It’s the second week of the month of Ramadan, the holiest time of the year for Muslims as they engage in prayers, reflection, spending time with loved ones, giving to charity and fasting from dawn to dusk.
Another cultural marker of the month this side of the world are the bazaars, pasar malam or night markets, where Muslims and people of other faiths alike can soak in the vibes, sounds and smells of great food, lively crowds and community spirit.
While the usual suspects can be found in Geylang and Kampong Glam, there are also many other bazaars you can find around Singapore.
So whether you’re looking to hang somewhere without travelling so far or you just want to satisfy your craving for bazaar snacks such as vadai, Ramly burgers or takoyaki, here’s a list of six bazaars around Singapore for you to visit.
CENTRAL REGION
1. KAMPONG GLAM RAMADAN BAZAAR
The bazaar around the vicinity of Kampong Glam will run from now until 5 Apr 2024. (Photo: CNA/Izza Haziqah)
One classic bazaar area is Kampong Glam, home to many Muslim-owned stalls and restaurants. This year’s bazaar features around 120 F&B and retail shops with a wide variety of traditional and contemporary food, drinks and shopping selections for Hari Raya.
Unlike other bazaars around Singapore, most of the stalls here are open from the afternoon at around 1pm. This is to accommodate the many tourists and visitors who are not fasting and pass by the area all day and all year round.
So if you’re not fasting and would like to indulge in any of the bazaar food or drinks like ice-cold air katira (milk with basil seeds) in the middle of the hot afternoon, you can drop by to have a taste.
You'll also find numerous stalls offering fusion cuisine and dishes inspired by Arab or Mediterranean flavours, such as Turkish delights like baklava and kunafa, as well as shawarma and kebabs.
That being said, if you’re searching for a more local palate or classic bazaar snacks like Ramly burgers, vadai, or nasi ambeng, you won’t be disappointed either.
Stalls to check out:
Where: Kandahar Street, Muscat Street and Baghdad Street
When: Until Apr 5.
EASTERN REGION
2. GEYLANG SERAI RAMADAN BAZAAR
This year’s Geylang Bazaar features around 500 stalls and will open from now to 9 Apr 2024. (Photo: CNA/Izza Haziqah)
Of course, what's Ramadan in Singapore without the classic bazaar of Geylang Serai? Located around the vicinity of Wisma Geylang Serai along Engku Aman Road, Changi Road and Sims Avenue, the bazaar features 150 F&B stalls out of 500, which is fewer than last year's 700.
This year, despite some stall owners raising concerns about rental costs, many food and drink items are priced around S$5 to ensure everything's affordable. Keep an eye out for newcomers such as The Padangton and Mahmud’s Tandoor, as well as innovative menu items from stalls like Fooditude's Fries Society.
If you head there early enough – think around 5pm – before Muslims start to break their fast, you may be able to get a seat at the outdoor dining area along Sims Road, under fairy lights and rustic kampong decor.
And just like the other years, most stalls will open until late, around midnight, so expect to see long queues at popular stalls even when you’re there at 11pm.
Stalls to check out:
Where: Around the vicinity of Geylang Serai Market, Wisma Geylang Serai and Tanjong Katong Complex
When: Until Apr 9
3. ECOHARMONY FEST RAMADHAN BAZAAR
Eco-Harmony Fest’s Ramadan bazaar has sustainable features and will run until 9 Apr 2024. (Photo: CNA/Melissa Stewart)
Ever heard of a bazaar with a sustainable twist? Enter the ecoHarmony Fest, which is a 10-minute walk away from Bedok MRT station. Showcasing over 200 stalls and activities, this unique bazaar employs solar panels for parts of its operations. You can also spot many recycling bins around the area to throw away recyclable items.
Operations aside, if you’re there for food and drinks, you won’t be disappointed either. The bazaar stalls boast a wide variety of food items, including savoury snacks like fried squid, banana fritters, and beef dendeng, along with inventive spins on local snacks such as mini vadai pops.
The bazaar also has a centre stage for activities like singing performances and business auctions to take place.
