The Taman Tun Dr Ismail Ramadan bazaar attracts customers from all walks of life. — ART CHEN/ The Star
All-time favourites draw multi-racial crowds in Klang Valley
IT WAS 5pm on a weekday when Clement Francis, 46, arrived at the Ramadan bazaar in Section 17, Petaling Jaya, with his mother.
He scanned the rows of stalls selling various traditional delicacies and colourful treats, his excitement palpable.
“I am a huge fan of Malay food,” Francis told StarMetro, as he waited for his order at a murtabak stall.
“My friends and I regularly patronise Malay restaurants to eat together.
“Pajeri nenas and ikan bakar are among the dishes I enjoy,” he said, adding that he frequents Ramadan bazaars to buy his favourite food items.
A Petaling Jaya resident, Francis was not the only non-Muslim braving the crowds and evening heat at Ramadan bazaars.
Adrian Wong, 42, from Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, has been occasionally stopping at bazaars on his way home from work during weekdays.
“I normally buy kuih like onde-onde, kuih ketayap and seri muka, and I sometimes go with my wife on weekends.
“She loves nasi kerabu, murtabak, ayam percik and nasi tomato,” he said, adding that they often visited the bazaar in the nearby Kuala Lumpur suburb of Taman Tun Dr Ismail.
Klang resident K. Trisha, 43, said the bazaars were a chance to look for dishes that were not normally available outside the Ramadan period.
“I have noticed an increase in traders selling international foods such as tacos and takoyaki.
“But I prefer traditional Malay dishes such as nasi hujan panas and kuih badak berendam,” she said.
For Puchong resident P. Letchumi, 56, Ramadan bazaars are more about the experience than seeking particular dishes.
“I love taking a stroll and seeing what’s available.
“My husband teases me about it but it’s fun to explore,” she said.
Bazaar trader Nor Muhammad Nordin, 39, who sells ayam bakar in Section 17, Petaling Jaya, said he welcomed customers of all races.
“Ramadan bazaars are a great opportunity for the Malays to share our culinary traditions with our non-Malay friends,” he said.
“Ramadan is about sharing and nothing unites Malaysians like good food,” he said.
