From sunset to sunrise every night during Ramadan, hundreds of vendors dishing up food from barbeques, bubbling pots, hot plates and vats spring up on the main drag of Lakemba, serving biryani, meat skewers, camel burgers and more to those breaking their fast at Ramadan Nights. Haldon Street comes alive, with visitors enjoying iftar (the fast-breaking meal, eaten after sunset) in the company of up to 30,000 Ramadan observers (or simply those who want to soak up the great food and atmosphere).

But for the past two years, Ramadan Nights has been cancelled due to Covid. This weekend, though, it’s making a triumphant return. It’ll run for the duration of Ramadan, from sunset on April 2 until dawn on May 1.

Canterbury-Bankstown Council expects one million revellers to attend the markets over the month for their post-sunset feast. There’s food from across the globe – stretchy Palestinian knafeh, pots of Indian biryani, Burmese murtabak and satay from the Christmas and Coco Islands. Other countries represented include Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and more.

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“From very humble beginnings, a single street barbeque, this event is now considered by
many to be one of Australia’s best places to celebrate and experience Ramadan,” Canterbury-Bankstown mayor Khal Asfour said in a statement. “The festival is unique to Canterbury-Bankstown and offers visitors a culturally eye-opening experience.”

The festival is at its busiest from Friday to Sunday; catching public transport is recommended.

cbcity.nsw.gov.au