AS Ramadan draws to a close, let's explore some of the famous bazaars around the country this holy month.
1. Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman Ramadan Bazaar (TAR): Located in front of the iconic Sultan Abdul Samad building, the Jalan TAR Ramadan Bazaar is situated at the heart of Kuala Lumpur, offering a diverse array of food options for visitors to enjoy. One of the main reasons this Ramadan bazaar is a favorite among the people is its prime location. Situated on Jalan TAR, people can conveniently purchase everything from everyday attire to Raya Aidilfitri clothes. Among the notable stalls is the budget-friendly food stall, renowned for its offerings starting at RM5. With over 13 types of mouthwatering dishes, it promises an affordable and delicious meal.
2. Stadium Shah Alam Ramadan Bazaar: Located at the Padang Dataran Shah Alam, Seksyen 13, this Ramadan bazaar is the largest in town with over 200 vendors. Open from 3 pm to 4 pm, this bazaar is a haven for food enthusiasts, offering a wide variety of heavy meals, snacks, desserts, and trending cuisines. Although known for Nasi Beriyani by Chef Ammar, the spotlight this time has shifted to "Kebab Power In Town," offering affordable Kebab and Shawarma with starting prices from RM6 to RM13, while maintaining premium quality.
3. Sultan Muhammad IV Ramadan Bazaar: This popular Ramadan bazaar in Kelantan continues to attract visitors throughout the fasting month. Situated in the town area and close to several offices of both state and federal departments, as well as near the Raja Perempuan Zainab II (HRPZ) hospital, the bazaar offers various Kelantanese foods and drinks such as nasi kerabu, ayam percik, and kerabu perut. Other popular delicacies include akok, jala mas, and ayam golek.
4. Penang Muslim League Ramadan Bazaar: Offering a taste of cross-cultures, the Penang Muslim League Ramadan Bazaar provides a wide variety of food options with Indian-Muslim influences. Unlike the ordinary food sold in almost every Ramadan bazaar, this one serves traditional Malay food as well as Indian specialties such as chapati, samosa, murtabak, pasembur, and mounds of multicolored Indian desserts. For example, the Sathir Muhibbah Kuih Muih stall sells more than 10 types of traditional Indian desserts, including unique ones like vattalappam, semiya kesari, and halwa maskat, all available only during Ramadan. Besides desserts, the stall also sells the famous jigarthanda cold drink, a concoction of seven cooling items.
5. Mahkota Square Ramadan Bazaar: One of the most awaited Ramadan bazaars in Kuantan, the Mahkota Square Ramadan Bazaar is a must-visit spot as visitors can find traditional Malay kuih, the all-time favorite dessert 'puding diraja' (royal pudding), ayam percik, fried items, and thirst-quenching colored drinks. Strategically located in the middle of the city center along Jalan Mahkota, the bazaar usually begins around 3:30 pm and is bustling with people queuing at the stalls during the late evenings. The bazaar is special as the Kuantan City Council field located beside it has been a top choice for the 'picnic style' breaking of fast in Kuantan, while the Sultan Ahmad Shah State Mosque, less than 100m away, makes it convenient to perform Maghrib prayers along with Isyak and Tarawih prayers.
6. Darul Aman Stadium Ramadan Bazaar: The Darul Aman Stadium bazaar offers 'Gulai Kawah Batang Pisang,' a delicacy native to districts around the Ulu Muda region. Customers can get the stew for only RM10 a packet, and for an extra RM10, patrons can add an exotic twist to the stew with the addition of 'tapak and keting lembu' (cow hoof and shin bones).
Story by: T.N. Alagesh, Sharifah Mahsinah Abdullah, Audrey Dermawan, Ahmad Mukhsein Mukhtar and Najihah Borhan
