Ramadan Mubarak, everyone! We're approaching my (and likely every Muslim’s) most cherished time of the year: a period dedicated to enhancing our spirituality through fasting, praying, and deepening our understanding of our religion. It's also a time to visit family, connect with our community, and indulge in delicious cultural cuisines. Naturally, this brings us to Lakemba’s Ramadan Nights market.

What started as a simple barbecue stand in Lakemba, Ramadan Nights has evolved over the years into what is arguably Sydney’s most beloved food festival.

This vibrant night market, rich with ethnic food stalls predominantly run by and for Muslims, operates from dusk (typically after iftar, the evening meal when Muslims break their fast) until 3am *every single day* throughout Ramadan.

@pedestriantv

Here’s the food you HAVE to try at Lakemba’s Ramadan Night Markets. Trust me I go every year!!! #ptv #ramadan #sydneyfood

♬ She Share Story (for Vlog) – 山口夕依

For years, I have attended Lakemba’s Ramadan Nights market with my family, as it serves as a social hub for thousands of Sydney Muslims. Historically, it was the sole venue where we could socialize freely and safely late into the night, surrounded by familiar faces, without facing micro-aggressions or other anti-Muslim prejudices. At least, this was the situation.

The popularity of the markets has skyrocketed recently as non-Muslims have discovered this cultural gem and wish to partake. Unfortunately, this cultural sharing has been accompanied by a rise in racism and generally disrespectful and antisocial behavior from non-Muslims at the market.

Therefore, to preserve the safety of Ramadan Nights for Muslims and to assist those who wish to enjoy the event without prior experience in Muslim spaces, I've crafted an unofficial guide on how to attend Lakemba’s Ramadan night markets as a non-Muslim respectfully. Let’s dive in!

Don’t be racist.

One would assume this is obvious, but apparently not.

In 2022, I recounted a shocking incident where a white woman yelled at me to return to where I came from while I was waiting in line at a food stall.

This account prompted many Muslims to reach out online with their own disheartening experiences, including one woman who witnessed a group of white teenagers mocking South Asian men's accents while they waited for Afghan food. It’s heartless to ridicule those whose culture you’re about to enjoy. Regrettably, the situation didn’t improve much in 2023 as the markets became more commercialized and gentrified.

https://twitter.com/lmy__nwr/status/1514978574104928261?s=20

The Lakemba night markets are among the few places in Australia that proudly celebrate Muslim identity. Don’t be the one to spoil that for us. If you're with people exhibiting racism, or you witness such behavior, speak up! Demonstrate your support and don’t just stand by. You accept the standards you ignore.

Don’t call unfamiliar food “gross” or “weird”

A common micro-aggression (or perhaps outright racism) that ethnic people face growing up in Australia is lunchtime bullying, where white kids point at ethnic food and say: “Ewwwww, what is that? Why does it smell so weird? That’s gross, why don’t you bring anything normal to school?”

The cycle of white people shaming immigrants’ food, only to later appropriate and gentrify it as it becomes trendy and ~exotic~, is so prevalent it’s been documented time and time and time again.

At Ramadan Nights, you'll encounter many dishes unfamiliar to you, like camel burgers and cheesy, syrupy knafeh, which often captivate newcomers.

Avoid loudly expressing how odd or unpleasant certain foods look to you simply because they are new to you — this is someone’s culture you’re disparaging, and such comments are not only rude but also a form of racist microaggression.

@samantha.khater

Lakemba food markets #ramadan #lakembastreetfoodfestival #lakembanights #foodmarkets #knafeh #sahlab #sydneyfood #sydneymarkets

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Respect the market’s religious aspects

While Ramadan Nights is open to everyone, it is still a religious event marking a significant occasion.

Last year, I noticed some complaints from non-Muslims new to the market about the lack of music, feeling there was “no vibe.”

During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from music to focus on worship and spirituality, making the absence of music an essential aspect of the Ramadan event.

There is also a mosque adjacent to the markets where Muslims perform Taraweeh, a lengthy night prayer conducted during Ramadan. Playing music while someone is praying is highly disrespectful, so avoiding music ensures worship can proceed uninterrupted.

Oh jesus I feel this. The colleague from the Northern beaches asking me when the ‘Lakemba night festival’ started because it was such a fun excursion for her family. Me wanting to scream that the Ramadan Night Markets are not for rich white folks’ tourism.

— Radhi C (@EvilLordHaha) February 5, 2022

Please do not bring your dog

Considering Ramadan Nights is a religious event, please do not treat it like other food markets by bringing your dog (unless they are a service animal).

While many Muslims, including myself, adore dogs and would gladly pet them in other settings, it’s generally understood not to bring them to religious spaces or events like Ramadan.

Bringing a dog to a mosque is unthinkable, and some Muslims prefer not to be around them while eating. It’s also deeply offensive if your dog urinates near a food stall, as dog urine is considered najis (a specific impurity in religious terms) and necessitates a cleaning ritual that you could spare someone from performing by leaving your dog at home.

There is a variety of opinions regarding dogs in Islam (feel free to research if interested), and not every Muslim shares the same view, but please respect those who avoid dogs for religious reasons and refrain from bringing yours to this Islamic event.

Do try new foods and be open to new experiences

The Ramadan night markets are lively, enjoyable, and brimming with new and intriguing foods to sample. Approach it with an open mind, embrace each culture’s offerings, and engage with those around you.

Muslims enjoy hosting and sharing food, so expect friendly vendors and stall operators inviting you to try their dishes.

Though it can be overwhelming due to the noise and crowds, give the markets a chance and don’t fault them if they don’t match your personal tastes!

Do take the markets as an opportunity to learn about Islam

Ultimately, Ramadan Nights is an Islamic event organized by Muslims to connect and share their culture during Ramadan.

To truly appreciate the markets, don’t separate them from their roots — embrace the religion and cultures behind this vibrant event and understand what it signifies to those involved. Reading this guide is a great starting point!

Well, there you have it, folks. Enjoy Ramadan Nights respectfully and with newfound cultural insight!