Northern Territory Government
Department of Tourism and Hospitality The Territory’s best laksa dishes revealed in a surprising twist at the Darwin International Laksa Festival Grand Finale
3 November 2024
The competition to determine Darwin’s best laksa was so hot that even the expert judging panel couldn’t pick a winner, with dual Golden Bowls being handed out for the first time in the festival’s history today to Bamboo Lounge and CHOW!
This is the first time that Bamboo Lounge, located in Tipperary Waters, has taken home the prestigious Golden Bowl title, while 2023 Golden Bowl winner CHOW backs up their title and will now join Chok’s Place as a three-time title winner.
It was an extremely tight competition this year, with only one point separating tied first to third place when all the scoring was complete. The expert judges commended the top ten chefs and venues on their efforts, and were particularly impressed with the variety of laksa put forward by this year’s nominees; from traditional Thai and Singaporean styles to the unique Penang style laksa.
In the regions, first time entrant Jatti Pool Bar & Bistro took home the Regional Golden Bowl for their Smoked Crocodile Laksa.
This year’s laksa festival was record breaking from the very start, with more than 127 venues submitting 180 unique and delicious laksa or laksa inspired-by dishes. This year’s festival also featured a record number of participating venues in both Alice Springs and Katherine.
Territorians certainly rallied around the festival, with more than 2,700 active players participating in the Laksa League, where players could earn points and win prizes by eating, reviewing and voting for their favourite dishes. After a full 31 days, and more than 75 dishes tasted – player James S came out as victorious, winning return airfares for two to Perth with 3 nights’ accommodation, thanks to Airnorth!
Thousands of laksa lovers attended today’s Grand Finale to farewell the festival for another year. It was a hit with laksa fans, families and local businesses who enjoyed live cooking and brewing demonstrations from some of the Territory’s best chefs and bartenders, free family friendly entertainment, laksa eating competitions, live music and the People’s Choice and Golden Bowl award presentations.
Full list of winners below:
· People’s Choice Best Inspired-By (Regional) – Laksa Empanadas by Yaye’s Café (Alice Springs)
· People’s Choice Best Laksa (Regional) – The Outback Laksa by The Meeting Place (Katherine)
· People’s Choice Best Inspired-By (Darwin) – Laksa Muffin by Makan Stop
· People’s Choice Best Laksa (Darwin) – Kopi Stop Laksa by Kopi Stop
· Golden Bowl (Regional) – Smoked Crocodile Laksa by Jatti Pool Bar & Bistro (Katherine)
· Golden Bowl (Darwin) – Bamboo Lounge and CHOW!
This year’s Laksa Festival, held over 31 days, set a new milestone as the NT’s largest celebration to date, attracting an ever-growing audience, including interstate and overseas fans. A successful Melbourne pop-up in partnership with Molly Rose Brewery earlier this year helped spread the love of laksa beyond the NT, and some interstate fans took the opportunity to book a trip to Darwin to enjoy the full Territory experience.
Although the festival has been and gone for another year, Territorians can sleep easier knowing that no matter what style or how spicy their laksa preference, when the craving strikes a high-quality bowl of laksa is sure to be nearby.
For more festival details, visit www.laksafestival.nt.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Chief Executive Officer, Department of Tourism and Hospitality, Suzana Bishop:
“The Laksa Festival is a uniquely Territorian event anticipated by thousands of locals and food lovers from around the country each year.
“The record-breaking participation shows the value our hospitality businesses see in this festival, not only to boost sales in the off-peak season but also to inspire fun and culinary creativity across the Territory.”
