Who makes Darwin’s best laksa? It’s quite well known by now that Darwin is the laksa capital of Australia… and the long-running competition for the best spicy soup used to be a heated discussion among locals at the Parap Markets on a Saturday morning – but now, thanks to the Darwin International Laksa Festival, we have the answers for you!
If you haven’t heard of the Darwin International Laksa Festival – put it on the list for next year.
It’s our wet season special – a whole month of trying, tasting and rating the best Laksa and Laksa Inspired dishes across Darwin and now even in rural areas, with Laksa from Nhulunbuy, Alice Springs and Katherine entered into the mix this year – all culminated in a full blown festival at the end of the month!
After 2022 – it’s almost undeniable who is the best Laksa in Darwin – with popular Galleria eatery Chok’s Place taking out both the Golden Bowl trophy, and the People’s Choice! This is their 4th award in the Laksa Festival – so you definitely have to try it! They do sell out quite quickly these days – so our Local’s tip is to get in early!
So – where are the other best Laksa’s in Darwin? We’ve rounded up a comprehensive laksa list, featuring the top ten dishes from the 2022 International Laksa Festival…
BBQ LADY
One of the best things about BBQ lady? The crackling pork laksa!! Yes please! You’ll find BBQ Lady at Rapid Creek Markets.
KOPI STOP
A Darwin favourite for Coffee – Kopi Stop also does a mean laksa! Super flavoursome and tasty – find them on Harriet Place.
FRESH CUISINE
A fave for the western suburbs – this hidden gem in the Hibiscus Shopping Village comes highly recommended.
LISAS LUNCH BAR
Another local favourite hidden away on Reichardt Road in Winnellie – Lisa’s Lunch Bar is known for it’s big & tasty servings of laksa – the beef is a local fave!
THE PARAP TAVERN
You don’t usually associate a pub feed with a good Laksa – but Darwin is all about breaking those stereotypes. Parap Tavern Laksa is without a doubt the best pub Laksa you’ll try – find it on Parap Road in Parap.
CHOW
A continual fan favourite & previous winner of the Golden Bowl – we suggest trying their Bahn Mi with Laksa dipping sauce too – amazing!! You’ll find CHOW at the Darwin Waterfront.
Lazy Susan’s Eating House
Another forever-Darwin favourite, Lazy Susan’s do a really consistently good Laksa – find them on Cavenagh St in the CBD!
Alberto’s Cafe
Did someone say pork AND dumplings in a Laksa? We loveddd this unusual combination and the flavours are delish! Find Albertos Cafe and Albertos Cave both on Cavenagh Street.
Mary’s Laksa
We don’t even need to tell you where to find Mary’s – just look for the lineup at the Parap Markets! Enough said!
What have we missed? If you’ve got a favourite that we definitely need to try, make sure you email us at tips@wearelocals.com.au