Every year during Ramadan, a hidden gem in Ho Chi Minh City springs to life as a vibrant Ramadan culinary market in District 8 offers a unique blend of culture, community, and Islamic culinary traditions. 

Nestled in alley 157 of Duong Ba Trac Street, this special food market welcomes visitors from all backgrounds to savor an array of delicious treats while experiencing the hospitality of the local Muslim community.

Operating only during the holy month, it has become a cherished event, drawing crowds eager to explore its rich and diverse flavors.

Hanampệh (in white), a traditional Muslim cake filled with dried shrimp, jicama, and wood ear mushrooms, bears a resemblance to banh xeo (Vietnamese sizzling crepes). Photo: Nguyen Hoang Tuan / Tuoi Tre

This year, Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, began on February 28 and will conclude on March 30.

Each afternoon from 1:00 pm until sunset, the market buzzes with energy as vendors set up stalls filled with mouthwatering treats.

The enticing aromas of freshly prepared dishes waft through the air, captivating both locals and tourists. 

What started as a small gathering for the Muslim community has now blossomed into a citywide attraction, with social media fueling its growing popularity. Not only Vietnamese and Muslim residents but also foreigners are drawn to this unique market.

Hasan’s Muslim cake stall is bustling with customers at the Ramadan culinary market in District 8, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Nguyen Hoang Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Saly, a 32-year-old vendor and a familiar face at the market, operates two stalls with her husband—one at the entrance and another near the mosque.

She offers over ten types of cakes, including the beloved gan cakes and hanampệh, priced between VND10,000 and VND15,000 (US$0.4–0.6) per item. 

Gan cakes, made with eggs, palm sugar, coconut milk, cocoa powder, star anise, and lime, delight with its creamy texture and can be either steamed or baked. 

Meanwhile, hanampệh, with its filling of dried shrimp, jicama, and wood ear mushrooms, resembles banh xeo (Vietnamese sizzling crepes) but carries a nuttier, richer flavor.

An assortment of traditional Muslim cakes displayed at Hasan’s stall in the Ramadan culinary market, District 8, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Nguyen Hoang Tuan / Tuoi Tre

“Ramadan is a sacred and special time for us,” Saly shared.

“Selling these cakes is a tradition for our family, and we love seeing people enjoy them. We usually sell out by 4:00 or 5:00 pm!”

The market is a treasure trove of affordable delicacies, including grilled mung bean cake, cassava cake, and banana cake, along with many other traditional Muslim dishes.

Many visitors find it impossible to pick just one and decide to purchase a dozen to take home. 

One of the busiest stalls is run by Hasan, a young vendor born in 1996, who works alongside his mother. Their stall features baked goods such as wheat flour cakes, grilled banana, pumpkin cakes, and steamed gan cakes.

Among their standout offerings is plata, a South Indian-style flatbread cooked with melted Indian butter, best enjoyed with fish or goat curry. Another popular treat is saykaya, a fragrant Cham delicacy made from eggs, sugar, roasted peanuts, and finely ground ginger.

Plata (L), a distinctive Muslim flatbread, is displayed for sale at the Ramadan culinary market in District 8, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Nguyen Hoang Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Hanamkang, a soft, fluffy dessert made from wheat flour, eggs, sugar, and coconut milk, is also a crowd favorite. 

“We price all our cakes at VND5,000 ($0.2) for two pieces.

"My mother and I stay up late preparing them and wake up early to continue cooking so that we have enough for our customers,” Hasan said.

Each evening, hundreds of visitors flock to the market, many of whom are non-Muslims curious about Islamic cuisine. Nguyen Thanh Tu, a student at Ho Chi Minh City Law University, never misses the opportunity to visit.

A stall selling Muslim cakes, bustling with customers at the Ramadan culinary market in District 8, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Hoang Tuan / Tuoi Tre

“Since it only happens once a year, I make sure to come and try as many dishes as possible,” Tu said.

He advised newcomers to park outside the alley and carry small bills, as digital payment options are unavailable.

“Every dish here has a distinct coconut-based richness that lingers in my memory. The vendors are friendly and passionate about their food. They love to explain their dishes and share insights about their culture. Visiting this market isn't just about eating – it's about learning and experiencing something truly special.”

A Muslim cake stall that attracts not only Vietnamese and Muslim residents but also foreign visitors at the Ramadan culinary market in District 8, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Hoang Tuan / Tuoi Tre

For anyone in Ho Chi Minh City during Ramadan, this market is an unmissable experience. More than just a food market, it is a celebration of heritage, tradition, and community, where every bite tells a story of cultural richness and shared joy.

The alley, where the market is located, is home to the largest Islamic community among the 16 Muslim parishes in Ho Chi Minh City, with around 3,000 residents, according to news site VnExpress.

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