Held during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan, the fasting month, began on February 18 this year and lasts for one month. During this period, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours, while limiting activities that may disrupt spiritual reflection.
Traditionally, families gather for suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, and iftar, the meal after sunset marking the end of each day’s fast.
As dusk approaches, a small alley becomes increasingly lively as local residents and worshippers from across the city arrive to buy halal food prepared in accordance with Islamic law. The bustle spreads around Jamiul Anwar Mosque and into Alley 157 on Duong Ba Trac Street.
During Ramadan, the breaking-of-fast meal often begins with light and easily digestible dishes such as sweet cakes, porridge, vermicelli, vegetables and fresh fruit. Refreshing drinks including tea, grass jelly and herbal beverages are rotated daily to ease thirst after long hours of fasting.
A defining feature of the market is the complete absence of pork, in strict adherence to Islamic dietary rules. Instead, savoury dishes are prepared from beef, chicken and seafood, carefully cooked yet affordably priced for the many visitors who come each afternoon.
The market also offers a range of traditional Muslim dishes, prepared according to the community’s distinctive tastes, creating a unique culinary atmosphere during Ramadan.
Having lived in the alley for more than 30 years, Aminas continues to sell familiar desserts such as mung bean sweet soup and white bean sweet soup with coconut milk, along with various drinks.
“During this month, I cook a different dish each day to serve everyone, as many people come from other places to buy,” she said. “This year, the alley has been much busier. I sell out within about two hours.”
Ruhani, another vendor, said visitor numbers have risen sharply over the past two years, with not only Muslim residents but also many tourists and young people in Ho Chi Minh City coming out of curiosity, adding to the lively evening atmosphere.
Ho Chi Minh City is home to around 10,000 Cham Muslims, living mainly in 15 neighbourhoods across the former districts of Binh Thanh, Phu Nhuan, and districts 1, 6 and 8. Each residential cluster typically forms around a mosque, serving both as a place of worship and a hub for community life.