From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the tantalising aromas of traditional Middle Eastern cuisine wafting through the air, enticing you to sample a diverse range of delectable dishes. With so many good stalls to visit, the question is where to start!
The Ramadan Night Markets in Lakemba is back in full swing and is undoubtedly one of the biggest cultural festivals in Sydney that many look forward to attending every year. It is a celebration for the month of Ramadan which gives locals and visitors alike a fantastic view of what the Muslim community and an important part of their culture looks like.
You can have a one-of-a-kind experience when you visit the markets, and no two nights are the same even if you attend multiple times. The night market is decorated with an array of bright sparkling lights which pops against the dark night and the Arabic music playing in the background makes you feel like you are somewhere in the Middle East. The food stalls sell variations of many delicious foods, from Arabian coffee and knafeh to Chinese tanghulu. For those that can’t choose between a healthy fruit and a sweet treat, you can meet in the middle and opt for the classic chocolate dipped strawberries.
If you look closer, you can also find the most uncommon food item and drink, which is the camel burger and camel milk hot chocolate, and I can vouch that both tastes amazing. The TikTok famous Persian fruit roll-up, lavashak, is also available in the market for you to try out. There is also the fragrant Pakistani Haleem along with refreshing non-alcoholic drinks for you to sample.
People of all ages and nationalities can be seen enjoying the night market as they get a taste of the Muslim culture through the variations of food and festivities. Trying out different food items is more like a quest when you do it with your friends. Safe to say, it is my most favourite festivity in Sydney and I will eagerly wait for the night market to come back with its full glory in next year’s Ramadan as well.
Thank you to Zerin Tanzim Anha (Diploma student) for sharing her story with us.
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