Darwin, the vibrant capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, is known for its rich cultural diversity and thriving food scene. Among the city’s most anticipated events is the annual Darwin International Laksa Festival, a month-long celebration dedicated to one of Southeast Asia’s most beloved dishes: LAKSA. Over the years, this fragrant, spicy noodle soup has become a staple in the city’s vibrant food scene with both local and visitors alike immersing themselves into the fragrant flavours of traditional recipes and creative fusions curated by talented chefs and cooks.


With a total of 127 venues across the NT participating in this year's festival, we were invited to capture a few vendor's creations on behalf of Darwin International Laksa Festival. See below a few of our favourite laksa-inspired creations that we think you should try this year.


LAKSA LAMB ROTI | SALTWATER | BUNDILLA BEACH

Laksa-infused shredded lamb shoulder with a fresh herbed slaw, coconut yoghurt, crispy fried shallots and a green chilli sambal on pan-fried roti 

PORK BELLY BITES | HOLY SMOKES BBQ | NIGHTCLIFF

Mouth-watering slow smoked pork belly lollipops, marinated in a laksa-inspired marinade and served with laksa dipping sauce

LAKSA PRAWN TOAST | FLORA'S TEMPER | NIGHTCLIFF

Laksa-inspired prawn toast eggs benny, topped with laksa hollandaise and served with a fresh herb salad

BABY BARRA | SNAPPER ROCKS | WATERFRONT

Charcoal grilled whole baby Humpty Doo Barramundi in laksa sauce, topped with fresh herbs and peanuts, served with fluffy coconut rice, and green mango salad

CHOCOLATE TACO | TON'S BISTRO | STUART PARK

House-made crispy chocolate dessert taco filled with laksa creme patisserie, fresh mango and mint salsa, laksa-inspired sabayon sauce and blueberry caviar

LAKSA SCROLL | BUSTARD TOWN | DARWIN CITY

Buttery puff pastry laksa-inspired scroll topped with confit tomatoes, chopped coriander, chilli and crunchy peanuts

lAKSA GRANITA | THE LAST SUPPER | DARWIN CITY

The most refreshing and light laksa-infused coconut cream granita. The perfect palate cleanser with a hint of spice

FRIED CHICKEN BURGER | PATTY SHACK | NIGHTCLIFF

Succulent buttermilk fried chicken topped with a sweet sticky laksa-infused hot honey, red curry mayo, and crunchy Asian slaw on a toasted milk bun

CHEESE TOASTIE | ALBERTO'S CAFE | DARWIN CITY

Super cheesy, laksa spiced chicken toastie with fresh corriander

CHICKEN SKEWERS | ANGKOR TAKEAWAY | WOOLNER

Traditional Cambodian grilled chicken skewers marinated in house-made laksa paste

CHICKEN BAO | TWO PECK | GATEWAY, PALMERSTON

Soft fluffy bao filled with crispy Taiwanese fried chicken, fresh lettuce and laksa-inspired sauce

BEEF BRISKET PIE | MAMMA'S KITCHEN | TIVENDALE

Hearty laksa-fied beef brisket pie featuring vermicelli noodles and fresh bean shoots

tORTILLA CHIPS | FLICK'S | DARWIN CITY

House-made fried tortilla nacho chips topped with laksa sauce, fresh herbs, bean shoots, and chilli


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Now, if you're more the traditional kind who's looking to try the famous dish itself, check out the below venues including a few who have been named some of the best in the biz over the years from both locals and tourists.


BEEF LAKSA | CHOW | DARWIN WATERFRONT

Bringing home the golden bowl in both 2023 and 2021, Chow's award-winning laksa is a must try, especially the beef

SMOKED DUCK LAKSA | ANGKOR TAKEAWAY | WOOLNER

We absolutely loved this smokey flavoured duck laksa with a traditonal Cambodian twist

VEGETARIAN LAKSA | RAINMAKER CAFE | ZUCCOLI

Not a fan of meat or seafood? Don't fear, because this vegetarian option using tofu in this rich laksa, is delicious. The perfect firmness to soak up the flavourful broth

CHICKEN AND WONTON LAKSA | PURPLE LADY'S | PARAP MARKETS

Famous for their more traditional flavours, the Purple Lady's laksa is made even better with a bit of added chilli sambal on top at Parap Markets on a Saturday morning

FISH ASSAM LAKSA | MAKAN STOP | DARWIN CITY

If you're looking for something a little different, than don't pass up on this sour, spicy, tangy fish-based Penang style laksa using a family recipe

Unfortunately, we can't try all the incredible creations being entered into this year's laksa festival, so if you have a favourite laksa or laksa-inspired dish or beverage, we would love to hear about it. Send us a message or tag us in your photos on Facebook or Instagram.


If you haven't yet joined the Laksa League to be in the running to win some awesome prizes, check out the link below;

Laksa League | Darwin International Laksa Festival 2024 (darwinlaksafestival.com.au)


HAPPY EATING LAKSA LOVERS!