Ho Chi Minh City: Discover the Ramadan food market of the Cham people, which opens only once a year.

21/02/2026 HCMC foodex

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy tung lo mo (a type of Vietnamese sausage), banh hot mit (a type of Vietnamese cake), and the distinctive Islamic cultural atmosphere at alley 157 Duong Ba Trac during this Year of the Snake (2015).

Every year during Ramadan, a small corner of District 8, Ho Chi Minh City, becomes more vibrant than ever with the appearance of a special food fair. Located right in the area of ​​the Jamiul Anwar mosque, this is a rare opportunity during the year for Saigon diners to fully experience the traditional Halal cuisine of the Cham community.

Cham Ramadan Food Fair in Ho Chi Minh City
Around 2 PM, the fair will open its doors for shopping and food experiences.

A unique Islamic cultural space in the heart of Saigon.

This year, Ramadan begins on February 17th (the second day of the Lunar New Year). The official fair starts on February 18th (the third day of the Lunar New Year) and lasts for a whole month in alley 157, Duong Ba Trac Street, Chanh Hung Ward. The usually quiet little alley is now adorned with vibrant symbols characteristic of Islam.

Decorations at alley 157 Duong Ba Trac
The narrow alleyway is decorated with vibrant colors and symbolic Islamic ornaments.

The fair operates for only a short period, from 2 PM to 4 PM daily. This is when Cham families prepare food for the Iftar meal after sunset. Its “once-a-year” nature makes it a magnet for not only locals but also international tourists .

A culinary journey: From tung lo mo (a type of Vietnamese sausage) to banh hot mi (a type of Vietnamese cake)

The biggest difference of this market is its strict Halal policy. Absolutely no savory dishes here use pork. Instead, the locals prepare them with beef and chicken, marinated with herbs according to the unique recipes of the Cham people.

Halal savory dishes at the Ramadan market
Instead of pork, the dishes here are made from other types of meat such as beef, chicken, etc.

Most notably, the famous tung lo mo (beef sausage) and beef curry are a highlight. After grilling, the tung lo mo emits a rich aroma; the richness of the beef fat blends with the slightly sour taste of fermented rice, creating an irresistible appeal. Besides savory dishes, the market’s sweet offerings are equally diverse, including Thai jackfruit seed cakes, rice cakes, and layered cakes made from mung beans and rich coconut milk.

Thai jackfruit seed cake, a specialty of the Cham people.
Thai-style jackfruit seed cake, a specialty sweet from this market, is made from mashed mung beans, flour, and sugar.

To cool off, diners can find stalls selling herbal drinks, milk tea, or buy dates – a traditional dried fruit that is always present during Ramadan for Muslims around the world.

Practical information and travel experiences.

If you plan to visit the Cham food fair in the coming days, please note these important points for the best experience:

  •  Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM daily (lasting until around mid-March).
  •  Getting there: Alley 157 Duong Ba Trac is quite narrow, so you should park your vehicle at the entrance of the alley and walk in.
  •  By bus: From Ben Thanh Market, take bus number 152 and get off at Truong Duong Ba Trac stop.
  •  Security: Due to the large number of visitors, please take precautions to protect your personal belongings.
Foreign tourists visiting the market.
Not only domestic tourists, but also foreign visitors come to visit and enjoy the local specialties.

The Ramadan Food Fair is not just a place for buying and selling, but also a cultural bridge helping city dwellers understand more about the life and customs of the Cham Muslim community. This is definitely a must-visit destination for food lovers who enjoy exploring differences

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