Cambodian cafe wins Darwin's laksa gold with unanimous judges' verdict
Angkor Takeaway's lighter Khmer-style laksa beat two rivals in a live cook-off judged unanimously on seasoning and body.
Darwin's annual laksa festival wrapped with a live cook-off where judges including chef Luke Nguyen tasted three finalists' bowls blind. Angkor Takeaway, a Cambodian cafe, took the golden bowl award with a unanimous judges' decision.
Owner Cheata Ouch, born in Siem Reap, makes her laksa with kroeung, a lighter and more fragrant spice paste than typical south-east styles. Judges praised the seasoning and body of her broth.
The festival itself was massive: 50 different laksas and 175 laksa-inspired creations across 50 venues, from laksa toasties to cold foam coffees. The cook-off drew 500 spectators to the Darwin waterfront.
Ouch's reaction when her name was announced was pure joy.
- 175 laksa-inspired dishes
- Festival creations
- 500
- Cook-off spectators
- Siem Reap
- Owner origin
- 50
- Venues
Why it mattersA small cafe in a light industrial area won by staying true to Khmer tradition rather than copying the richer curries that dominate the region. Her broth's seasoning and body impressed judges enough to secure a unanimous decision.
AustraliaDarwin's laksa festival is a genuine celebration of the city's multicultural food culture, with the entire community investing in what locals call their unofficial spirit dish.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
