The Ahmadiyya Muslim community cooked up some new flavors for Oshkosh residents outside of the Masjid Qamar Mosque at the annual “Ethnic Food Bazaar.” The bazaar consists of various stalls that serve as a door to South Asian culture through food, crafts, and adornments. From samosas to henna, it offers a diverse range of products for everyone, including the addition of a hand-crafted goods stall this year. With over 90 guests in attendance, the event strove to provide a relaxed and festive ambiance, paired with the best food and people. Most years, the bazaar is held outside the mosque, which provides an authentic experience. The Ethnic Food Bazaar stems from an age-old tradition known to Pakistani culture as the “Meena Bazaar.” This kind of set-up usually stays outdoors, which adds to the street food theme.

The event serves as a unique way for Oshkosh residents to bond over a good meal, according to head organizer Sara Sabahat.

“One of the best parts of organizing the ethnic bazaar is the sense of community it creates,” she said. “I love seeing the genuine connections that form as people share and enjoy the delicious food together.”

Sabahat enjoys the unique chance to learn about other lesser-known traditions and ideologies practiced in Oshkosh through the bazaar.

“The Ethnic Food Bazaar is a great opportunity to try new foods and discover the different cultures right here in Oshkosh,” she said.

The Ethnic Food Bazaar has gained traction over the years, quickly becoming a fan-favorite event for community members and Oshkosh West students like freshmen Sophie Fletcher.

“I really enjoy the ethnic bazaars, everyone there is so amicable,” she said.

Though some may be anxious about the different cuisine, Fletcher assures that there truly is something for everyone to enjoy.

“Anyone and everyone, as long as they're respectful and kind, can have a blast. And the food is spectacular, even for people like me who can't handle spicy things,” she said.

There were new stalls this year, including the masala fries stall, which featured potato-based french fries that were freshly fried on the spot. Participants could then watch as “chaat” masala was added to the french fries and garnished with a sauce of choice: garlic mayo or buffalo garlic mayo.

Fletcher values the many opportunities to experience new cultures provided by the Ahmadiyya Muslim community.

“The most recent one that I went to was in celebration of the end of Ramadan, so there was a giant feast with all kinds of great food,” she said. “My personal favorites were the biriani and this really good rice-based pudding for dessert [kheer].”

A new stall present at the bazaar became a favorite for guests by selling potato based pakoras. The potatoes are cut into thin slices and covered in a batter with flour and spices, and then the slices are fried in oil until crisp. The South Asian dish was enjoyed by many who left with a taste for the savory and spicy plate.

Other than the delicious food, the bazaar served up some of the great things the Ahmadiyya Muslim community has to offer. Fletcher connected the wonderful food to the community that served it.

“Not concerning the food, the bazaar was also awesome because the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Oshkosh is made up of some amazing people, including two Oshkosh West freshman Hiba Malik and Faateha Ahmad,” she said.

Most importantly, the bazaar cooked up the opportunity for connection and education in Oshkosh. The hosts of the bazaar used the event to spread cultural awareness about one of Oshkosh’s amazing communities to those interested in learning about new perspectives. According to Fletcher, this was the perfect environment to learn about cultural differences.

“Everyone who hosted was so welcoming and kind to everyone who attended and was very informative to those who have religious or cultural questions,” she said. “It’s a very comfortable atmosphere.”

by Hiba Malik

Published May 19th, 2025

Oshkosh West Index Volume 121 Issue VIII

Bazaar melts community together through cultural authenticity