The aroma of sizzling kebabs, sweet kunafa, and fresh samosas fills the cool evening air as thousands break their fast together at one of Australia’s largest night markets.

DANDENONG — As the sun sets over Melbourne’s south-east, the bustling aisles of Dandenong Market transform. The call to prayer fades, and the sound of communal chatter, laughter, and the sizzle of street food takes over. The Dandenong Ramadan night market is back for its second year, and it is drawing massive crowds eager to share in the spirit of the holy month.

Running every Thursday to Sunday from 7 pm until late throughout Ramadan, the event has quickly established itself as a cornerstone of community life in the region.

A Prime Ministerial Seal of Approval

The significance of the market was underscored this week when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially helped launch the 2026 season. His presence highlighted the event’s growing stature as not just a local gathering, but a symbol of Australia’s multicultural fabric.

The Prime Minister toured the stalls, sampling the mouth-watering offerings and speaking with vendors and families who travel from across Melbourne to experience the market. For many, it was a powerful moment of recognition for the Muslim community and the broader cultural diversity of the area.

A Feast for the Senses

With over 50 food and craft stalls, the market is a sensory overload in the best possible way. After a long day of fasting, attendees are greeted with an endless array of options: from traditional Middle Eastern and South Asian dishes to modern fusion creations that reflect Australia’s contemporary palate.

The air is thick with the scent of grilled meats, spiced lentils, and fragrant rice. Long queues form at popular stalls selling fresh juice, dates, and the ever-popular sweet treats like baklava and halo-halo. It is a place where culinary traditions are shared and celebrated.

More Than Just a Meal

But for the thousands who attend, the Dandenong market offers more than just food. It is a vital community hub during a month focused on reflection, charity, and togetherness.

Families spread out on shared tables, neighbours reunite, and children run between the stalls, their faces lit by fairy lights. For new migrants, it’s a taste of home. For long-time Australians, it’s an invitation to connect and understand. The market embodies the essence of Ramadan: community, gratitude, and generosity.

As the nights grow longer, the Dandenong Ramadan night market stands as a shining example of how sharing a meal can build bridges, strengthen communities, and create a spirit of unity that lasts well beyond the holy month.