Laksa Festival Food Tour and the Laksa Festival Finale.
The Laksa Festival Food Tour
Running from October 1st to 31st, the Food Tour is your chance to explore as many registered venues as possible across Darwin, Katherine, and beyond. The challenge? Taste, share, and vote for your favourite dishes. So grab your mates and hit the foodie trail β the more dishes you try, the better! And donβt forget to sign up for the Laksa League, where you can earn points, win incredible prizes, and help decide who wins the coveted Peopleβs Choice Awards. Top prize this year? A return flight for two to Perth with Airnorth and a 3-night stay at the Metro Hotel Perth, valued at $5,000! Yes, please!
To get started, check out all the details on how to join the Laksa League here.
The Laksa Festival Finale
On November 3rd, the month-long laksa adventure culminates in a grand finale β and trust us, you won’t want to miss it! The Laksa Festival Finale will be one of the largest gatherings of laksa lovers in one spot, featuring food eating competitions, live cooking demos, roving entertainment, live music, and food trucks galore. Itβs also the big moment where the official Laksa Festival awards are handed out, including:
- The Golden Bowl
- Regional Best Laksa
- People’s Choice: Best Laksa
- People’s Choice: Best Laksa Inspired-By
- People’s Choice: Regional Best Laksa
- People’s Choice: Regional Best Laksa Inspired-By
While the Golden Bowl and Regional Best Laksa are selected by expert judges, the Peopleβs Choice Awards are all up to you! Cast your vote via the Laksa League, and make sure your favorite dishes get the recognition they deserve.
Read more about the epic finale here.
Explore the Laksa Festival Event Program
New this year is the Laksa Festival Event Program, packed with fun and flavour-filled events across Darwin, Katherine, and the Red Centre. Local venues have pulled out all the stops to bring you laksa-themed experiences throughout the festival, so whether youβre looking for a laksa-inspired brunch, a cooking masterclass, or just want to discover some delicious twists on your classic laksa, thereβs something for everyone.
Check out all the Darwin happenings or view the full list of events across the Territory, here.
What are you waiting for? Grab your chopsticks and get ready to slurp your way through the tastiest festival of the year! See you out there, laksa lovers!
