Thousands of laksas and laksa-inspired dishes have been tried and tested over the past month, and now the winner has been crowned.
Chok’s Place has been awarded this year’s Golden Bowl trophy winner for the 2022 Darwin International Laksa Festival.
The local business’ signature dish secured the top spot after a blind tasting yesterday by a panel of judges.
People’s Choice Best Laksa award also went to Chok’s Place, the first time anyone has made a clean sweep of the awards for best Laksa.
The Best Inspired by Laksa category was awarded to The Harvest Press for its tasty creation, the Laksa Smoothie Bowl.
Best Regional Laksa was presented to 168 Food Bar from Katherine, making the second year running that Katherine has taken out the regional award.
Over the past month, more than 2800 laksa and laksa-inspired dishes have been purchased around the Territory, with Territorians voting more than 1100 times for their favourite dishes through the Laksa Festival app. This year has seen a record number of active users participating through the app.
Importantly, this has helped encourage more people to dine out at restaurants over the traditionally quieter season supporting local jobs and business.
The winners were announced today at Laksa Park, in front of Parliament House. Thousands attended the finale event, which culminated the month-long festival.
Works are already underway to make next year’s festival even bigger, better and spicier.
Quotes from Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:
“Congratulations to Chok’s Place for winning today’s Golden Bowl, the third time in the four years the Festival has been running.
“To the other winners and contenders, thank you for putting on a feast for the senses. Also a big shout out to our regional entries for getting involved this year.
“The Laksa Festival not only supports local business, it encourages Territorians to continue visiting our food outlets while also exploring parts of the Territory. November is usually one of our quieter times of year, that’s why it’s important that we have events like this running.
“This year the Laksa trail travelled to Katherine, Nhulunbuy and Alice Springs, really highlighting our multicultural communities throughout the entire NT.”
Quotes from Minister for Business, Jobs and Training Paul Kirby:
“The Laksa has been outstanding this year, well done to Jason from Chok’s Place for taking out the top spot.
“This year has seen the highest number of participating Territorians, which means we’re supporting even more small businesses through the initiative and keeping more money flowing locally over the traditionally quiet shoulder season.”
Northern Territory Government
