If there’s one dish that defines Darwin, it’s laksa. Steaming bowls of spicy, coconut-based broth filled with noodles, seafood or chicken, and topped with fresh herbs have become a staple of the Top End lifestyle. Locals don’t just eat laksa for lunch or dinner — they eat it for breakfast, too. In fact, Darwin has proudly claimed the title of Australia’s Laksa Capital, and every October the city celebrates with the Darwin International Laksa Festival.

This year, Travel Gateway is making it even easier to join the fun with the Ministry of Laksa Package — the ultimate way to taste, sip, and explore Darwin.

Celebrate with the Darwin Laksa Festival

The Darwin International Laksa Festival runs throughout October and is a city-wide celebration of food, culture, and creativity. Restaurants compete for the coveted Golden Bowl Award, and locals and visitors eat their way through dozens of entries to cast their votes.

With more than 40 venues across the city joining in, you’ll find laksa in all shapes and flavours — from fiery hot bowls to vegan versions and even laksa ice cream. It’s a foodie adventure like no other.

What makes Darwin’s laksa so special?

Laksa has its roots in Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Singapore. It’s a dish that blends cultures and flavours. With its tropical climate and diverse community, Darwin has embraced laksa as its unofficial signature dish.

A typical laksa features:

• A fragrant coconut curry broth
• Soft noodles (egg or rice)
• Your choice of protein like prawns, chicken, or tofu
• Toppings of bean sprouts, boiled egg, and fresh herbs

But in Darwin, laksa takes on many forms — from traditional recipes to creative twists like laksa muffins and even laksa-inspired gin.

The Ministry of Laksa Package

To make the most of the festival, Travel Gateway has teamed up with some of Darwin’s favourite local businesses to create a package that delivers the ultimate laksa experience.

What’s included:

• 3 nights at Hilton Darwin (king or twin room)
• Gourmet sunset dinner cruise on Darwin Harbour
• Guided Saturday tour of Parap Markets (home to Darwin’s most famous laksa stalls)
• Darwin Laksa Passport with exclusive offers at top venues
• 100ml bottle of Laksa Gin from Darwin Distilling Co
• Ministry of Laksa T-shirt
• Special deals from local restaurants
• (Optional daily breakfast at discounted rate)
• 
  

All from just $699 per person twin share.

Bonus: Fly Airnorth from Timor-Leste, Cairns, Townsville, Broome, Kununurra, Perth, Gove, Groote Eylandt or Maningrida with discounted fares when you book this package.

Darwin Laksa Passport



Show your passport at the following venues and receive a free item when you purchase the following

(Passport will have each business listed with offer as well as address)