Customers buying fried chicken at the Ramadan bazaar in Jalan Mahkamah in Bayan Lepas, Penang. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI and ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
Traders at over 80 sites present variety including family recipes, modern dishes for Ramadan month
THE medley of colours, sounds and aromas at food bazaars make these a must-visit during the Ramadan month.
These bustling markets are unique because they sprout each fasting month, showcasing Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage and multicultural influences.
Another interesting thing about Ramadan bazaars is the variety of delicacies, from traditional Malay dishes like nasi kerabu and ayam percik to fusion meals prepared by traders for the break of fast.
Special recipes
At the Bertam Putra Ramadan Bazaar on Penang mainland, there are about 100 stalls including Pak Teh Ikan Bakar’s famous ikan terubok bakar.
Najihah Sezali, 20, who runs the stall with her siblings, said the uniqueness of the terubok dish was in its grated coconut filling and a special sauce made from her family’s secret recipe. Each grilled fish is sold for RM60.
Local market: A view of the popular Ramadan bazaar along Jalan Mahkamah in Bayan Lepas, Penang. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
“Stuffing the fish with coconut filling elevates the buka puasa experience,” she said.
“Just pair it with plain white rice and that is sufficient.”
Najihah said her family had been selling grilled fish exclusively at Ramadan bazaars for the past 20 years.
They work as fishmongers at Kubang Menerong in Tasek Gelugor on the mainland during the rest of the year.
Najihah also offers other grilled fishes, including black pomfret, golden pomfret and catfish, with prices ranging between RM3 and RM50 per fish.
Another sought-after item at the bazaar is nasi briyani.
Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Fuziah Salleh attending the ‘2025 Northern Zone Rahmah Ramadan Bazaar Programme’ at the Jalan Mahkamah bazaar in Bayan Lepas, Penang.
Unlike the Pakistani-influenced briyani dish commonly sold in Penang, the Johor-style version offers a distinct Malay touch.
Prepared by former hotel chef Mohd Azlan Abdul Rahmah, 54, the dish is based on a traditional recipe passed down from his wife’s family from Johor.
“This is Malay-style nasi briyani, which is different from what you find in Penang.
“It is rich in flavour, cooked with aromatic spices and offers a unique taste,” he said.
A trader packing grilled chicken for customers at the bazaar.
Mohd Azlan, who previously worked at hotels in Kuala Lumpur, decided to become a food entrepreneur in 2020.
This year is his third time selling briyani at the Bertam Putra Ramadan Bazaar, where his stall has gained a loyal following.
His Johor-style nasi briyani is also known for its affordability.
A serving with chicken is priced at RM10, while beef briyani costs RM12.
For those preferring a whole grilled chicken leg, the price is RM15.
Zainudin’s ‘gulai batang pisang’, which is only sold during Ramadan, is a hit among visitors at the Kubang Semang Ramadan Bazaar.
Popia Mak Teh, at the Kubang Semang Ramadan Bazaar popularly known as Ban Busuk, is one of the stalls that always attract long queues.
Stall owner Hamizali Ahmad, 47, said his family had been selling spring rolls at the Ramadan bazaar for the past 20 years.
He is following in his parents’ footsteps.
“Popia Mak Teh is a family heritage dish. I am the second generation continuing in the business here every Ramadan,” he said.
Hamizali said the name “Mak Teh” referred to his mother, Rodziah Hussien, 71, who started the business.
An ‘air balang’ stall at Jalan Mahkamah bazaar in Bayan Lepas offers many types of drinks for the break of fast.
“On an average day, I sell around 3,000 pieces of popiah, but on or weekends − the first day of Ramadan − business is even better,” he added.
Hamizali attributes the popularity of Popia Mak Teh to its freshness.
“We roll them fresh at the stall, which is why they taste so good and stay crisp,” he said.
Another sought-after delicacy during Ramadan is tapai pulut – a traditional dessert that is popular among the Malay community.
It is a fermented glutinous rice treat.
For Rospishah Harun, 56, selling tapai pulut is more than just a business – it is a way of continuing her late brother’s legacy.
“I only started selling tapai pulut two years ago after my brother passed away.
Hamizali (foreground) showing fresh and fried spring rolls which are popular during Ramadan. He sells more than 3,000 pieces of ‘popiah’ on average daily during the fasting month.
