Lakemba Nights: A Family Feast of Culture, Community and Must-Try Foods
Looking for a fun, family-friendly event that brings together food, culture, and community? Lakemba Nights is back in 2025 and it’s the perfect way to spend an evening with the kids whilst exploring Sydney’s vibrant multicultural scene.
Running every Thursday to Sunday from 6pm – 2am from 27 February to 30 March, this month-long event transforms Haldon Street, Lakemba, into a bustling food bazaar that celebrates the spirit of Ramadan. It’s a feast for the senses – especially for food lovers.
What to Expect at Lakemba Nights
Lakemba Nights isn’t just about food – it’s a celebration of community, culture, and the rich traditions of Ramadan, an important time for Sydney’s Muslim community. During Ramadan, people from the Muslim community fast from dawn until sunset, and the event provides a space to break the fast, share in traditions, and celebrate together. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore diverse cuisines and experience the warmth of the local community.
Whether you’re fasting, curious about Ramadan, or simply hungry for something new, there’s something for everyone. The event features over 60 food stalls and trucks, offering a mouthwatering selection of dishes from around the world.
Must-Try Foods at Lakemba Nights
The food is the heart of Lakemba Nights, and there’s no shortage of delicious options to explore. If you’re planning to visit, make sure you try these crowd-pleasers:
BBQ Meats and Koftas: If you’re a fan of grilled meats, you’ll love the skewered koftas and juicy barbecued meats available at many of the stalls. Tender, marinated meats cooked over an open flame offer a smoky, rich flavour that’s hard to resist. Try: Basha Lebanese BBQ, Meat@TheBBQ, The Meat Boss. Want something different? Try Camel Station for camel, deer or chicken burgers and skewers.
Falafel and Hummus: If you’re after something light but still satisfying, falafel is the way to go. Crisp on the outside and soft inside, these chickpea fritters are served with a generous scoop of creamy hummus, making them a tasty and vegetarian-friendly choice. Try: Falafel Kaddour.
Baklava. Image courtesy of Lakemba Nights.
Baklava: For those with a sweet tooth, baklava is a classic Middle Eastern dessert that never fails to hit the spot. This flaky pastry, drenched in sweet syrup and filled with nuts, offers the perfect balance of crunch and sweetness. Try: Syrian Sweets.
Mouth-Watering Pastries: From Turkish delight to sweet, syrupy pastries, there’s no shortage of dessert options that are as indulgent as they are irresistible. For a traditional Middle-Eastern inspired sweet, be sure to sample knafeh – a dessert made from a shredded filo dough crust with a sweet cheese filling, topped with a rose water flavoured simple syrup. Try: Yummy Yummy Knafeh, Knafeh R Us.
Unique desserts: Whilst the majority of food stalls hail from Muslim communities globally, you’ll also find international treats like candied fruit on stick, Basque cheesecake, ice-cream and bubble tea. Try: Sweet Street Bites, Sugary Co Delicious Desserts, The Cheeky Dessert.
Insider Tips for a Smooth Visit
To make your visit to Lakemba Nights as enjoyable as possible, here are a few helpful tips:
Parking: As with most popular events, parking around Haldon Street can be tricky, so we recommend using the FREE shuttle bus service that runs from Campsie and Roselands to Lakemba from 6:30 PM. It’s the easiest way to get to the event without the stress of finding a parking spot.
Public Transport: Lakemba is well-served by public transport, with trains and buses connecting it to various parts of Sydney. If you’re coming by train, Lakemba Station is a short walk from the event.
Road Closures: Keep in mind that there will be road closures in place from 4 PM to 4:30 AM during the event (from 27 February – 30 March). Plan your route ahead of time or check for traffic updates to avoid delays.
Parking Changes: For those driving, be aware of new parking regulations. Some areas around Haldon Street will become No Stopping Tow Away zones from 3.30pm – 6pm on Thursdays through Sundays, so pay attention to signage and avoid getting fined.
When: Thursday to Sunday, 6pm –2am Where: Haldon St Lakemba Cost: Free More info:Lakemba Nights
Writer, foodie and ideas-sponge, Francesca grew up in the Inner West and loves writing about all things IW related from playgrounds and podcasts, restaurants and retail, bubble tea and basketball courts. Mum to an active child, she also knows a thing or two about keeping a little one entertained on a rainy day.