1 October 2026
The world-famous, Darwin International Laksa Festival, is back from 1-31 October, with a record field of 118 venues serving up 230 dishes across the Territory.Locals and visitors are encouraged to eat local, explore new venues and compete for almost $15,000 in prizes.Finocchiaro CLP Government is backing events that promote our lifestyle, support local businesses, and give people another reason to visit, stay, and spend in the Territory.
With bowls bubbling, spoons-in-hand, and hundreds of creative laksa dishes at the ready, the Darwin International Laksa Festival has launched in style, with an unmistakably Territory flavour.
This year, 118 venues and 230 dishes from Darwin, Palmerston, the Rural Area, Katherine and Alice Springs will each put their own spin on the Territory laksa - and our unique lifestyle.
And both visitors and locals are invited to taste and win, as registrations open for the Laksa League - offering hungry patrons the chance to win $15,000 in prizes.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby, said the festival was another unique event which showcased the Northern Territory.
"Laksa really is the Territory's 'national dish', and for the next month locals and visitors have the chance to experience laksa in many forms, while competing for some awesome prizes," Minister Boothby says.
"Behind every Laksa creation is a Territory restaurant, market stall, café, bar, or local business - employing locals, contributing to the community, and growing our economy.
"With a record field of over 100 venues and 230 dishes - a third of which are new to the 'Laksa League' - this year's menu is set to tantalise taste buds and leave visitors wanting more of the Territory!"
Salted Egg at the Darwin Waterfront opened earlier this year, as tourism and hospitality investment returns to the Territory economy at pace. The venue is one of nearly 40 new venues participating in the Laksa League for the first time.
Brett Skinner, the General Manager of Adina-Vibe, said: ""Laksa is woven into the fabric of Darwin's food culture, making the Darwin International Laksa Festival a highlight of the city's cultural calendar."
"We're excited for Salted Egg Darwin to take part for the first time, connect with the community and celebrate the Southeast Asian flavours and cultural influences that have helped shape Darwin's dining scene."
This year will see international culinary icons Luke Nguyen and Junda Khoo join as 'Friends of the Laksa Festival', and concludes with a Grand Finale at the Darwin Waterfront on Saturday 31 October, with hawker-style food, cooking events, live entertainment and the coronation of our 2026 Golden Bowl, People's Choice and Laksa League champions.
