Ramadan bazaars are a staple in Malaysian culture; for Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
They offer delicacies and dishes that you can only get once a year only because of how rare they are.
While some can be found all year round at roadside stalls, eating them for Iftar carries a certain magic you can’t experience any other time.
Whether it’s a big dinner with friends and loved ones or a quiet meal at home, Ramadan bazaars remain a constant source of comfort in a dark and unpredictable world. You can always rely on Ramadan bazaars to quench your hunger and soothe your sorrows.
However, if these bazaars are a completely new thing to you or you’ve never tried these dishes before, read on.
Here are 10 must-have delicacies you should definitely buy on your next visit to a Ramadan bazaar.
Ramadan Bazaar Delights: 10 Must-Buy Foods You Can’t Miss
Bubur Lambuk
It’s not Ramadan without bubur lambuk, the ultimate Iftar appetiser.
This meat porridge isn’t just some any old school gruel. It is heavily seasoned with spices like coriander and black pepper and thickened with coconut milk.
Many mosques will brew large batches of this dish in giant woks and pots to distribute among members of their community and to fellow Muslims after prayers.
You can make it yourself, too, of course, if you can’t get a hold of it at your local Ramadan bazaar.
They tend to run out fast because of how popular they are though. So be sure to go early or you’ll miss your chance for a taste.
Murtabak
Here’s another Ramadan favourite: murtabak!
It is a type of flat bread with meat, onions, eggs, and seasoning. Some stalls may even add mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Originally a middle eastern dish, the murtabak has become a staple in Malaysian cuisine thanks to Ramadan bazaars.
While you can still get it all year around at Mamak restaurants, you will rarely find the Malay version anywhere else.
So be sure to keep an eye out at your next visit. You will be spoiled for choice because there will definitely be more than one stall selling murtabak.
Ayam Percik
A type of ‘ayam bakar‘ that is hugely popular as an Iftar dish during Ramadan, ayam percik is grilled chicken coated in a delicious spicy sauce.
The chicken is marinated in a rich concoction made from onions, garlic, lemongrass, chillies, coriander, tamarind juice and coconut milk.
It is then grilled barbeque style over a pit and then served with rice and veggies.
A predominantly East Coast creation, the ayam percik is definitely a mouth-watering meal that you should definitely try when you break fast this Ramadan.
Nasi Kerabu
A dish of Kelantanese origin, nasi kerabu is now popular nationwide due to how delicious it is.
Distinguished by its iconic blue rice, courtesy of butterfly pea flowers, nasi kerabu is traditionally eaten with friend chicken and ulam (mixed raw veggies).
To give it its distinct East Coast flavour, nasi kerabu is served with budu (anchovie sauce), sambal belacan and fish crackers. After a taste of this local delicacy, you’ll definitely be asking for more.
But don’t fret if you didn’t get a chance to try this dish during Ramadan. They are widely available in many Kelantanese food stalls and restaurants all year round.
Nasi Tomato
Just like its main ingredient, nasi tomato gets its name from its scarlet hue.
The dish comes with tomato rice, a special spicy sweet red sauce, roasted chicken and papadom (those round yellow Indian crackers).
Some versions may substitute the roasted chicken with ayam masak merah and dhal instead. Different stalls may sell different versions, so you’ll have plenty of options.
You can find them at Malay stalls and even at some Mamak stalls as the dish has many Indian influences.
The spiced tomato rice lends a savoury sweetness to the dish that compliments the other elements.
If you ever want to try something different, nasi tomato should definitely be on your list.
Nasi Briyani
Brought over from the Indian subcontinent, nasi briyani is an excellent main course meal for Iftar.
Good briyani is made from quality basmati rice cooked in spices and served with hard boiled eggs, vegetables and your choice of meat.
You can get briyani with chicken, beef, rice and even prawn. It is normally eaten with a side dish like acar, dhal and papadom.
You can find many versions of nasi briyani in Malaysia, each with their own twist.
It is not uncommon to find more than one briyani stall at a Ramadan bazaar.
Hint: If you want to narrow down your choices, find the one with the longest queue!
Lemang and Rendang
If you’ve ever lived in a kampong, you’ll definitely see plumes of smoke in the air come Ramadan, followed by a rich, toasty smell. This is a sign that someone’s making lemang.
A traditional savoury side dish, lemang is made from glutinous rice and coconut milk.
It is traditionally roasted over an open fire in hollow bamboo tubes lined with banana leaves.
The result is a sticky, chewy savoury rice cake that is best eaten with rendang.
Be careful about how much you eat though, as they can be quite filling. You’ll want to make space for other dishes during your Iftar meal.
Pudding Caramel
Also called a flan, pudding caramel is an egg-based custard pudding topped with caramelised sugar.
It is a rich but light dessert with a delicate texture that is a must-have after every savoury meal. Similar to a crème brulee, pudding caramel has a jiggly, jelly-like texture.
It has become a staple Ramadan delicacy due to its popularity at Ramadan bazaars. Most locals have likely had this delicious pudding at least once in their lives, if not every Ramadan.
If you haven’t had it before, don’t forget to add it to your list the next time you go to a Ramadan bazaar! You won’t be disappointed.
Cendol
Cendol is a rich, sweet desert made from coconut milk and gula Melaka (palm sugar).
It is often eaten chilled with ice and with worm-shaped green rice flour jelly for a chewy surprise. Other toppings may include durian, jackfruit and azuki beans.
While the origin of cendol is still shrouded in mystery, it is a well-known delicacy in Southeast Asia. Variants of the dish are enjoyed by people all over Singapore, Thailand and even Indonesia.
Many stalls sell it all year around. So, even if you missed the chance to get it at a Ramadan bazaar, you can still enjoy it after at any time you want.
Putu Bambu
Last but not least, is putu bambu, a rich, cake-like dessert (or appetiser, depending on your preference) made from rice flour, pandan and palm sugar and served with shredded coconut.
The little green cylinders of goodness are steamed in bamboo, hence the name.
It was originally conceived in Indonesia but have gained popularity in Malaysia as a local favourite.
Unlike many sweet kuehs, putu bambu is not teeth-achingly sweet and can be enjoyed without spiking your blood sugar too much.
Because it is not nearly has filling as cendol or pudding caramel, it is the perfect semi-sweet palate cleanser after a heavy Iftar meal.
Serve Up a Feast
Iftar is a great bonding experience, but it is also a good time to experiment with different dishes that you may only see during this time of the year.
That said, this list is by no means exhaustive.
There are literally dozens of dishes that are sold at Ramadan bazaars that you’ve never even heard of, let alone tried. All you need to do is do some exploring.
So, get ready to immerse yourself into the full gastronomical experience of the fasting month.
But don’t forget to practice some restraint as well as we are not meant to over indulge during Ramadan. And secondly, you still need to fit into your Raya outfit in a few weeks.
And while you’re at it, do check out our printable kids’ activity worksheet:
Print your copy and let your little ones learn more about Ramadan bazaar foods by matching the right foods together!
Motherhood Story wishes all our Muslim readers a blessed Ramadan!
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!