Soup-erb Laksa!

Laksa, the unofficial dish of Darwin, beloved by travellers and locals alike, is served front and centre this month as the Darwin International Laksa Festival returns for a huge sixth year.

^{By Jenna Kirkham}

THE DARWIN INTERNATIONAL Laksa Festival is officially bigger and tastier than ever, with more than 125 venues showcasing laksa and laksa inspired-by dishes and drinks, all the way from the Top End to the Red Centre.

As a diverse multicultural capital with Asia at our doorstep, we’re treated to authentic local recipes, fresh ingredients, and a slew of local hot spots.

Where to find the best bowls of delicious, spicy broth is a contentious issue in many a Territory household, whether it’s from the local produce market or your favourite restaurant. Luckily, you get to have a say and cast your vote in the People’s Choice Awards.

There’s also the highly-coveted Golden Bowl, an accolade awarded by a lucky panel of judges who get to sample the goods. CHOW! took out the Golden Bowl last year, and owner Jason Hanna says he’s thrilled to see the Festival’s growth over the years.

“That first ever Laksa Festival just sort of grew and ignited that passion about all things laksa in the NT … what we’ve ended up seeing is a yearly progression of that celebration of the national dish of Darwin,” he says.

This year’s Darwin International Laksa Festival invites Territorians and visitors on a laksa-inspired food tour around the NT. Make your way down the Stuart Highway to Katherine and you’ll find the Gorge View Bush Retreat, serving up a tasty laksa-inspired pizza, laksa martini, and laksa gin.

“October is a hot time in Katherine, and so I think there’s a theory that drinking hot drinks and spicy foods helps people cope with the hot weather, so certainly we like to add a bit of spice to our menu,” says owner Kate Ganley.

“We find the Laksa Festival super fun. We got involved by accident last year … but then we were thrilled to win the People's Choice - Regional Laksa Inspired-By Award. So, we thought we can’t not enter this year, we’ve got a reputation to keep.”

A hot stop on the hit list is Epilogue Lounge in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, dishing up a laksa-inspired burger with pork belly, Asian apple slaw, coriander, chilli and laksa aioli on a brioche bun with crispy egg noodles, and a side of sweet potato fries and laksa dip. Drool.

“We’re very excited, we’re so happy that we’re included, and we just hope it brings in a few people,” says Epilogue General Manager Stef Prechtl.

In the Top End, 2023 People's Choice - Best Laksa winner Kopi Stop has thrown their original laksa and laksa inspired-by muffins in the ring.

“There’s such a vibe and a hype, not just in Darwin, but nationally … It’s really great that the NT is being recognised for a festival like this which is very unique to us, it’s really exciting to be part of it,” says owner Jules Mou.

“Being voted People’s Choice last year really gives us that confidence that we have a good product that we’ve worked hard for. It’s exciting for people to taste our food … we have so many different types of food, and to be able to share that is really great.”

With an abundance of offerings surrounding the Festival, track your delicious discoveries through Laksa League, the Festival’s official online game. Players can earn points by tasting, reviewing and voting for their favourite dishes, as well as checking into venues and inviting friends. Laksa Legends and those in the top 10 go into the running to win prizes, including a trip for two to Perth.

The whole shebang culminates at the Laksa Festival Grand Finale, which takes over the Chan Lawns early next month. Hungry, laksa-loving punters can enjoy cooking demos and competitions, and the last chance to try out some laska dishes. Hang around to find out who's announced as the 2024 Golden Bowl, People's Choice Awards, and Laksa League winners.

Hanna encourages everyone to get their chops around this delicious Festival.

“That’s the beauty of this event. It’s just about celebrating all things laksa, so get out there on the laksa trail and eat laksa for a whole month to your heart’s content. Let your vote count.”

Laksa Festival Food Tour
WHEN DAILY THROUGHOUT OCT

Laksa Festival Grand Finale
WHEN SUN 3 NOV | 3-9PM 
AT CHAN LAWNS, STATE SQUARE 
COST FREE 
INFO darwinlaksafestival.com.au

^{Thumbnail & inset: Jason Hanna & Jules Mou}