The Darwin International Laksa Festival will return this October for its eighth year. Running for the entire month, the festival will once again celebrate Darwin's favourite dish while driving customers into hospitality venues across the Territory.
Registrations are now open for venues to serve up a laksa or laksa‑inspired dish as part of the month‑long celebration. Whether you're a first‑time entrant or a returning favourite, the festival is a fantastic opportunity to promote your venue to laksa lovers everywhere.
Venues across the Territory - from Darwin to Alice Springs - will serve traditional and inventive laksa‑inspired dishes, showcasing the creativity, diversity and flavour of NT hospitality.
The popular Laksa League also returns this year, giving customers the chance to eat, rate and review dishes, with prizes up for grabs and public votes contributing to the People's Choice Awards.
Last year's Laksa League Champion, Benjamin Muller, earned legendary status by enjoying 104 dishes in 31 days, truly earning his title of laksa legend.
Venue registrations open today, Tuesday 1 September, and all hospitality businesses are encouraged to register their laksa or laksa‑inspired dishes for this year's competition.
The month‑long festival is designed to increase visitation to participating venues throughout October, while celebrating the Territory's multicultural community, lifestyle and love of laksa.
The festival will crown winners across six categories:
People's Choice LaksaPeople's Choice Inspired‑ByRegional People's Choice LaksaRegional People's Choice Inspired‑ByRegional Best Laksa - judged by a panel of expertsGolden Bowl - awarded to the best laksa in Greater Darwin by expert judges Each category gives venues multiple opportunities to shine and attract new customers.
In 2025, 123 venues registered for the Laksa League, resulting in more than 6,000 laksa dishes purchased, tasted and reviewed by players, plus over 4,000 venue check‑ins through the web app. The Laksa League attracted 3,500 players. Laksa League players support their favourite venues by voting in the People's Choice categories when voting opens in October.
The Laksa Festival runs from 1 to 31 October, with the Grand Finale to be held on 31 October 2026.
Visit the website for Laksa League and festival details. Business registrations are open via:
Quotes from Department of Tourism and Hospitality Deputy Chief Executive, Valerie Smith:
"Now in its eighth year, the Darwin International Laksa Festival returns this October for a month‑long celebration of the Territory's multicultural community, our hospitality industry and our shared love of laksa.
"As Australia's only Laksa Festival, it brings together venues right across the NT, serving everything from classic bowls to creative laksa‑inspired dishes, drinks and desserts. Locals and visitors can follow the Food Tour, compete in the Laksa League and vote for the coveted People's Choice award before the festival culminates in a vibrant Grand Finale.
"We're inviting businesses to get involved by putting a laksa or laksa‑inspired dish or drink on their menu. It's a great way to attract customers, showcase local creativity and be part of a uniquely Territory tradition."
Quotes from 2025 Golden Bowl winner Kopi Stop, Jules Mou:
"Winning the Golden Bowl and People's Choice in 2025 was such a proud moment for us. Since the Festival, we've had people travel from interstate and even overseas and make a point of coming in to try our laksa.
"It's been wonderful to see how the festival has grown and how it brings people to Darwin to experience not just the laksa, but the food and culture that makes Darwin so unique. We can't wait to welcome people through the doors again this year to share the magic of laksa with our community and with visitors to Darwin."
