The Darwin International Laksa Festival
The Darwin International Laksa Festival is a month-long festival held every October in the Northern Territory, Australia.
The Laksa Festival celebrates the diverse and flavourful elements of laksa and the Territory, as well as promoting local eateries and bringing our laksa loving community together. This year the festival will celebrate its sixth anniversary of being the Territory’s (and arguably, the nations) tastiest event.
The Laksa Festival has grown into one of the most anticipated events on the cities calendar. Each year thousands of laksa lovers and enthusiastic foodies from across the nation wander the Territory to indulge in the delicious laksa and laksa-inspired dishes.
Laksa inspired-by dishes are culinary creations that takes inspiration from the flavours of laksa and apply them to ‘unusual’ dishes. Some dishes in the past have included laksa flavoured ice cream, bagels, sausages, burgers, cocktails, and deserts. If you want to see some of the interesting culinary takes on laksa inspired-by dishes, head to our Instagram.
This year's festival will kick off on Tuesday 1 October , and finish with the Festival Finale on Sunday 3 November 2024.
The Laksa Festival comprises of two key elements:
- The Laksa Festival Food Tour; and,
- The Laksa Festival Finale.
This year's Food Tour will run from 1-31 October, making it our largest food tour yet! The Food Tour encourages the visitors and locals alike to visit as many food venues registered on the tour as much as possible throughout the duration of the festival; and to try, share and vote for their favourite dishes.
Laksa lovers can now earn points and win amazing prizes (hello airfares and accommodation to an amazing holiday destination...), by signing up to the Laksa League. You can read all about the league on the "Laksa League" tab.
The Food Tour is arguably the best part of the entire festival - where attendees get a full month to try the hundreds of delicious dishes submitted by venues. It's also the best way for venues to participate in the festival, registering a dish in the Food Tour is 100% free for venues and benefits include increased customers and trade for an entire month!
The festival culminates at the Festival Finale, which is held on the last Sunday of October on Laksa Lawns (also known as Chan Lawns). The Laksa Festival Finale is a celebration of all things laksa; attendees can expect food eating competitions, cooking demonstrations, roving entertainment, food trucks and the presentation of the official Laksa Festival awards.
This year's Festival Finale will be held on Sunday 3 November, check out the "Finale" tab for up to date information.
A lot of the fun happens on our social media channels, so make sure you follow us to keep up with all things laksa and be the first to know about future Laksa Festivals!