“He had been running this stall for 15 years,” she said.
Priced at just 50sen per piece, Rospishah’s tapai pulut stands out for its affordability and unique wrapping – in rubber tree leaves, which is a traditional method favoured by the locals.
“The recipe was passed down by my brother, and now my sister-in-law helps with the tapai preparation,” she said.
“Some people use banana leaves, but around here, rubber tree leaves are preferred,” said Rospishah.
She prepares around 300 pieces daily, which sell out fast.
She said tapai pulut was best eaten chilled, with some folk enjoying it with ais kacang or coconut water.
With its sweet, fermented glutinous rice flavour and traditional wrapping, Rospishah’s tapai pulut remains a favourite among locals looking for authentic tastes.
Another must-visit stall at the Ban Busuk Ramadan Bazaar is the gulai kawah batang pisang, a dish that has gained popularity beyond its Kedahan roots.
Zainudin Keria, 62, sells the banana stem curry during Ramadan, making it a seasonal delicacy eagerly awaited for by customers.
He has been selling the dish since 2005.
A huge crowd at the biggest Ramadan bazaar on Penang island, at Jalan Mahkamah in Bayan Lepas.
“Gulai batang pisang is a rich, flavourful curry made with the stem of the banana tree,” said Zainudin.
“It is a well-loved dish in Kedah, but now more and more Penangites are enjoying it too,” he said.
One serving of the dish is priced at RM10 per pack.
It pairs well with rice, murtabak or bread, making it a satisfying buka puasa meal.
At the Bayan Lepas Ramadan Bazaar on Penang island, a local favourite is daging salai masak lemak – a Negri Sembilan delicacy that has been steadily gaining popularity up north.
“Penang is usually known for its nasi kandar, but this Negri Sembilan dish has gotten quite a following here,” said Zuriah Abu Bakar.
Having sold the dish at the same bazaar for the past four years, Zuriah said the key to its taste was in the smoking process and preparation of the beef.
Besides beef, the 36-year-old also sells masak lemak itik salai, masak lemak ikan and masak lemak ayam kampung.
Family togetherness
At the Ramadan Food Fest 2025 in Queen Street, George Town, many parents were seen spending the evening with their children choosing food for the break of fast.
The area was vibrant with bustling crowds exploring a wide array of food stalls, offering everything from savoury murtabak and aromatic nasi briyani to colourful desserts and refreshing drinks.
Among bazaar-goers was information management officer Ezdiani Yusoff, 43, who brought her family to experience the lively bazaar atmosphere.
“It is nice that we can take our time choosing our buka puasa meal as a family,” she said.
Customers can also find Menu Rahmah at the Ramadan bazaar at Jalan Mahkamah in Bayan Lepas.
For many parents, Ramadan bazaars also serve as a learning opportunity for their children.
Factory supervisor Mohd Syahfiq Hikal Mohd Azruan, 33, has taken the chance to instil values of moderation and gratitude in his children.
“I always tell them not to be greedy – just pick what is necessary and not to waste food,”
he said, adding that while the wide variety of dishes could be tempting, self-discipline was important.
“Ramadan is a time for reflection, gratitude and humility.
“I tell my children that many people don’t have enough to eat, so we should always be thankful and avoid being wasteful,” said Mohd Syahfiq.
Similarly, housewife Sairah Sulaiman, 34, encourages her children to understand the deeper meaning of fasting.
“I remind my children that Ramadan is not just about eating to break their fast.
“It is about patience, gratitude and learning to appreciate what we have,” she said.
While she usually prepares home-cooked meals, Sairah
said she would occasionally buy food from a bazaar, especially dishes available only during Ramadan.
“Sometimes, you crave food that you can’t cook at home, and it is nice to enjoy it with family,” said the mother of three.
There are 39 Ramadan bazaars operating on the island, with the biggest one having 160 stalls at Jalan Mahkamah in Bayan Lepas, Penang.
On Penang mainland, there are 47 Ramadan bazaars across three districts.
There are 19 bazaars in north Seberang Perai, 18 in central Seberang Perai and 10 in south Seberang Perai.
The biggest Ramadan bazaar on the mainland is in Ban Busuk with 170 stalls.
