NT Special: Laksa Festival in Darwin and Best Eats

Every year Darwin draws in cooks, chefs, and gourmands alike for its annual Laksa Festival, the event that lights up the city’s tastebuds. For the entire month of October, the Northern Territory showcases the very best of local Asian cuisine for fun, flavour, and of course, laksa. For many who live in and visit Darwin and the Northern Territory, Laksa is so much more than a dish. It is a link to family and culture, a celebration of their home region, and a way to honour the fresh produce they are so very proud of.  

Laksa: A Tasty Icon of Darwin  

For those who are not familiar, laksa is an aromatic, powerfully flavourful noodle soup originating from Southeast Asia. It packs a punch in flavour, utilising herbs, spice and rich broth to enhance every ingredient. Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore are among those countries who celebrate the dish, each bringing their own technique, traditions, and customs to its creation. One thing can be agreed upon though, and that is the importance of fresh ingredients. Thanks to the Northern Territory’s proximity to Southeast Asia and its rich cultural mix, the region is particularly celebrated for the dish. 

The festival has been going strong since 2018, and produced not only fabulous soups, but laksa-inspired treats like beer, ice cream, burgers, cocktails and pies. Whether you’re drawn to spice, seafood, herbs or the protein of choice, there is bound to be a laksa (or laksa-adjacent food) for you! 

What to Expect at Darwin’s Laksa Festival in 2025 

Never ones to do things by half, the festival includes offerings this particular year for every meal and occasion. You can start your laksa adventures early with Scrambled Hail Mary, Le Laksa Toast, or a Laksa Latte from Besser. Unusual laksa mains include a poke bowl (also from Besser), the Laksa Lords Burger from Maidens Lane or the Laksa Spud from The Potato Man NT. For something even more creative, many establishments offer laksa themed cocktails and even laksa flavoured desserts. Try a Laksa Donut from Patty Shack Burger Bar, Laksa Sorbet from The Last Supper or Laksa Cookies from Kopi Stop.  

The main event of The Darwin International Laksa Festival is its Laksa League, a competition where foodies are encouraged to visit participating venues, and every point earnt brings them closer to prizes. The month culminates in the Laksa Festival event; the Grand Finale, where the awards for best laksas are given out. Held on the first of November, the day is celebrated on the Darwin Waterfront with food trucks, cooking demonstrations, eating competitions, live music, and other entertainment.   

While the festival is statewide, most participants come from Darwin, making it a perfect time for a visit. As the dry season draws to a close, it’s a perfect time to get out into the warm evening air and explore. The turn of the seasons makes it a good time for fishing and sailing, and you may even witness some of the spectacular storms that signal the beginning of the wet season.