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"A Cham village" in the heart of the city
Alley 157 Duong Ba Trac is home to approximately 2,000-3,000 Cham Muslims, mostly migrants from An Giang province. They have formed a close-knit community with a distinctive lifestyle, preserving the customs and traditions of their ethnic group.
Throughout the year, the alley is peaceful, but when Ramadan begins, it transforms into a vibrant space with a month-long market, vividly reflecting the cultural life of Muslims in Vietnam.
This unique market in the heart of Saigon is open throughout the Lenten month to serve the Muslim community and diners who love Halal cuisine.
“Ramadan is a sacred time for us, not only for fasting but also for focusing on good things. This market not only helps believers prepare their break meal but also serves as a place for socializing and meeting,” shared Ahmad, a local resident.
The market starts operating at 2 PM, but is busiest between 4 PM and 6 PM, when people flock there to buy food in preparation for the Iftar meal at sunset.
More than just a shopping destination, Ramadan markets are also an opportunity for families and friends to share joy together during this sacred month.
Halal Food Paradise
The food at the Ramadan market is a highlight that attracts many diners. All dishes are prepared according to Halal standards, meaning they do not use pork or alcohol and are prepared according to Islamic procedures.
Walking around the market, diners can find tempting dishes on display such as fried dumplings, Murtabak, grass jelly with coconut milk, Katayef cake, and more.
A wide variety of dishes, from savory dishes...
... up to traditional folk cakes
"We Cham people have many delicious dishes, but especially during Ramadan, goat curry and baked bread are indispensable. These two dishes are almost essential at every meal that breaks the fast," said Halimah, a small vendor at the market.
Besides food, the market also sells many specialty ingredients such as curry powder, cinnamon, star anise, Halal beef, as well as imported sweets and candies from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Middle East.
With its time-honored recipe, goat curry at the Ramadan market has a distinctive flavor, served with bread or rice.
Cultural exchange space
More than just a marketplace, the Ramadan market is also a space for interaction between the Muslim community, locals, and tourists. It's easy to spot groups of young people eagerly trying new and delicious dishes, and families gathering together after a day of fasting.
Minh Quan, a first-time visitor, said: “I was very surprised to learn that Saigon has such a distinctly Muslim market. Not only is the food delicious, but the people here are also very friendly and willing to explain to me the meaning of Ramadan.”
Besides attracting locals, the market is also a favorite destination for tourists who want to learn about Islamic culture in Vietnam.
Many foreign Muslims living in Ho Chi Minh City also come here to buy Halal-certified food and enjoy the festive atmosphere. This is clear evidence of cultural exchange in a diverse city like Saigon.
Alley 157 Duong Ba Trac is like a vibrant slice of Islamic cultural life in Ho Chi Minh City. Every year, when Lent arrives, this small alley bursts with festive colors, attracting not only Muslim devotees but also those who love food and want to explore the diverse beauty of the city.
Laughter, greetings like "Salam," and friendly smiles create a warm and vibrant atmosphere.
Visiting the market on a Ramadan afternoon, tourists will fully experience the bustling atmosphere, the stalls fragrant with spices, the lively conversations of the locals, and the excitement of diners waiting for the moment to break their fast.
This is not only a place to enjoy authentic Halal cuisine, but also an opportunity to learn more about the culture and beliefs of the Cham community in the heart of a bustling city. A unique experience, both familiar and novel, that everyone should try at least once.
The colorful hijabs highlight the grace and distinctive cultural features of Cham women.
The elderly man sat resting by the stall, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere during Ramadan.
The food at the Ramadan market is a highlight that attracts many diners.
A corner of the cathedral before the end of the fast.
