2 November 2025
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has delivered the biggest Darwin International Laksa Festival Grand Finale ever, with more than 9,000 laksa lovers celebrating the very best in the Territory's flavour, lifestyle, and community spirit at the Grand Finale yesterday.
Following a tight competition with 123 venues across the Territory submitting a record-breaking 200 dishes, a brand-new Golden Bowl winner has been crowned: Kopi Stop, Darwin.
The Meeting Place in Katherine was awarded the Regional Golden Bowl.
"Winning the Golden Bowl means so much to us as a business, we put so much effort into our laksa and it's so nice to be recognised," said Jules Nou from Kopi Stop.
"The whole team have worked so hard this year to make sure every bowl is delicious and consistent.
"The Laska Festival has been really great for our business, it's in its seventh year now and we have people coming from interstate and overseas because of it. It has definitely felt like the biggest festival yet and it's great for businesses and our community."
The Laksa League was also hotly contested with the highest number of participating players ever along with the greatest number of dishes eaten, reviewed and voted for - but ultimately Benjamin Muller, also known as Laksa League name 'good_lak,' claimed the top spot, earning a record 136,600 points and enjoying 104 dishes in 31 days.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Major Events Marie-Clare Boothby said the festival's growth this year proves the Territory's events scene is thriving under the CLP Government - helping drive tourism, strengthen local business, and build confidence in the economy.
"Unique events like the Laksa Festival are a reason why people love living here in the Territory," said Ms Boothby.
"It's the perfect combination of bringing people together, celebrating an iconic Territory dish, in a climate least expected - keeping the Territory lively beyond the dry season.
"Our decision to move the Grand Finale to a Saturday for the first time and to the new Darwin Waterfront location has been a huge success story, drawing a record crowd of more than 9,000 people - up from 5,500 last year."
Winners of additional Laksa Festival awards include:
People's Choice Best Laksa: Kopi Stop, Darwin People's Choice Best Laksa Inspired-By: Makan Stop, Darwin Regional People's Choice Best Laksa: The Meeting Place, Katherine Regional People's Choice Best Laksa Inspired-By: Maiden's Lane, Katherine
Another highlight of this year's festival was CHOW! being inducted into the Laksa Festival Hall of Fame, following their three-time Golden Bowl success - now accompanying Chok's Place, who was inducted in 2023.
"Venues across the Territory went above and beyond this year, serving up everything from laksa shaved ice, tacos, pizzas, pies, and of course, the traditional bowls of laksa soup we all know and love," said Ms Boothby.
"We're backing events that restore our unique Territory lifestyle, which will make more people want to visit, stay, and call the Territory home - and we're seeing real results, with the latest CommSec report highlighting the NT is leading the nation in population growth."
"Congratulations to all the award winners and to all the amazing local businesses supported the event."
Visit the Darwin International Laksa Festival website here
