It's well after midnight and the lingering threat of rain has done little to keep the crowds away.
This year, close to one million people are expected to descend upon Haldon Street, Lakemba's main drag, for the return of the much-loved Ramadan Nights markets, which kick off at sunset each night for 30 nights.
It's a far different scene to the past two years, when the Canterbury-Bankstown Council was forced to cancel the markets.
Highlights:
- Lakemba's popular Ramadan Nights markets returns after a two-year break
- The markets are expected to attract up to 30,000 people per night on weekends: Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour
- Muslims and non-Muslims can enjoy an array of food from across the world
"It is great to see people coming to the markets and the huge crowd is good for business," Wasim Ishtiaq, a Pakistani-origin stall-holder, tells SBS Urdu.
Mr Ishtiaq sells kata kat, a special combination meat dish popular throughout Pakistan that he prepares over a large round griddle.
He taps two sharp blades periodically to make the 'kata kat' sound from which the dish gets its name and to catch the attention of passersby.
The month of Ramadan, which this year started on 2 April, is marked by people of Muslim faith fasting throughout the daylight hours from dawn to sunset. At the end of each day, they gather for Iftar, the evening meal to break their fast.
Here, they are spoiled for choice with dozens of food stalls and shopfronts serving up treats commonly found in countries that observe the holy month, from juicy meat skewers and iconic camel burgers to sweet, syrupy knafeh (a Middle Eastern dessert).
Samia Khan, who has come to Australia from the UAE especially to visit the markets, says she is amazed to see how Ramadan is celebrated down under.
"I was not expecting to get authentic Pakistani food and to find such a crowd at midnight. I will definitely bring my family and friends next time to show them how Ramadan is celebrated in Australia," she says.
Hassan Ahmad, who runs a stall selling chicken tikka and naan bread, says this year's strong turn-out is a boon for many businesses hit hard by the pandemic.
People attend a street fair at night for Ifrar, or breaking the day's fast, during Ramadan in the suburb of Lakemba in Sydney. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
"The last two years were very hard for us. We are so happy to welcome back people from all over Sydney and beyond," he says.
This is Ahmad's fifth year selling his charcoal-kissed chicken at Ramadan Nights and he says it's possibly the busiest he's seen it.
Sydneysider Noman Ahmad is a market regular who says he is relieved to be able to visit again after two long years.
A stallholder prepares kaak (a form of Middle Eastern bread) on a charcoal barbecue Source: SBS Arabic24
"It has always been the place where we would come after breaking our fast as it offers so many different cuisines to try. But for the past two years, there have been no options available to us," he says.
Many people have taken advantage of the reopened state borders to make a flying visit.
Rashid Ali lives in Perth, Western Australia, and says he came to Sydney to try Lakemba's famous food street after hearing about it so much from his friends.
"I was curious to see it. I honestly believe that it is just like being in Pakistan. I have come across many people who have come to Lakemba just to have a glimpse of this festival. This is truly amazing," he says.
The night markets have in recent years grown into , attracting many visitors who are not of the Muslim faith.
Lakemba's Ramadan Nights market is back after two years. Source: SBS
Pastor Siddique Paul, who is Christian, says he is happy that Ramadan Nights is back.
Acknowledging that fasting is practised in various religions and philosophies across the world, he says the event is a great way for people to come together and "promote harmony".
Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour says Ramadan Nights Lakemba has grown over the years into one of NSW’s most culturally diverse festivals, attracting up to 30,000 people each night.
“From very humble beginnings, a single street barbecue, this event is now considered by many to be one of Australia’s best places to celebrate and experience Ramadan,” Mayor Asfour says.
Ramadan Nights takes place every night until late from 2 April to 1 May.
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