A favourite during the fasting month is the Pasar Ramadhan. These are food bazaars/markets set up around 3 pm till about 8 pm for patrons to buy food. Muslims and non-Muslims swarm these bazaars to get their fill of tasty halal foods.
With the pandemic, it was called off last year. This year it has been allowed with very strict SOPs. Social distancing, masks, temperature checks...
In previous years, we'd check out the bazaars ever so often especially for kuih-muih (bite-size snacks and desserts). This year, with the crazy weather (thunderstorms in the evenings) and minimizing outings in crowds, it's taken us an opportunity to check out one on our way back after visiting the daughter at her Uni to stop for a bit.
The storm was a little earlier today around lunchtime, and by 3 pm, it was down to a drizzle. Even though not many stalls had been set up yet, we thought coming early before the crowd was a good idea.
Look at this giant pot of Nasi Biryani. I believe the man standing behind it could probably get in. These guys are very popular and they will finish their food by the time 7 pm comes around. In previous years, we have gone at 6 pm, and they are finished.
This is the chicken that goes with the rice. They have equal amounts of mutton and beef. That is a lot of food, but rest assured, they finish every time.
Here's another favourite during the fasting month. Murtabak, a pan-fried bread with meat filling.
These guys were just setting up, so I couldn't take pictures of the Putu Piring steaming in there. So just imagine little rice cakes with palm sugar fillings that look like flying saucers.
These guys were also just setting up, but do you see what I see? Of course, I had to stop to ask them if they accepted any other crypto, and they were dismissive in saying only Bitcoin. As much as I would have liked to further my conversation with them, it wasn't the right time as they were busy... I am pretty sure if I did pay in BTC, the transaction would cost more than the Roti John (sandwich with egg and minced meat).
Deep-fried chempedak, similar to banana fritters. There is no way they'd fry up all those fruits. But it sure pulled the crowd, especially the smell.
Ayam Perchik is chicken grilled slowly over charcoal, served with peanut sauce. This can be eaten on its own or with rice. It has a sweet, sticky, spicy flavour.
Otak-Otak, a direct translation would be "brain-brain". It is spiced fish paste, wrapped in coconut leaves, grilled over charcoal.
Cream Caramel with every kind of topping imaginable. I have not been adventurous enough to try anything but the original flavour, but they are so pretty to look at.
And that's my quick trip to the Ramadhan Bazaar. I hope you enjoyed my little show and tell.
Thank you for reading
Till next time, Carpe Diem!
Sh33la