The Darwin International Laksa Festival has wrapped up for another year, with thousands of laksa enthusiasts descending on the Laksa Lawns for the Festival Finale this afternoon.
A record breaking amount of dishes and venues participated in this year’s Festival, with more than 120 laksa and laksa inspired by dishes submitted by 90 venues as part of the month-long event
The winners of this year’s event are as follows:
· Golden Bowl Darwin’s Best Laksa – CHOW! A Taste of South East Asia
· People’s Choice Best Laksa – KOPI Stop
· People’s Choice Best Inspired by Dish – Darwin Sailing Club & Waterfront Bistro
· Regional Best Laksa – Thai De Cuisine, Alice Springs
· Regional People’s Choice Best Laksa – 168 Food Bar, Katherine
· Regional People’s Choice Best Laksa Inspired by Dish – Gorge Bush Retreat, Katherine
This year also saw the introduction of the Laksa League – a brand new online game.
The Laksa League enabled players to earn points, climb a leader board and become Laksa Legends through tasting local laksa and laksa-inspired delicacies.
More than 1777 players joined the Laksa League, with username: jleight finishing at the top of the leader board by tasting more than 100 dishes, checking into 99 venues and collecting countless Bonus Bowls!
The annual festival encourages locals and visitors alike to support business and increase foot traffic to hospitality venues during the traditionally quieter season.
Work is already underway to bring the Darwin International Laksa Festival back in 2024.
Quotes attributed to Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:
“The Laksa Festival continues to be a hit amongst Territorians and visitors as it celebrates one the Territory’s most iconic dishes.
“Congratulations to CHOW! for winning today’s Golden Bowl. To the other winners and contenders, thank you for putting on a feast for the senses.
“The Laksa Festival not only supports local business, it encourages Territorians to continue visiting our food outlets while also exploring parts of the Territory. October is usually one of our quieter times of year, that’s why it’s important that we have events like this running.”
Northern Territory Government
