Effa Rizan likes the fact that many traders at S’mart Pandan Ramadan sell similar dishes.
THE sight of sizzling hot chilli crab at a Taman Suria Ramadan bazaar stall in Johor Baru has caught the attention of many with some stopping by to take photos and videos.
Trader Nooraini Mohd gets her fresh supply of seafood such as crab, fish, mussels and prawns from Orang Asli fishermen at Taman Bayu Puteri in Johor Baru.
“I have been operating my stall with my husband at the Ramadan bazaar here for over 20 years.
“We also sell dishes such as popiah, laksa Johor, laksa Penang and fried rice but the seafood attracts the most attention.
“Such dishes are rarely found at Ramadan bazaars and at times, the seafood would be sold out in just two or three hours,” she said.
Traders at Taman Suria bazaar are happy that business has returned to normal, three years after the Covid-19 pandemic began.
The mother of five finds weekends the busiest, especially between 3pm and 4pm, with a majority of customers coming from Singapore.
“Singaporean customers usually buy a few packs of the seafood for their family and friends back home.
“They come early so that they can head back before rush hour,” she said.
Her seafood dishes cost between RM30 and RM100 a plate.
At the same bazaar, Ainaa Syafiqah Ali Anuar could be seen greeting customers with a smile, welcoming them to try her mother’s special ubi kayu (tapioca) dishes.
Chia (left) and Fong love Malay food and the welcoming vibes at Ramadan bazaars.
“My mother has been selling food at the Ramadan bazaar here for about five years and I have been helping her out.
“This year, we decided to come out with something different, which is ubi kayu rebus (boiled tapioca) with sambal and salted fish on the side.
“It is a very simple dish but one that is difficult to find.
“Normally, people will have to make it themselves at home.
“We also make fried ubi kayu with spices,” she said.
Each pack of the ubi kayu snack costs RM5.
Effa Rizan likes the fact that many traders at S’mart Pandan Ramadan sell similar dishes.
Another trader, Mohamad Nizan Ahmad, has been getting customers non-stop since about 4.30pm for his ayam golek (roast chicken).
“The crowd starts to build up at 4pm and reaches its peak at 6pm as by then, most people are returning home from work.
“On weekends, the crowd will double as Singaporean customers will also drop by to check out what we have to offer here.
“The situation now is a huge contrast to the past two years when we received only a handful of customers due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I am very relieved that things have returned to normal, business wise,” he said.
Zahari drops by S’mart Pandan Ramadan bazaar after returning from his workplace in Singapore.
Those visiting the Ramadan bazaar were also entertained by Aizat Raffik who was seen performing Malay and English songs with his musician friends.
Among those spotted at the bazaar were photographer Darren Chia, and make-up artist Vnee Fong.
“We love traditional Malay food and the vibes at the bazaar.
“This is probably the third time we have been to a bazaar this year,” said Chia.
Despite having only 80 stalls, the Taman Suria Ramadan bazaar is among the most popular ones in Johor Baru.
Ainaa Syafiqah showing the ubi kayu dishes she makes with her mother at their stall in Taman Suria.
Located just 6km from Taman Suria is Johor Baru’s largest bazaar, S’mart Pandan, which has 166 stalls.
Web developer Effa Rizan Samsuddin enjoys going to the S’mart Pandan Ramadan bazaar as it offers a wide variety of food.
“Normally, you will see one or two stalls selling the same thing, but in this bazaar, you get to choose from a bunch of stalls selling the same dish.
“This means that I do not have to line up or wait for too long to get my dish as I can just go to another stall,” she said.
Welder Zahari A. Wahab visits the S’mart Pandan Ramadan bazaar almost daily when returning from his workplace in Singapore.
“The bazaar is located just a few minutes from my house.
“It is very convenient for me to buy food before breaking fast at home.
“Many of my friends working in Singapore also do the same thing as we do not have time to go anywhere else,” he said.
