The reigning champs have done it again.

East India Grill won first place — and the People’s Choice award — at the annual Taste of Federal Way, held Sept. 24.

Around 850 people turned up and chowed down at the hoedown-themed event on a warm blue-skied day, just a day after the start of autumn.

Nine restaurants dueled this year to see who could deliver the tastiest dish — and all in the name of supporting local youth sports teams and other nonprofits. Altogether, the event raised $24,435 for those restaurants and non-profits, according to Rose Ehl, director of the Federal Way Farmers Market.

Ehl praised the hard work of the “outstanding” volunteers for making sure the event went smoothly.

The local Lost and Found Band reprised their musical performance this year, and Federal Way’s Got Talent winner Faina Morozov sang spirited renditions of “You Raise Me Up” and “God Bless America.”

The Taste of Federal Way is held every year as part of the Federal Way Farmers Market, which is now in its 19th year. The market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Oct. 29.

East India Grill took home the gold with their Majestic Chicken. This is the second time in a row that East India Grill has won not only the first place award, which is determined by a cadre of local civic leaders who judge the event, but also the People’s Choice award, for which each attendee could submit one vote.

In second place was Jimmy Mac’s Roadhouse, serving fresh marinated salmon with corn on the cob. K.C. Deez BBQ took third place with its pork sliders.

For the sake of transparency: This reporter, who has a sweet tooth, voted for Black Bear Diner’s bear claw, which was flavorful, not too sweet, and just right in terms of flakiness.

Billy McHales was awarded for having the best decorated booth. Community member David Zumwalt won the Do The Right Thing award (previously known as the Dick Mayer Community Award), and The Federal Way Knights Baseball team was awarded for selling the most tickets to the festival.

Federal Way’s Got Talent winner Faina Morozov sang passionate renditions of “You Raise Me Up” and “God Bless America” at the Taste of Federal Way.

A kid shares a contemplative glance with their stuffed animal while the line makes its way through the restaurants at the Taste of Federal Way.

The judges table at the Taste of Federal Way smiles for a picture. The judges, not in order, were: King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Federal Way Police Chief Andy Hwang, South King Fire Rescue Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Crossen, Sound Transit Community Outreach Specialist Alonzo Buckner, Federal Way Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer, Mary Ann Sharp from Heritage Bank, Federal Way Licensing Services owner Jan Novak, Keller Williams Agent Vickie Chynoweth, and Home Street Bank Branch Manager Arvin Kumar.

The Federal Way Knights Baseball team, pictured here with Federal Way Police Chief Andy Hwang, was awarded for selling the most tickets to the Taste of Federal Way.

Hassan Obabunmi, left, and Masih Rahmani prepare marinated chicken skewers for Mama Stortini’s entry at the Taste of Federal Way.