If you’re not afraid of the local heat nor the crowds, you can come at 6pm to really bask in the vibes of the bazaar, as that timing right before Muslims break their fast around 7pm is when the area is most lively.
Stalls to check out:
Where: Open area next to 131 Bedok North Ave 3
When: Until Apr 9
4. TAMPINES MRT RAMADAN NIGHT BAZAAR
The bazaar is located right next to Tampines MRT and will run until 7 Apr 2024. (Photo: CNA/Jasper Loh)
Tampines residents are familiar with the space where this huge bazaar sits – right next to the MRT station and surrounded by malls.
This year's bazaar has expanded outdoor seating areas compared to the previous year, providing visitors with more opportunities to relax and enjoy their food alfresco-style. You can easily purchase your unique and classic bazaar snacks such as fried rice and noodles or Thai pandan pancakes and still eat it there while it’s hot.
Additionally, there's an abundance of Ramadan decor adding to the festive atmosphere of the month. The decor, coupled with the openness of the area, makes for great photo opportunities for visitors.
There's a mix of both halal and non-halal stalls so Muslim visitors should check whether the one they're eyeing is halal-certified or Muslim-owned.
Stalls to check out:
Where: Next to Tampines MRT
When: Until Apr 7
WESTERN REGION
5. RAMADHAN NOSTALGIC BAZAAR JURONG WEST
Ramadhan Nostalgic bazaar at Jurong West opened on 15 Apr and will be running until 8 Apr 2024. (Photo: CNA/Izza Haziqah)
Not living anywhere near Geylang or Kampong Glam? Not to worry – there are bazaars all around Singapore, including one in Jurong West.
Located in the open space surrounded by the shophouses and car parking areas of blocks 495, 498, 466 and 467, the cosy bazaar features around 70 stalls, most of which offer food and drinks.
The bazaar features stalls serving classic bazaar snacks such takoyaki, roti john, banana fritters, roti boyan, nasi ambeng and drinks like coconut shakes and fruit juices at affordable prices.
Lots of home-based businesses and restaurants familiar to Westies such as Ayza Restaurant and Pondok Rasa can be found here too. Visitors will be delighted to find these restaurants' favourite menu classics like roti john cheese and Malay kuehs.
The bazaar also has seating areas for folks to break their fast or just relax after walking around the stalls, as well as a prayer and ablution area for Muslim customers.
Stalls to check out:
Where: Open area next to Blk 495 Jurong West St 41
When: Until Apr 8
NORTHERN REGION
6. BAZARIA MARSILING
Bazaria Marsiling is located next to Woodlands MRT and is open until 8 Apr 2024. (Photo: CNA/Siti Rohani)
Despite its name, this bazaar is actually located in the open space right next to Woodlands MRT and Causeway Point. Right after you exit the station, you’ll be greeted with singing buskers and the inviting scent of fried food.
Those who live in the in the northern part of Singapore are no strangers to the pasar malam of Woodlands MRT, where you can always get your fix of classic bazaar snacks such as takoyaki and Ramly burgers or even buy essentials and knick-knacks like phone cases and reusable bags.
This time around, you'll discover a broader array of food and drink options, with the bazaar hosting numerous stalls representing businesses – both home-based and otherwise – from various parts of Singapore.
Examples of this include Loco Loco and its desserts, and Here Thai Food and their Thai delicacies.
To escape the crowd and have a more comfortable experience browsing through the food stalls, come early when most of the stalls are just starting to open around 4pm, or later at night around 8pm or 9pm.
Stalls to check out:
Where: Next to Woodlands MRT
When: Until Apr 9
Continue reading...
Another cultural marker of the month this side of the world are the bazaars, pasar malam or night markets, where Muslims and people of other faiths alike can soak in the vibes, sounds and smells of great food, lively crowds and community spirit.
While the usual suspects can be found in Geylang and Kampong Glam, there are also many other bazaars you can find around Singapore.
So whether you’re looking to hang somewhere without travelling so far or you just want to satisfy your craving for bazaar snacks such as vadai, Ramly burgers or takoyaki, here’s a list of six bazaars around Singapore for you to visit.
