Businesses across the Territory are being encouraged to register their expressions of interest for the 2021 Darwin International Laksa Festival.
A new category has been added, encouraging restaurants and eateries in regional parts of the Territory to get involved, with the Best Regional Laksa open to vendors that operate outside of Darwin, Palmerston and Litchfield.
Now in its third year, the month-long festival is a celebration of the Top End's multicultural community, tropical lifestyle and love for the Malaysian spicy noodle soup, the laksa.
The Food Tour, which kicks off on 1 November, encourages people to eat, vote for and enjoy a range of laksa-inspired dishes.
The festival also encourages people to support local business in the traditionally quiet period, and increase foot traffic at restaurants.
The 2021 Darwin International Laksa Festival will culminate with Festival Day on 28 November.
To register for the Food Tour & Festival, businesses can visit: https//: darwinlaksafestival.com.au [http://www.darwinlaksafestival.com.au].
Quotes from Chief Minister Michael Gunner:
"The Laksa Festival has proved a delicious Territory hit two years running, and that's why we are bringing it back and making it even bigger, better and tastier.
"Territorians love their laksa - but this isn't just about who makes the best spicy soup, it's about jobs and continuing to support local business.
"We aren't just Australia's comeback capital, we are also the laksa capital - and this festival puts us on the culinary map and boosts visitation in our low season."
Quotes from Minister for Small Business Paul Kirby:
"We know Territorians love the Laksa Festival and it has generated more foot traffic for businesses in the Darwin CBD, during months that are usually much quieter."
"The Food Tour has encouraged people to eat out and pick up a takeaway, which has kept trade ticking over, as well as inspiring unique new laksa-inspired delicacies for locals and tourists to try."
