Metro Online Broadcast looks at favourites found in the Klang Valley.
THE first week of fasting is over and many are visiting Ramadan bazaars for their favourite dishes.
Not only popular among the locals, these bazaars are also of interest to tourists who are keen on sampling the local food.
A vibrant sight of stalls lining the streets, bazaars are usually crowded with people looking for kuih-muih, refreshing drinks, meals to break their fast or simply a tasty dinner.
While everyone has different tastes and preferences when it comes to food, Metro Online Broadcast looks at four Ramadan bazaars in the Klang Valley and some of their fascinating or popular items to try out this fasting month, in no particular order.
Putu bambu
Putu bambu is a traditional favourite made with gula melaka, pati pandan and steamed coconut.
This sweet and soft snack is popular near Jalan Raja Alang in Kampung Baru.
MD Pudu Bambu World trader Azhari Zainal Abidin says he is able to sell approximately 200 packs a day.
Meat dishes
Visitors looking for an assortment of meaty dishes to go with rice can visit the bazaar in Section 14, Petaling Jaya.
Ayam Masak Merah, a wide selection of rendang and gulai kawah are just a fraction of the delicious foods available to satisfy your palate.
Bubur lambuk
There are many variations of bubur lambuk and this flavourful porridge is a particularly popular option for feeding those in need during Ramadan. Bubur Lambok Kampung Baru Pak Zainal is a favourite among locals near Jalan Raja Alang, Kampung Baru. Seller Zainal Abidin Abdul Hamil, 58, revealed he could sell between 200 and 500 packets of the RM2 porridge per day.
Some of the ingredients used in his version include white onions, cinnamon, pandan leaves, cloves, dried prawns and santan.
Ikan bakar (grilled fish)
Fans of grilled fish can check out “Ikan Bakar Abang Misai” in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur. Sofi Musa, 37, sells eight types of fish at his stall, including siakap (barramundi), bawal (pomfret) and pari (stingray).
What makes his grilled fish special is his unique concoction of tamarind sauce, along with the sambal he prepares. Sofi said he could sell approximately 100kg of fish per day.
Popiah
The popiah basah and popiah goreng at Taman Tun Dr Ismail’s (TTDI) Ramadan bazaar are worth a try with their combination of taugeh (bean sprouts), julienned turnip and crispy prawns rolled tightly in popiah skin.
Soup with cow innards
You can find soup with a selection of cow organs at TTDI’s Ramadan bazaar. Some of the “spare” parts available include tongue, tripe, veins, tail and ribs.
However, the dish is not everyone’s cup of tea. According to trader Rodziah Sahat, 49, beef, and not the innards, remained their best-seller.
Skewered meat
Skewered meat is becoming a popular fixture at Ramadan bazaars.
Cooked over charcoal and topped with chilli sauce and a healthy amount of crushed peanuts, the sotong bakar makes for a delicious snack. Trader Hendry Rosli, 42, whose sales can reach up to RM3,000 per day, sells each pack for RM10 at TTDI’s bazaar.
Roast lamb set and lamb pitta
Roast lamb, popular in the month of Ramadan, is a versatile meat that can be incorporated into various dishes.
Pudding
Colourful and eye-catching, caramel and various puddings made with an assortment of fruits are a staple in Section 14, Petaling Jaya.
Nur Hazlina Rufi Zainal Ilni, 23, helps out at the Rasa Puding stall where they can sell up to 30 trays of pudding a day. The pudding comes in kiwi, grape, strawberry, mango and lychee, among other flavours.
You may also want to read these:
Top 10 date-inspired recipes for Ramadan