The Territory's largest and tastiest food event kicks off next week, with the return of the Darwin International Laksa Festival!
The festival begins on 1 October and runs for the entire month. Keen foodies will certainly need the 31 days, with 127 venues and more than 180 dishes registered for the food tour - the highest participation on record.
Without a doubt, the wild and wacky inspired-by dishes are a stand out for the annual event.
This year, people can look forward to trying:
o Laksa hot dogs from Krazy Train Diner in Alice Springs
o Laksa martinis from Gorge View Bush Retreat in Katherine
o Laksa lattes from Karma Cafe in Darwin
o Laksa croissants from Rays Patisserie in Darwin
Laksa enthusiasts will also welcome the return of the Laksa League, the festival's official online game where players can earn points and win prizes by checking into participating venues and tasting, reviewing and voting for their favourite dishes. Early registrations for the Laksa League are now open, with a 300 bonus point head start for anyone who signs up before 30 September 2024. Players who score the highest by the end of the month-long festival will be in the running for prizes, including a return trip for two to Perth, thanks to Airnorth.
For the first time ever, the festival also includes an exciting event program, with local businesses getting involved by running laksa themed events such as laksa inspired-gin making masterclasses, paint and sips, cooking demonstrations, walking tours and laksa themed dinners.
Now in its sixth year, the festival continues to bring out the competitive side of venues as they battle it out to win the ultimate title of 'The Golden Bowl', which is awarded to the Territory's best laksa. Other award categories include regional Best Laksa, People's Choice Best Laksa, People's Choice Best Inspired-by Dish, Regional People's Choice Best Laksa, and Regional People's Choice Best Laksa Inspired-by Dish. These will be announced, alongside the coveted Golden Bowl, at the festival's finale on Sunday 3 November.
