One Mile Brewing Company unveils laksa seltzer for festival

Darwin’s famed laksa festival has kicked off with dozens of delectable dishes on offer, but one brewer has gone the extra mile to serve up the goods.

Bardy Bayram from One Mile Brewery serves up a laksa seltzer. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Territorians are set to sample dozens of Laksa infused and inspired dishes and drinks this month, and an iconic Top End brewer has gone the extra mile.

One Mile Brewing Company has introduced an on tap laksa seltzer, lovingly crafted by the pub’s head brewer.

Co-owner Bardy Byram said the secret recipe had evolved since last year’s mix.

He said the seltzer had all the laksa flavours without the milk products.

“It’s got more body to it than last year’s edition,” he said.

“The smell hits your nose but then a lot people drink with their eyes, so it’s got a lot more of the floating things in the glass, and then they have a sip and go, ‘that’s quite refreshing’”.

Mr Byram guessed his brewery could be the only one in the world serving up a laksa seltzer.

“I’ve never heard of anyone else making one like that,” he said.

Early reviews suggest the unique brew – infused with ginger, chilli, and lime – is a hit.

“It’s the best, smells insane and tastes bloody good,” one Facebook user wrote.

“It’s good, had it today,” another wrote on Thursday.

One Mile Brewery will serve laksa seltzer for the Laksa Festival in Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The fanciful brew comes as the Darwin International Laksa Festival kicks off once again.

Last year’s festival in November included laksa-inspired iced coffee, lasagne, waffles, arancini, and even pizza.

This year’s laksa-mad competitors will once more compete in four categories.

Winners for Darwin’s Best Laksa, Regional Best Laksa, Darwin’s Best ‘Inspired By’ Laksa dish and Regional Best ‘Inspired By’ Laksa dish – as well as the coveted Golden Bowl and People’s Choice Awards – will be revealed on October 29 in front of Parliament House.

Mr Byram said anyone who missed a chance to take a sip of the unique bevvy during the month’s food tour could grab a schooner at the day’s festivities.

“We’ll have it on tap... so if you can’t get to the bar, we’re the only ones pouring.”