Darwin Laksa Festival set to return to the Top End for fourth year

Laksa lovers will soon unite in one of the Top End’s most treasured annual events. Here’s how to take part in the soup-reme festival.

An iconic Top End affair celebrating the best of our city’s multicultural food scene is back for the fourth year.

The Darwin Laksa Festival begins on October 31, with devotees to vote on their favourite spicy noodle soup from local vendors throughout the month-long event.

Restaurants, eateries and stallholders alike are eligible to register their best fares for the competition.

The festival wraps up on November 27 with the Grand Finale Festival Day, the location of which is yet to be announced.

Though only about to embark on its fourth annual event, Darwin Laksa Festival has become a hot talking point among foodies and fanatics.

Chow on the Darwin Waterfront won over judges at last year’s event to take out the Golden Bowl award.

Chok’s Place was the winner of the 2019 Golden Bowl. Melanie Chin received the award on the chef’s behalf. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

Chok’s Place, an unassuming eatery tucked inside Darwin Galleria, took out the top gong twice before winning the 2021 People’s Choice Award.

Everything from chicken snags to pannacotta have also won prizes in the festival’s other award categories, including cocktails, savoury and sweet dishes inspired by the humble but mighty laksa soup.

Business, Jobs and Training Minister Paul Kirby said this year’s event was expected to involve more businesses than last year.

“We encourage all food businesses to think outside the box and consider how they can incorporate a laksa or laksa-inspired dish into their menu,” Mr Kirby said.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has met Mary Lei, the famous Laksa lady at the Parap Markets in Darwin. Picture: Elise Derwin

“I encourage all business to have a go in this year’s laksa festival and even if you don’t traditionally sell a laksa, there’s plenty of scope to be creative and add something to your menu for a month.”

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the Laksa Festival supported local business and encouraged Territorians to continue visiting the CBD.

“This festival is about the food – but it’s also all about supporting jobs and choosing to buy local,” Ms Fyles said.

Businesses can enter their dish online before registrations of interest close on September 30.

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Originally published as Darwin Laksa Festival set to return to the Top End for fourth year