2 August 2025
The Northern Territory's most delicious festival is back, the Darwin International Laksa Festival, and this year, the Finocchiaro CLP Government is turning up the heat with a brand-new Saturday finale at the Darwin Waterfront.
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.
For the first time ever, the Festival Finale will be held on a Saturday and will take over the Darwin Waterfront with live music, cooking demos, roving performers, and the presentation of the hotly contested Golden Bowl and People's Choice Awards.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby said moving the finale to a Saturday and bringing it to the Waterfront would open the festival up to more people, create more opportunity for local hospitality businesses and deliver even greater value for attendees.
"Events like this aren't just fun, they're economic drivers. They boost hospitality, support jobs, and play an important role in our commitment to rebuild the economy and restore our unique Territory lifestyle," said Ms Boothby.
"The latest CommSec report confirms the NT is leading the nation in economic growth and population momentum, and our events, tourism, and hospitality sectors are right at the heart of that success."
Venues across the Territory from Darwin to Alice Springs will serve up traditional and inventive laksa-inspired dishes, showcasing the creativity, diversity, and flavour of NT hospitality.
The popular 'Laksa League' also returns this year for customers 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, James S, earned legendary status by eating more than 75 laksa dishes in just 31 days, proving true laksa dedication.
"Whether you're a serious competitor like James, or just in it for the fun and flavour, the Laksa League adds a great new dimension to the festival," said Ms Boothby.
Last year's regional winner, Yaye's Café in Alice Springs, took out the Regional People's Choice Best Laksa Inspired-By award with their now-famous Laksa Empanadas.
"The Laksa Festival gave us the chance to celebrate culture, community, and creativity all in one dish," said the team at Yaye's Café.
"Being recognised as a regional winner was a proud moment - the response from locals and visitors has been amazing."
Ms Boothby visited Alice Springs to present Yaye's Café with their trophy, highlighting the importance of regional participation.
"This is our year of action, certainty and security, and that includes backing Territory businesses, celebrating our multicultural community, and giving people more reasons to stay, spend, and enjoy life in the NT," said Ms Boothby.
The Laksa Festival runs from 1 to 31 October, with the finale to be held on November 1.
Visit the website here for Laksa League and festival details. Business registrations are open here here until 31 August.
Image: Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby presented the trophy for 'Regional People's Choice Best Laksa Inspired-By' to the Yaye's Cafe team in Alice Springs last year.
