Ramadan bazaars bring food, culture, community in Kuching together

KUCHING (Feb 20): As the sun begins to set, Ramadan bazaars across the city come alive, drawing visitors not only from the Muslim community but also from diverse racial and religious backgrounds, turning the marketplaces into vibrant hubs of culture and shared tradition.

At the Satok Ramadan Bazaar, queues formed as early as 3pm, with shoppers exploring stalls brimming with colourful kuih (traditional Malay cakes), sizzling grilled meats, and rows of brightly coloured beverages.

For 23-year-old Michelle Nerina, visiting the bazaars has become a yearly ritual.

“Usually, I would visit the Ramadan bazaars just to participate in the festivity and to accompany my Muslim friends, then we would break fast together,” she said while queuing for the recently viral Roti John Madu.

Michelle added that she especially looks forward to traditional foods that are hard to find outside the fasting month.

“I would look for traditional cakes like Apam Balik (Malaysian-style pancake),” she said, noting that she prefers the Satok bazaar for its spacious layout and wide variety after visiting a bazaar in Matang on the first day of Ramadan.

“I went to a bazaar in Matang yesterday and I can say that I prefer this bazaar more because it is bigger,” she said.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Monica Yue dropped by with friends during their work break to enjoy seasonal favourites.

“I am currently on my work break, so I decided to drop by with my friends to buy some food that we usually look for during Ramadan,” she said, adding that her go-to dish is ‘Ayam Penyet.’

“We always see that Ramadan bazaars have a lively atmosphere,” she said.

For 70-year-old Chai Lee Choon, convenience and accessibility were key.

“I live nearby, so I came down to visit the bazaar since I also have dinner plans with my friends at my house later tonight,” she said, adding that she enjoys traditional Malay dishes such as grilled chicken and Dabai fried rice.

“I wanted to get something new for my friends to try,” she added.

Despite their different backgrounds, visitors to the Ramadan bazaars share a common appreciation for Malaysia’s rich culinary culture.

Beyond food, the bazaars foster a sense of unity, offering a festive space where people can experience the spirit of Ramadan together.