The Finocchiaro CLP Government is spicing up the Northern Territory's culinary calendar with the Darwin International Laksa Festival kicking off tomorrow, showcasing a record-breaking 140 laksa and laksa-inspired dishes across 123 venues across the Territory.
From 1 - 31 October, venues from Darwin to Katherine and Alice Springs will serve up an incredible array of traditional and inventive laksa creations.
For the first time ever, the Grand Finale will be held on a Saturday at the Darwin Waterfront on 1 November, featuring a brand-new Laksa Festival Farmers Market where attendees can purchase fresh laksa ingredients and bring the festival's delicious flavours into their own kitchens.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Major Events Marie-Clare Boothby said this year's festival was packed with new experiences, inviting laksa lovers to discover exciting flavours while celebrating the Territory's unique lifestyle.
"Laksa is an iconic dish here in the Territory, beloved by locals and visitors alike, and during our year of action, certainty and security, we're excited to bring fresh ideas to the table," said Ms Boothby.
"This event has been promoted internationally and interstate to draw visitors to the Territory during the shoulder season, to keep our venues buzzing and supporting jobs during a traditionally quieter time of year.
"This year's festival is bursting with creative new laksa dishes such as laksa steak, pumpkin soup, and ceviche, and festival classics will return including burgers, ice-cream, and pizza."
A new collaboration between 2025 Golden Plate winner for Best Breakfast, Besser Brew Bar, and local laksa legend Mary from Mary's Laksa will be a highlight, teaming up to create a special menu for the festival.
Adding to the excitement, the highly anticipated Golden Bowl Awards will be announced live on stage at the Grand Finale for the first time, and three-time Golden Bowl winner CHOW! will be inducted into the Laksa Festival Hall of Fame, opening the door for a new champion.
The popular 'Laksa League' also returns with a new twist - weekly prizes for the top scoring player in each region.
Players with the most points at the end of the festival will have a chance to win huge prizes, including a tropical island holiday, helicopter and hot air balloon adventures, luxurious staycations and more.
Festival newcomer Bannsang Korean Restaurant are going all-in, investing in a new professional Korean shaved-ice machine to craft their laksa-inspired creation, Laksa Bingsu.
"It's a big step up from standard equipment and allows us to create a light, fluffy texture that melts perfectly with the laksa panna cotta and other handmade toppings," said Bannsang Korean Restaurant co-owner, Aaron Tran.
"We felt it was worth investing in for the festival because the Laksa Bingsu is a true "wow" dish - something completely new for Darwin, and something that shows how seriously we take this event."
