"Cham village" in the heart of the city
Alley 157 Duong Ba Trac is home to about 2,000 - 3,000 Cham Muslims, mainly migrating from An Giang. They have formed a close-knit community with a unique lifestyle, preserving the customs and practices of their people.
Throughout the year, the alley is peaceful, but when Ramadan begins, it becomes a vibrant space with a month-long market, clearly reflecting the cultural life of Muslims in Vietnam.
Unique market in the heart of Saigon, open throughout the fasting month to serve the Muslim community and diners who love Halal cuisine.
“Ramadan is a sacred time for us, not only to abstain from food and drink but also to focus on good things. This market not only helps Muslims prepare meals to break the fast but also serves as a place to socialize and meet,” said Mr. Ahmad, a resident in the area.
The market opens at 2pm, but is busiest between 4pm and 6pm, when people flock to buy food to prepare for the Iftar meal at sunset.
Not only a place for shopping, Ramadan market is also an opportunity for family and friends to share joy in the sacred month.
Halal Food Paradise
The cuisine at the Ramadan market is a highlight that attracts a large number of 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 see attractive dishes for sale such as fried dumplings, Murtabak, coconut jelly dessert, Katayef cake...
Variety of dishes, from savory dishes...
... to traditional cakes
“We Cham people have many delicious dishes, but especially during Ramadan, we must have goat curry and baked cakes. These two dishes are almost indispensable in every meal breaking the fast,” said Ms. Halimah, a market vendor.
In addition to food, the market also sells many typical ingredients such as curry powder, cinnamon, Halal beef, as well as imported confectionery from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Middle East.
With a family recipe, goat curry at Ramadan market has a unique flavor, served with bread or rice.
Cultural exchange space
Not only a place for trading, the Ramadan market is also a space for exchange between the Muslim community, local people and tourists. It is easy to see groups of young people eager to try new dishes, and families gathering together after a day of fasting.
Minh Quan, a first-time visitor, said: “I was very surprised to know that Saigon has a market with such a strong Islamic character. Not only is the food delicious, but the people here are also very friendly, willing to explain to me the meaning of Ramadan.”
Not only attracting locals, the market is also a favorite destination for tourists who want to learn about Islamic culture in Vietnam.
Many Muslim foreigners living in Ho Chi Minh City also come here to buy Halal food and enjoy the festive atmosphere. This is a clear demonstration of cultural exchange in a diverse urban area like Saigon.
Alley 157 Duong Ba Trac is like a lively slice of Islamic cultural life in Ho Chi Minh City. Every year, when the fasting month comes, the small alley lights up with festive colors, attracting not only Muslims but also those who love to eat and explore the diverse beauty of the city.
Laughter, greetings and friendly smiles create a warm, vibrant atmosphere.
Visiting the market on a Ramadan afternoon, visitors will fully experience the bustling atmosphere, the fragrant spice stalls, the lively conversations of the locals and the excitement of diners waiting for the moment of breaking the fast.
This is not only a place to enjoy authentic Halal food but also an opportunity to understand more about the culture and beliefs of the Cham community in the heart of a bustling urban area. A unique experience, both familiar and new that anyone should try at least once.
Colorful hijabs highlight the charm and unique cultural features of Cham women.
An elderly man sits at a stall, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere during Ramadan
Cuisine at Ramadan market is a highlight that attracts many diners.
A corner of the church before the fasting hour
