Soul Food at Ramadan Bazaars – Only in Malaysia

Ramadan, the greatest religious observance in Islam is one of the biggest events in Malaysia. While a large fraction of the country’s population follows Islam and fasts assiduously during this time, the other half also waits eagerly for Ramadan for only one reason– the Ramadan Bazaar. People break the holy fast after sundown each day with iftar – the special meal that consists of the yummiest dishes you could imagine. The meal is either eaten at home or at stalls in special food markets called Ramadan Bazaars that spring up during this time.

If you are a foodie like yours truly, then Ramadan, which starts on July 9 this year, is an awesome time to be in Malaysia. You could be in Kuala Lumpur or Penang or Sabah or on the beautiful island of Langkawi; wherever your feet take you, rest assured you’d see less and eat more. The aroma from those delicious dishes like Murtabak and Nasi Kerabu is irresistible and stalls selling these Ramadan specials are everywhere. With so much food around, picking the right option can get confusing and that’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best bazaars for you to explore on your Malaysia trip.

Jalan Tuanku Abdur Rahman Bazaar

Since most Malaysia tourists land in Kuala Lumpur, here’s the one place you absolutely must visit. The Tuanku Abdur Rahman Bazaar, located in the heart of the city, is one of the busiest shopping streets in Kuala Lumpur at any time of the year. But during Ramadan, it lights up like a jewel with happy faces that just gobbled up drool-worthy dishes like Ketupat (rice dumplings), Rendang Daging (curried meat with hollowed bamboo rice) and Ikan Bakar (very spicy grilled fish).

​Taman Tun Dr Ismail Bazaar

The bazaar is located at Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad and some of the best foodie experiences here are Nasi Tomato with Ayam Masak Merah (tomato pulao with honeyed chicken), Kuih Tepung Pelita (a must-try rice based dessert) and Pulut Panggang (grilled rice in banana leaves).

The Shah Alam Stadium Bazaar

Known for its fantastic ‘Buka Puasa’ or iftar food, this market springs up only during Ramadan in and around the Shah Alam Stadium area in Selangor. Brave snaking queues to visit the ‘Papa John’ stall for its spectacular Papa John Kambing (whole roast lamb) and sample other dishes too, like: Nasi Khabsa (a meat biryani) and Ayam Golek (roasted chicken, a little like apna chicken tandoori).

Kelana Jaya Ramadan Bazaar

Here’s another one in Selangor that redefines the word gluttony! There are hundreds of stalls on this street, all piled high with yummy Ramadan dishes, all temporary and none to be missed. Try your hand at Kek Batik (a cake that looks like Batik printing), Deep fried mushrooms, Nasi Biryani and Nasi Lemak Kukus (a creamy, coconut based rice dish) with deep fried Quail called Burung Puyuh.

While on your Malaysia trip during Ramadan you could also try some other bazaars like Kampung Baru, Taman Melawati and Pantai Dalam. Make sure to carry lots of cash and your pre-gym pants!