Chok’s Place takes out two top awards in 2022 Darwin Laksa Festival

Territorians celebrated the end of the 2022 Laksa Festival with plenty of feasting and fun. See all the pictures and videos.

Chok’s Place has been crowned the home of the best laksa in the Top End once again.

The Darwin International Laksa Festival wrapped up for another year, with thousands attending the festival’s final event on Sunday afternoon.

Chok’s Place took out the two top gongs when its soup-reme signature dish earned not only the expert panel’s pick but the most public votes.

It marks the first time an entrant has won both the Golden Bowl and People’s Choice trophies.

Kayla Spicer and Ryno Neser on their first anniversary at the same event and same spot as their first date at the 2022 Laksa Festival. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The double win cements the Darwin Galleria eatery’s reputation as having one of the tastiest laksas in town after it won back-to-back in the festival’s first two years, as well as the 2021 People’s Choice Award.

The Best ‘Inspired-by’ Laksa category was awarded to The Harvest Press for its laksa smoothie bowl, while the 168 Food Bar in Katherine won the Best Regional Laksa.

More than 2800 laksa and laksa-inspired dishes have been tried around the Territory during the month-long event.

A record number of people have also used the Laksa Festival app to submit more than 1100 votes.

Nathan Tam and his son Alexander, 6 months, at the final event of the 2022 Laksa Festival. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The Darwin International Laksa Festival has not only produced sensational dishes and renowned winners, it also has its very own love story.

Celebrating their one-year anniversary at this year’s event, Ryno Neser and Kayla Spicer said the festival was a special date to them.

It was at the very same spot a year ago they went on their first date.

Mr Neser said he planned on continuing the tradition.

“Kayla and I wanted to go again to do a repeat of last year because we had a pretty special event last year,” he said.

“We’ll be back next year for round three.”

At the festival, held on the lawns at Darwin’s Parliament House, the winners of all four categories were announced.

Jess Jack and Shane Phillips at the final event of the 2022 Laksa Festival Picture: Glenn Campbell

Rod Shepherd and Francesca Massey at the final event of the 2022 Laksa Festival Picture: Glenn Campbell

Mr Neser said the couple stuck to their trusty favourites this year but were intrigued to try some of the winning dishes.

“We tend to direct our energy towards Mary’s Laksa because she’s very accessible at the markets, but will definitely give (Chok’s Place) a taste soon if it’s won that many times,” he said.

Mr Neser said the atmosphere of Sunday’s event was “really good” with a cooler temperature thanks to the overcast afternoon.

Amye’s Laksa Queens with the their giant spoon at the final event of the 2022 Laksa Festival. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Nikki Metcalfe, Nat O’Leary and Josh Murphy at the final event of the 2022 Laksa Festival Picture: Glenn Campbell

Shannon Kember and Josh Vaughn share a bowl of laksa. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Eve Lynch, The Laksa Lady all dressed up for the Laksa Festival final celebration. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Cheyenne Day and Chris Hodgkinson chill out at the final event of the 2022 Laksa Festival Picture: Glenn Campbell

Bob Smith at the final event of the 2022 Laksa Festival Picture: Glenn Campbell

Loukas Gikopoulos in the Man V Laksa event of the 2022 Laksa Festival Picture: Glenn Campbell