CENTRAL REGION
1. KAMPONG GLAM RAMADAN BAZAAR
The bazaar around the vicinity of Kampong Glam will run from now until 5 Apr 2024. (Photo: CNA/Izza Haziqah)
One classic bazaar area is Kampong Glam, home to many Muslim-owned stalls and restaurants. This year’s bazaar features around 120 F&B and retail shops with a wide variety of traditional and contemporary food, drinks and shopping selections for Hari Raya.
Unlike other bazaars around Singapore, most of the stalls here are open from the afternoon at around 1pm. This is to accommodate the many tourists and visitors who are not fasting and pass by the area all day and all year round.
So if you’re not fasting and would like to indulge in any of the bazaar food or drinks like ice-cold air katira (milk with basil seeds) in the middle of the hot afternoon, you can drop by to have a taste.
You'll also find numerous stalls offering fusion cuisine and dishes inspired by Arab or Mediterranean flavours, such as Turkish delights like baklava and kunafa, as well as shawarma and kebabs.
That being said, if you’re searching for a more local palate or classic bazaar snacks like Ramly burgers, vadai, or nasi ambeng, you won’t be disappointed either.
Stalls to check out:
- The Original Pisang Keju: Original pisang keju with chocolate
- Pichanhas: People’s steak and mash
- The House of Lemang: Lemang set with rendang and serunding
Where: Kandahar Street, Muscat Street and Baghdad Street
When: Until Apr 5.
EASTERN REGION
2. GEYLANG SERAI RAMADAN BAZAAR
This year’s Geylang Bazaar features around 500 stalls and will open from now to 9 Apr 2024. (Photo: CNA/Izza Haziqah)
Of course, what's Ramadan in Singapore without the classic bazaar of Geylang Serai? Located around the vicinity of Wisma Geylang Serai along Engku Aman Road, Changi Road and Sims Avenue, the bazaar features 150 F&B stalls out of 500, which is fewer than last year's 700.
This year, despite some stall owners raising concerns about rental costs, many food and drink items are priced around S$5 to ensure everything's affordable. Keep an eye out for newcomers such as The Padangton and Mahmud’s Tandoor, as well as innovative menu items from stalls like Fooditude's Fries Society.
If you head there early enough – think around 5pm – before Muslims start to break their fast, you may be able to get a seat at the outdoor dining area along Sims Road, under fairy lights and rustic kampong decor.
And just like the other years, most stalls will open until late, around midnight, so expect to see long queues at popular stalls even when you’re there at 11pm.
Stalls to check out:
- Mango Bossku: Crispy kunafa and drinks
- Mr Pani Puri: Taco puris
- The Padangton: Rendang padang tacos and nasi kunyit rendang Padang
- Mahmud's Tandoor: OG tandoori burger with chicken loaded masala Fries
Where: Around the vicinity of Geylang Serai Market, Wisma Geylang Serai and Tanjong Katong Complex
When: Until Apr 9
3. ECOHARMONY FEST RAMADHAN BAZAAR
Eco-Harmony Fest’s Ramadan bazaar has sustainable features and will run until 9 Apr 2024. (Photo: CNA/Melissa Stewart)
Ever heard of a bazaar with a sustainable twist? Enter the ecoHarmony Fest, which is a 10-minute walk away from Bedok MRT station. Showcasing over 200 stalls and activities, this unique bazaar employs solar panels for parts of its operations. You can also spot many recycling bins around the area to throw away recyclable items.
Operations aside, if you’re there for food and drinks, you won’t be disappointed either. The bazaar stalls boast a wide variety of food items, including savoury snacks like fried squid, banana fritters, and beef dendeng, along with inventive spins on local snacks such as mini vadai pops.
The bazaar also has a centre stage for activities like singing performances and business auctions to take place.
If you’re not afraid of the local heat nor the crowds, you can come at 6pm to really bask in the vibes of the bazaar, as that timing right before Muslims break their fast around 7pm is when the area is most lively.
