For people of Islamic faith, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During this time, Muslim folks fast from dawn to dusk. But once the sun sets, iftar begins – a fast-breaking feast that runs late into the night and where family and friends gather to enjoy an array of rich treats and moreish morsels. To coincide with this time of year, Sydney’s popular month-long celebration Ramadan Nights Lakemba is returning, kicking off on Saturday, March 9 and running until Monday, April 8 2024.
What time does Lakemba Night Markets open and close?
From 5pm until 3am every evening, more than 70 local businesses will transform Lakemba’s Haldon Street into a vibrant, global food bazaar with traditional cuisine from Indonesia, Burma, Pakistan, Lebanon, the Cocos Islands, Syria and more.
It’s not only Sydney’s Muslim communities that comes together during Ramadan Nights – people of all backgrounds are welcome to flock to sample the fare of pop-up kitchens lining Haldon Street and Railway Parade. Last year saw 1.4 million people experience the celebrations, with organisers saying this year is going to be even bigger and better than ever.
What started as a single street barbeque back in 2012, Ramadan Nights Lakemba is now considered by many to be one of Australia's best places to celebrate the ancient tradition.
What kind of food will there be?
Break fast with with roti and gentle lentil curries from the Cocos Islands; Malaysia's famously buttery grilled pastry parcels, murtabak; and haleem, the king of curries from Pakistan that features four kinds of slow-cooked pulses with tender beef topped with a fresh and fragrant sprinkling of coriander, ginger, fried onions and lemon juice.
From there you can get fresh, charry naan, camel burgers, carrot juice, jalebi (a chewy sweet treat) and knafeh (a traditional Middle Eastern cheese dessert), plus an array of sweets, biscuits, drinks and take-home packs. The only limit is your own stomach capacity (and then some).
How to get to Lakemba Night Markets
Ramadan Nights Lakemba comes to life on Haldon Street and Railway Parade, Lakemba. The good news is that it’s accessible by public transport. The T3 Bankstown Line will bring you to the centre of the event at Lakemba Station. It’ll take roughly 30 minutes on the train from Central Station.
There is no event parking at Ramadan Nights Lakemba and street parking is extremely limited. There are road closures and detours throughout the festival, so public transport is highly encouraged.
Anything else to keep in mind?
While there is an abundance of delicious food available and a palpably festive atmosphere, keep in mind for Muslim communities, Ramadan Nights Lakemba is significant cultural event – and one where respect for others is key. There is no alcohol at this event, and it's important to dress modestly.
If you’ve never explored this pocket of Sydney, this is a great time of year to head west. Ramadan mubarak!
