One of the Northern Territory's most iconic food festivals is heading south.
Melburnians will get to soak up the Darwin International Laksa Festival next month, with Collingwood's Molly Rose Brewery hosting a pop-up event on Sunday 7 July.
The mini festival, YUMMO! Laksa Festival, is a collaboration between Activate Darwin, Hospitality NT and Molly Rose Brewery, whose founder, Nic Sandery, grew up in the Territory enjoying laksa.
The mini festival, will present the ultimate laksa challenge, with both Darwin and Melbourne chefs serving up laksas for attendees to purchase and vote for their favourite one.
Representing Darwin are laksa festival legends; 2023 Darwin International Laksa Festival Hall of Fame recipient, Jason Chin from CHOK's Place and 2023 Golden Bowl winner, Jason Hanna.
The YUMMO! Laksa Festival program will include activities like laksa eating competitions, cooking demonstrations, masterclasses and an opportunity to try some of our wackiest laksa inspired-by dishes like laksa ice cream, sausages, and chocolate.
Strategically held in the middle of Victoria's winter, attendees will warm up with a piping hot, deliciously creamy and ever so spicy laksa, and find out why Darwin is known as the laksa capital of Australia.
YUMMO! Laksa Festival provides a unique opportunity for the Darwin International Laksa Festival to reach new audiences and promote Darwin as a fun, warm and tropical city full of fun and unique events.
The Lawler Labor Government is proud to support locally led initiatives and events that lead to strong economic returns, highlight our unique lifestyle and thriving multicultural community, and bring positive attention to the Territory nationally.
If you have family or friends in Melbourne who haven't had the opportunity to experience the laksa festival yet, this is their chance to get a taste of why Darwin's Laksa festival is the hottest ticket in the country in October! Visit - here.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Joel Bowden:
"Supporting initiatives such as the Darwin International Laksa Festival to grow into new audiences is an important part of economic growth and putting the Territory on a national stage.
"Our laksa festival is one of the tastiest events in the entire nation, and we are proud to support it. Bringing Melburnians a taste of what it's like up here, we can support visitation and see an increased amount of festival attendees from interstate."
Quotes attributable to Nic Sandery, Founder and Brewer at Molly Rose Brewery:"Having had many bowls of Laksa while visiting my parents' farm just outside Darwin, we are thrilled to bring the warmth and flavour of Darwin's laksa to Melbourne."YUMMO! Laksa Festival is a celebration of culinary creativity, community, and the joy of sharing delicious food. We look forward to seeing families, food enthusiasts, and laksa lovers come together for an unforgettable day."Quotes attributable to Alex Bruce, CEO of Hospitality NT:
"Hospitality NT is a big supporter of local produce and promoting the amazing and diverse food scene we have in the NT.
"We have seen the laksa festival grow in popularity each year, with many of our venues creating a laksa or laksa-inspired dish or drink!
"Now Melbournians will be able to get a small taste as to what is on offer here in cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs all around the Territory."
Northern Territory Government
