The votes are in and the laksa lovers have spoken – and Chok’s Place has taken out the top spot with the coveted ‘Golden Bowl’ at the 2020 Darwin International Laksa Festival for the second year in a row.
The dish was crowned cream of the crop out of 34 contenders. This year’s laksa ninjas were assigned the tricky task of narrowing the competition down to a Top Ten, before a final blind tasting panel led by Darwin’s Jimmy Shu, sealed the Golden Bowl Award for Chok’s Place once again.
The month-long festival wrapped up on Sunday afternoon, with thousands ascending on the Chung Wah Society in the Darwin CBD to celebrate the iconic Territory dish – and plenty of other marvellous creations that were inspired by it.
A stand-out for Territorians was the Laksa Chicken Schnitty from the Berry Springs Tavern, which was awarded People’s Choice for Best Inspired by Laksa Dish. Locals also cast more than 1,300 votes, with Mary’s at the Parap Markets coming out on top for People’s Choice for Best Laksa.
In a brand new honour for 2020, ten Territorians were promoted to ‘laksa legends’ over the course of the month, for having eaten 20 or more laksas.
The month-long festival has proved a driving force for increasing foot traffic into local restaurants and eateries, at a time that is traditionally quiet for the hospitality industry.
A record-breaking 5,000 laksas were purchased during the event.
As stated by Chief Minister, Michael Gunner:
“Congratulations to Chok’s Place – back to back Golden Bowls and ultimate bragging rights as the world’s best laksa.
“To the other winners and contenders – thank you for putting on a feast for the senses, and thank you to Territorians for supporting local businesses along the way.
“Every time you buy a laksa, you are backing local jobs.
“Our government has thrown the kitchen sink at supporting small businesses throughout the pandemic, and we will continue to do so, to ensure we are the comeback capital of Australia.”
