Wikipedia

Ramadan bazaar

Hawkers at Ramadhan Bazaar
Bazar Ramadan that were held at SMP Uswatun Hasanah at Kota Jambi on 1446 H
Bazar Ramadan that were held at SMP Uswatun Hasanah at Kota Jambi on 1446 H
Some Kuih sold at Ramadhan Bazaar

Ramadan Bazaar or Ramadan stall refers to business activities by hawkers and restaurants in hotels selling a variety of modern and traditional dishes in an open area to break the fast throughout the month of Ramadan[1] in Malaysia[2], Brunei[3] and Singapore.[4]

Culturally, these bazaars are an example of a gathering place where religious and social celebrations blur into one another. They are places where non-Muslims are welcome[5] despite their Islamic roots, making them important venues for cross-cultural exchange.[6]

Malaysia

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This Ramadan bazaar[which?] takes place in every district in Malaysia throughout the month of Ramadan. Vendors start trading from 4 pm until the Maghrib call to prayer, which is the time to break the fast. Among the interesting locations is the Ramadan Bazaar at Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur[7]. Various types of food are sold from pastries to heavy meals, drinks and fruits. Among those sold are murtabak, briyani rice, laksa[8]chicken rice, vermicelli soup and noodle soup.[9] Meanwhile, the Ramadhan Bazaar in Klang is very famous for its various stalls selling murtabak and ayam percik.[10]

The event have been noted as a gastronomy tourism activity during the month of Ramadhan[11] and noted for enriching entrepreneurial skills among vendors.[12]It serve as an essential incubator for microbusinesses. Many stalls are operated by home-based cooks or small-scale vendors who utilize the month to supplement their annual income. Local municipal councils regulate these spaces through temporary licensing, ensuring a structured yet vibrant informal economy.[13]

Post Covid-19, social media (TikTok and Instagram) acts as a primary driver for bazaar success. Vendors now design products specifically to go "viral," often prioritizing visual appeal and "stunt" ingredients over traditional culinary heritage. This has created a digital-physical feedback loop where the longest queues are often determined by online hype rather than historical reputation.[14]

Singapore

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In Singapore, the bazaar is more popularly at several location such as Kampong Glam, Geylang Serai and Marsiling.[15]The bazaar would include hundreds of stalls and span several streets. There is also live performances and traditional activities showcase[16] with Malay foods on offers were sold with contemporary twist.[17] A more traditional bazaar will have foods such as lontong goreng and briyani.[18]

References

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  1. ^ Mohamed, H.; Nazri, N.; Loy, S. (2013). "Ramadan bazaar and Ramadan buffets: The possible influence on eating behaviour and health among Malaysian Muslims". Journal of Fasting and Health. 1 (2): 43–45. doi:10.22038/JFH.2013.2008.
  2. ^ Zalani, Anis (2026-02-27). "One meal, one drink, RM30 later: Shoppers feel the squeeze at Ramadan bazaars". Malay Mail. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  3. ^ "Brunei bazaar supports small businesses". The Star. 2026-03-02. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  4. ^ Zaccheus, Melody (2026-03-01). "Are 2026 Ramadan bazaars worth checking out?". The Straits Times. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  5. ^ Zolkepli, Farik (2026-02-21). "Ramadan bazaars a beloved annual tradition for Malaysians". The Star. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  6. ^ Perry, G. (2017). Gastronomic Tourism and Cultural Identity in Southeast Asia. Pollenzo, Italy: University of Gastronomic Sciences Press. ISBN 978-8890742514.
  7. ^ "Selamat Berpuasa: Bazar Ramadan Kampung Baru Sedia Terima Ribuan Pengunjung". Berita RTM (in Malay). Radio Televisyen Malaysia. 11 March 2024. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
  8. ^ "Complete Guide to Bazaar TTDI: Best Eats and How to Get There Comfortably". Wahdah Blog. Wahdah Technologies Sdn Bhd. 2024. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
  9. ^ Arumugam, Tharanya (1 March 2026). "RM5 Rahmah Ramadan Bazaar meals a boon for Ipoh residents". New Straits Times. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
  10. ^ Edwards, Jade (18 March 2025). "Traditional flavours at popular Klang bazaar". The Star. Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. Retrieved 3 March 2026.
  11. ^ Yusoff, N. M.; Razak, M. A.; Manaf, A. W. (2015). "The Impact of Ramadan Bazaar on Local Community and Tourism: A Case Study of Kuala Lumpur". Tourism Management Perspectives. 16. Elsevier: 233–240. doi:10.1016/j.tmp.2015.08.003.
  12. ^ K, F.; Asih, F.; Fauziah, L.; Sidik, A.; Putri, S.; Saputra, R.; Nafi’a, Z.; et al. (2023). "MENUMBUHKAN GERAKAN WIRAUSAHA MAHASISWA MELALUI KEGIATAN BAZAR RAMADHAN 1444 H". SELAPARANG: Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Berkemajuan (in Indonesian). 7 (2): 1251–1256. doi:10.31764/jpmb.v7i2.15011.
  13. ^ etal; et al. (2020). "The Socio-economics of Ramadan Bazaars in Urban Malaysia". Journal of Southeast Asian Studies. 51 (1–2). Cambridge University Press: 145–162. doi:10.1017/S002246342000005X.
  14. ^ Yusof, A. (2022). "The Evolution of the Ramadan Bazaar: From Tradition to Trend". Asia-Pacific Food Studies Review. 6 (1). Asia-Pacific Food Studies Network: 88–104.
  15. ^ Zaccheus, Melody (2026-03-02). "Are Singapore's 2026 Ramadan bazaars worth checking out?". Asia News Network. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  16. ^ "Ramadan Bazaars 2026: What to expect at Kampong Gelam and Geylang Serai". CNA. 2026-03-01. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  17. ^ Liaw, Delfina (2026-03-02). "Gemilang Kampong Gelam: A guide to the Kampong Gelam Ramadan bazaar 2026". Time Out Singapore. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  18. ^ Liaw, Delfina (2026-03-03). "Marsiling Bazaria: A guide to the Marsiling Ramadan bazaar 2026". Time Out Singapore. Retrieved 2026-03-03.