Darwin International Laksa Festival Crowned 2025 Golden Bowl Winner
The Darwin International Laksa Festival’s 2025 Golden Bowl was awarded to Angkor Takeaway, with chef Cheata Ouch securing the title, The Guardian reported. Ouch’s victory followed a year of preparation, including her 2025 top-three finish, which she described as “better prepared, if not better rested.”
The Festival’s Evolution
The inaugural Darwin International Laksa Festival in 2019 featured 33 venues serving laksa specials, according to The Guardian. By 2025, the event expanded to 50 laksas and 175 laksa-inspired creations, including prawn toast, cocktails, and cold foam coffees. This year’s competition saw a shift in judging, with high-profile chefs Luke Nguyen and Junda Khoo—both of Vietnamese and Malaysian heritage—bringing an “outsiders’ perspective” to the panel, alongside local chef Samantha Bennett.
The Competition’s Dynamics
Finalists included Jules Mou of Kopi Stop, who won the Golden Bowl in 2025 and repeated her success with the People’s Choice award, and Tully Leitch of Pho Rapid Creek, a first-time restaurateur. Ouch, known for her Khmer-inspired kroeung spice paste, faced stiff competition from Mou’s unctuous, mildly spiced laksa. The 20-minute cook-off required finalists to use preprepared stock and locally made Kongs wheat noodles, with judges evaluating seasoning and “body” as key criteria.
Attendees and Judges React to Event
The event drew 500 attendees, with comedian Amy Hetherington quipping that the “least Darwin cook-off ever” lacked the chaos of TV competitions. Judges, including Nguyen and Khoo, noted the pressure of the muggy conditions, with Khoo admitting to “sweating profusely” during tastings. Ouch’s victory was met with a “human pogo stick” celebration, as she and partner Ollie Howe reacted to the announcement. Nguyen praised the “dedication and passion” behind the entries, calling the decision “unanimous.”
Festival Celebrates Multiculturalism Through Laksa
What is the Darwin International Laksa Festival?
The festival, held annually in October, celebrates multiculturalism through laksa, a spicy coconut-based noodle soup. It features competitions, food stalls, and awards like the Golden Bowl, which honors the best laksa in Darwin.
Who won the 2025 Golden Bowl?
Angkor Takeaway, owned by Cheata Ouch, was a top-three finisher in the 2025 Golden Bowl.
How are laksa entries judged?
Judges evaluate seasoning, body, and overall flavor, with finalists using preprepared stock and local noodles. The 2025 panel included chefs Luke Nguyen, Junda Khoo, and local chef Samantha Bennett.
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