Kelanawisata.id, Yogyakarta – Every holy month of Ramadan, a corner of Yogyakarta transforms into a hub of distinctive culinary and cultural activities. In Kampung Kauman, Gondomanan District, the Kauman Ramadan Afternoon Market emerges as a seasonal destination that attracts both locals and out-of-town visitors to spend the pre-dawn hours exploring a variety of traditional flavors.

Kauman Village itself is a historic area in Yogyakarta known not only as an old residential neighborhood but also for its proximity to the zero-kilometer point of Malioboro and its deep connection to the city’s history dating back to the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Sultanate. The village’s welcoming atmosphere and rich traditions make the Kauman Ramadan Evening Market an integral part of community life every Ramadan.

The Kauman Ramadan Afternoon Market originated from a local residents’ initiative to create a space for the community to make the most of the Ramadan spirit in a creative way. According to oral history preserved by the village residents and the organizing committee, the market has been officially managed since the Ramadan of 1996. Since then, it has evolved from a simple snack stall into a distinctive culinary market in Yogyakarta.

What makes this market unique is its location in a narrow alley in the Kauman neighborhood, which is transformed into a row of food stalls from the afternoon until just before sunset. The street-side stalls lining the alley make exploring the Ramadan Afternoon Market a truly unique experience. Visitors need to walk slowly as they browse and purchase a variety of traditional takjil.

The main attraction of the Kauman Ramadan Afternoon Market is its selection of authentic takjil and iftar dishes, ranging from traditional snacks to classic dishes rarely found outside of the fasting season. Dishes like kicak—a sweet and savory glutinous rice dish with jackfruit—are a favorite among many visitors and often sell out quickly every afternoon. In addition, there are also snacks like risol, apem, lumpia, or heartier meals such as vegetables and side dishes, making the culinary selection at this market incredibly diverse.

Beyond being a culinary hunting ground, the Kauman Ramadan Afternoon Market also serves as a social gathering place. The bustling market atmosphere, filled with vendors and visitors who arrive from the afternoon until just before the Maghrib call to prayer, creates an unforgettable ngabuburit experience, complete with the warm touch of Yogyakarta’s local culture.

“This is interesting because the Evening Market is usually held on the street, but this one is in the village. And here there’s a local specialty, Kicak, which also originates from here,” said Anto, a visitor to the Kauman Ramadan Evening Market.

For travelers who want to experience the uniqueness of this market firsthand, getting to the Kauman Ramadan Afternoon Market is quite easy. It’s located on Jalan KH Ahmad Dahlan in the Ngupasan neighborhood. The location is not far from Yogyakarta’s Kilometer Zero and Malioboro—two iconic spots near the city center. From Yogyakarta Tugu Station, visitors can take a becak, taxi, or ride-hailing service to reach the location in just a few minutes. The colorful market alley is accessible on foot from the main road, allowing travelers to experience the pulse of local life in Yogyakarta firsthand.