The south-west Sydney suburb of Lakemba is transformed of a night into a vibrant food festival that attracts thousands of people to the streets to celebrate Ramadan.

What is Ramadan? Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar Runs from June 29 to July 28 in 2014

Runs from June 29 to July 28 in 2014 Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam

Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam Muslims refrain from food, drink and sexual intimacy with partners from dawn until sunset

Muslims refrain from food, drink and sexual intimacy with partners from dawn until sunset Muslims believe the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed in Ramadan

The Islamic month began last week for Australia's Muslims, marking a time where they fast from dawn until dusk without any food or water.

While densely populated Muslim suburbs across Australia might be quiet during the day, the suburb of Lakemba has become a popular food hotspot that is boosting the local economy.

The food festival has been running for the past 10 years without much safety regulation.

But this year Canterbury City Council has stepped in to regulate the barbeques and food stalls by requiring people to apply for a permit to meet health and safety regulations.

"We've licensed 23 stalls this year," Canterbury Mayor Brian Robson said.

"We've met with the businesses in Haldon Street, and with their help we've actually regulated the use of the barbeques.

"We should be able to control it in a very safe environment."

The council has stepped in to regulate barbeques and food stalls this year so that they meet health and safety regulations. ( ABC: Mohamed Taha )

The increasing numbers flocking to Lakemba over the years has led to many concerns about safety.

"Last year, it was growing to such an extent that the stalls were actually going onto the road," Cr Robson said.

"We also had an incident where one of the youngsters was almost burnt with one of the barbeques."

The mayor says he expects thousands more to attend this year.

"Lakemba is the heart of Muslim Sydney; it's really a multicultural ceremony," he said.

"We encourage people to come along and to enjoy the facilities we'll be providing."

Festival growing in numbers and popularity

Crowds gather to buy food at the Ramadan festival. ( ABC: Mohamed Taha )

Stall holder Yasser Elyatim mans the popular camel burger stand.

He says the camel burger has been the best seller after going through over 300 kilograms of camel meat in the last week.

"It's become a tradition to eat the camel burgers at night," he said.

Mr Elyatim says all proceeds will go to charity in the spirit of Ramadan.

"All camel burger proceeds goes to the needy in Syria, it's the least we can do to help the needy," he said.

He says he wants more people to experience the Ramadan culture.

"Come down and see what Ramadan's about and what we're about and the hospitality - this is Lakemba," he said.

Stall holders prepare carrot juice at the food festival in Lakemba. ( ABC: Mohamed Taha )

Many of the stalls are open until the early hours of the morning and one stall holder is Musher Saleh.

He sells carrot juice, coffee, tea and camel and chicken burgers.

"We start from eight until four in the morning," he said.

"It's the best [atmosphere], we have so much fun.

"It's very busy because people prepare themselves for the next day to fast, so they eat a lot so they can handle the next day."

For many people attending the festival, the food and buzz are the highlights.

"We come here to buy almost everything; we try the camel burgers, the chicken kebabs," a father of two kids said.

"It's a beautiful atmosphere. I'm so happy and excited."

A young woman said the special time is about faith, family and community.

"It brings you closer to God, closer to family; it's something that you celebrate," she said.

Another said: "Everywhere else is closed, but this street is open."

Big business for Lebanese sweet maker

Nabil Omar makes a sweet treat called halawet el jeban with cheese from Bega. ( ABC: Mohamed Taha )

Nabil Omar has been making a popular Lebanese treat at his Lakemba home for more than 30 years.

The month of Ramadan means peak season for the grandfather of 13, as he expects to sell about 300 kilograms of the halawet el jeban sweet.

"It's sweet cheese. It comes from Bega," he said.

"We make it especially for Ramadan. It's originally from Tripoli [in Lebanon]."

The Lebanese migrant says the sweets have become part of the Ramadan tradition.

"After they (customers) eat, they go pray in the mosque. After they come back from the mosque, then they have some sweets," he said.

"Even the neighbours enjoy the sweets."