By Shanghai Muslim Market
The Shanghai Muslim Market, also known as Niu Jie, is a major cultural and commercial center for the city’s Muslim community.
Before exploring the market’s specialties, let’s see where Chinese Muslims come from.
According to historical records, the Islamic religion reached China in the 7th century, and has been continuously present in various areas of the country since then. The history of the market also goes back several decades and plays an important role in the daily life of the local Muslim population. The majority of the people living here belong to the Hui (Muslims who follow the customs and laws of the Islamic religion. The focus of worship is the common prayer on Friday, and the month of Ramadan also plays an important role), which is one of China’s Muslim ethnic groups. The market was established in the 1980s when the local Muslim community needed a place to get halal food and products.
Interesting facts
The market is not only filled with Muslim vendors and customers, but over the years it has also been discovered by their places and tourists. This multicultural mix creates a unique atmosphere.
All products on the market are halal, which ensures that Muslim customers can purchase food that complies with the regulations.
Things to see
Near the market is the Huxi Mosque (one of the most important and oldest mosques in Shanghai, the building was built in 1922 to serve the local Muslim community), not only a religious center, but also an important cultural and social meeting place for the local Muslim community. Xi’anji Mosque, which is one of the oldest and most important Muslim houses of worship in Shanghai. Every Friday after the Jumu’ah prayer, the market is particularly lively and busy. Some parts of the market sell traditional Muslim clothes and shawls that reflect the richness of Islamic culture.
Food specialities
- Halal barbecue: they offer freshly prepared grilled meats, including lamb and beef,prepared in spicy, tasty marinades.
- Lanzhou Lamian: the noodle dish of northwest Chinese origin, which is one of the popular dishes in the market.
- Samosa: of South Asian origin, but also popular in Chinese Muslim communities, dough filled with spicy meat or vegetable filling
- Cookies filled with dates: sweets popular in the Muslim world, made locally by the market’s confectioners
The Shanghai Muslim Market is more than just a fairground, it is a cultural meeting point where tradition and modernity blend harmoniously. The market is not only the center of the local Muslim community, but an open gate for all visitors who want to learn about and experience the diversity of Islamic culture. Wandering among the fresh ingredients, authentic dishes and handicraft products, not only the gastronomic pleasures come to the fore, but also the market atmosphere, friendly people and community feeling. The experience we can have here leaves a lasting impression on us and lures us back to the warm and lively atmosphere of the market.