Stalls to check out:
- My Little Coconut: Coconut shake with red ruby
- Roti Fifi: Vadai pops
- Shaked N Baked: Crispy chicken burgers
Where: Open area next to 131 Bedok North Ave 3
When: Until Apr 9
4. TAMPINES MRT RAMADAN NIGHT BAZAAR
The bazaar is located right next to Tampines MRT and will run until 7 Apr 2024. (Photo: CNA/Jasper Loh)
Tampines residents are familiar with the space where this huge bazaar sits – right next to the MRT station and surrounded by malls.
This year's bazaar has expanded outdoor seating areas compared to the previous year, providing visitors with more opportunities to relax and enjoy their food alfresco-style. You can easily purchase your unique and classic bazaar snacks such as fried rice and noodles or Thai pandan pancakes and still eat it there while it’s hot.
Additionally, there's an abundance of Ramadan decor adding to the festive atmosphere of the month. The decor, coupled with the openness of the area, makes for great photo opportunities for visitors.
There's a mix of both halal and non-halal stalls so Muslim visitors should check whether the one they're eyeing is halal-certified or Muslim-owned.
Stalls to check out:
- Spud Shack: Classic potato rosti and garlic mashed potato
- Here Thai Food:Thai pandan pancakes
- The Bakso Safirah: Bakso biasa and keropok lekor
Where: Next to Tampines MRT
When: Until Apr 7
WESTERN REGION
5. RAMADHAN NOSTALGIC BAZAAR JURONG WEST
Ramadhan Nostalgic bazaar at Jurong West opened on 15 Apr and will be running until 8 Apr 2024. (Photo: CNA/Izza Haziqah)
Not living anywhere near Geylang or Kampong Glam? Not to worry – there are bazaars all around Singapore, including one in Jurong West.
Located in the open space surrounded by the shophouses and car parking areas of blocks 495, 498, 466 and 467, the cosy bazaar features around 70 stalls, most of which offer food and drinks.
The bazaar features stalls serving classic bazaar snacks such takoyaki, roti john, banana fritters, roti boyan, nasi ambeng and drinks like coconut shakes and fruit juices at affordable prices.
Lots of home-based businesses and restaurants familiar to Westies such as Ayza Restaurant and Pondok Rasa can be found here too. Visitors will be delighted to find these restaurants' favourite menu classics like roti john cheese and Malay kuehs.
The bazaar also has seating areas for folks to break their fast or just relax after walking around the stalls, as well as a prayer and ablution area for Muslim customers.
Stalls to check out:
- Roti Boyan Special: Roti boyan
- Shawarma N Kebab and Sweets: Beef kebab
- Ayza’s Restaurant: Roti john
- The Fruity Empire: Mango Tango, Strawberry Lychee and Coconut Juice
Where: Open area next to Blk 495 Jurong West St 41
When: Until Apr 8
NORTHERN REGION
6. BAZARIA MARSILING
Bazaria Marsiling is located next to Woodlands MRT and is open until 8 Apr 2024. (Photo: CNA/Siti Rohani)
Despite its name, this bazaar is actually located in the open space right next to Woodlands MRT and Causeway Point. Right after you exit the station, you’ll be greeted with singing buskers and the inviting scent of fried food.
Those who live in the in the northern part of Singapore are no strangers to the pasar malam of Woodlands MRT, where you can always get your fix of classic bazaar snacks such as takoyaki and Ramly burgers or even buy essentials and knick-knacks like phone cases and reusable bags.
This time around, you'll discover a broader array of food and drink options, with the bazaar hosting numerous stalls representing businesses – both home-based and otherwise – from various parts of Singapore.
Examples of this include Loco Loco and its desserts, and Here Thai Food and their Thai delicacies.
To escape the crowd and have a more comfortable experience browsing through the food stalls, come early when most of the stalls are just starting to open around 4pm, or later at night around 8pm or 9pm.
Stalls to check out:
- No 1 Apam Balik: Apam balik with Nutella
- Loco Loco: Original churro
- Satay Kak Pah: Satay and beef dendeng
- Aixa Tebu (Wabbit Noods): Wabbit drinks (bubble tea) and prawn noodles
Where: Next to Woodlands MRT
When: Until Apr 9
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