Ramadan Bazaar Festival and Eid Celebration in Singapore

I always get super excited about the Ramadan bazaar in Singapore every year, usually around mid-year.

Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar

Singapore’s biggest, most famous, Ramadan bazaar is the Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar. The bazaar is so big that it’s nearly impossible to cover it all in an evening. You can find everything from festive decorations, traditional Malay costumes called Baju Kurung, to all kinds of food.

Fun fact, I have lived in this neighbourhood before. In a shophouse, until one day the owner locked me out past midnight with nowhere to go. I moved out the next day, but that’s a story for another day.

Also, the Geylang Serai bazaar reminds me of the Tanah Abang market in Jakarta. Also not to be missed when you visit Jakarta.

Bugis Sultan Ramadan Bazaar

The Ramadan bazaar in front of Sultan Mosque in Bugis is smaller compared to the one in Geylang Serai, but it’s the one I frequented the most as I work less than five minutes from there. For the whole Ramadan month, it’s where I get my teatime snacks and takeaway dinner. It’s one of the highlights of living as an immigrant in Singapore.

Being able to participate in the celebration and festivity of Ramadan and Malay Culture is the best thing about Pasar Malam (the way the locals call it) for me. That and the food.  As it’s the closest I can get to Indonesian food in Singapore.

Ask the local

My go-to is Teh Tarik and prawn Vadai.

Mr. Teh Tarik in Geylang has the best Teh Tarik in the whole of Singapore. I used to stop there after work for a little pick-me-up. Meanwhile, the mini vadai sold in my biggest weakness in these bazaars.

Ramadan Bazaar in Indonesia

Growing up in Indonesia and with Amma who usually participates in the fasting practice during the holy month, I have eaten plenty of Takjil she bought from the market in the evening. Takjil in Indonesia refers to the food you eat when you break your fast after the sunset. It’s usually sweet, sometimes it can be savoury, but all are utterly delicious.

It’s my wish to visit the Ramadan bazaar in the Middle East and India. Someday.

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