KOTA KINABALU: The Ramadan bazaar is more than just a food market – it is a place where nostalgia and flavours intertwine, bringing comfort to those far from home.
For Aizat Nazwan, 22, an Army personnel from Wakaf Baru, Kelantan, stationed at Lok Kawi Camp, the bustling Putatan Ramadan bazaar was a welcome surprise.
After weaving through the rows of stalls, he was elated to find a vendor selling “nasi kakwok ayam cincang sambal belacan”, a dish deeply tied to his hometown.
“This dish is famous back home. It reminds me of my mother’s cooking,” he said, smiling as he took in the familiar aroma of fragrant rice, bite-sized fried chicken and spicy sambal.
Being newly posted in Sabah, adjusting to life away from home had its challenges, but having an old classmate working in Sabah and now finding food from Kelantan has helped ease Aizat’s homesickness.
Beyond Aizat’s nostalgic find, the Putatan Ramadan bazaar remains a vibrant hub where food lovers gather, drawn by the diverse offerings that cater to every craving.
Julia Chan, 43, was spotted carrying a bag full of food, eager to savour the delights she had picked out.
“I love going to Ramadan bazaars. This is probably my third or fourth visit since the fasting month started, and I like to go to different locations to see what each one offers.
“I usually look for traditional cakes and other delicacies, and today, I grabbed some sugarcane juice to go with them,” said the Kota Kinabalu local.
For Papar native Mas Cumie, 44, the bazaar’s convenience and variety are its biggest draws.
“I was craving roti john, and where better to find it than here?” she said while also enjoying an assortment of traditional sweets.
With fierce competition at the bazaar, stall operators have to work hard to stand out, adding creative twists to traditional recipes.
Hafiz Arip, 30, who runs a roti john stall, sets himself apart by torching the meat and sauce with a portable burner, infusing it with a smoky flavour.
“We sell over 100 pieces a day,” he said.
Some vendors have even gained a reputation beyond the bazaar, such as the stall selling “roti goyang”, a multi-coloured steamed bun with a choice of sweet fillings.
After going viral at food festivals last year, it is now making waves at the Putatan Ramadan bazaar, much to the delight of visitors.
Whether it is the nostalgic taste of homecooked meals, the thrill of discovering new flavours or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, the Ramadan bazaar has got something for everyone.
