5 laksas of darwin

I recently spent a month travelling around the Northern Territory. During that time I spent a week in Darwin, which is well-known for its laksas. Every year Darwin hosts a laksa festival, and you can buy unexpected things flavoured as laksa, such as cocktails and cookies. 

Of course, those of us for whom laksa is less of a lifestyle choice and more of a cultural necessity know that laksa is traditionally not vegan. So I took it upon myself to do a lot of research and taste-testing and ate five laksas in seven days in Darwin so that you can do the same. 

Bring your own container and chopsticks for the 2 laksa vans, it is all very reasonable and doable. 

Laksa 1: The Purple Lady 

The Purple Lady is a food van. You can find The Purple Lady at Parap Village Markets on Saturdays and Rapid Creek Markets on Sundays. 

I was staying in Parap, so went to Parap Village Markets on Saturday at about 07:30. 

This laksa was spicy, with rice noodles and a good amount of vegetables (including the always curious addition of pumpkin) but sadly not enough tofu. I would like more tofu. 

Laksa 2: Darwin Laksa food van 

Mindil Beach Sunset Market 

I went on a Sunday night 

This laksa requires chilli! Fortunately there is a sign telling you to add chilli and then a lot of chilli. It is very mild. Maybe because Mindil is a touristy market? Anyway it was a good laksa with extra chilli and peanut, but literally only one piece of tofu. 

Laksa 3: Chow! 

On the waterfront, 19 Kitchener Drive

This was a lovely and creamy laksa, with two types of noodles, a good amount of veggies, and fresh chilli on the side. Only three pieces of tofu. It was at this point that I began to suspect a tofu shortage in Darwin. 

I really liked this location! The waterfront is weird but kinda fun. It was weird to be assigned Sun Wukong or Tripitaka at the bathroom, though. 

Laksa 4: Rendevous Cafe 

22 Mitchell Street 

This location was a little off-putting, only because it's in the same building as the Consulate of Finland. Confusing vibe on the outside, but inside regular vibe. 

Lovely and spicy. I was able to add more tofu, and this was how I found out you have to request more tofu in your laksa in Darwin, which is a scandal.

Laksa 5: Non La

11 Knuckey St 

Non La has a whole vegan menu, and I would have liked to try more of it! 

Probably my favourite laksa of the trip. Rich and spicy, a little assamy. 

Laksas of Darwin! I would eat them all again.