Special market in Ho Chi Minh City only meets once a year, lasting one month

Ramadan (also known as the month of fasting) is one of the most important holidays for Muslims. This year, the holiday began in early March and lasted for a month. During this time, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and even swallowing saliva during the day. Traditionally, they gather to eat Suhoor (the meal before sunrise) and Iftar (the meal after sunset).

Since early March, the market selling traditional Muslim dishes in alley 157 Duong Ba Trac Street (District 8, Ho Chi Minh City) has been open since 2 p.m. and bustling in the evening. Muslims living in the alley and neighboring areas often come here to buy food and prepare for their fasting meal after sunset.

- Ảnh 1. — The market takes place only once a year and lasts for a month.

Living for many years in Alley 157 Duong Ba Trac Street, Ms. Rojan (40 years old) sells dishes during Ramadan. This year, she chose to sell Singaporean tofu - a popular dish. In previous years, she sold different types of food. With many years of experience, she understands the needs and always prepares suitable dishes to serve the community.

- Ảnh 2. — In addition to fasting, Muslims also gather at mosques to pray. Ramadan is the holy month of Muslims.

- Ảnh 3. — Mrs. Rojan sells Singaporean tofu

"I sell goods at this market, selling different items each year. Normally, people sell in the morning, but I choose to sell from 3 p.m. because after 3:30 p.m., the afternoon worship time ends. At that time, people start buying food to prepare for the end of the fast, so the market is really crowded," Ms. Rojan shared.

Farida, 50, is also a long-time vendor at the Ramadan market. “Every year, when the fasting month begins, the market becomes busier. Most of the customers are Muslims living around this area, they come here to buy food, preparing for dinner after sunset,” said Farida.

- Ảnh 4. — The market is crowded at 3pm, many people buy food to prepare for the vegetarian break.

Ms. Sa Ki Nah, who sells corn milk and lotus seed milk in alley 157 Duong Ba Trac street, said she opens from 2-4 pm. During this time, people often buy food to eat during the vegetarian break. The market has a long tradition and in recent years has attracted outsiders to take pictures and enjoy the food.

- Ảnh 5. — Man selling grilled skewers at alley 157 Duong Ba Trac street

"The alley is small but bustling with buyers and sellers, and even more bustling in the evening. The market has many popular dishes sold by many people such as goat curry, laksa beef, banh it, dried shrimp cake, beef cake, butter cake with egg and chicken, pai pa khenh (thread soup), ni rice (rice cooked with milk or coconut milk), ca pua (beef curry)... I am happy that recently, many people know about the market, and often see images of this alley on social networks," said Ms. Sa ki Nah.

- Ảnh 6. — Bread, beef curry, rice bran soup... are on sale.

Knowing about this special market through social networks, Ms. Huynh Thi My (50 years old, in Go Vap District) was surprised on her first visit. Even though the market was crowded and many dishes were almost sold out, she was still very excited to be here. "I really enjoyed experiencing the Muslim market. Although I arrived a bit late, in the coming days, if I have the chance, I will go earlier to enjoy more delicious dishes," Ms. My said with a smile.