Thinking of visiting a Ramadan bazaar? The prospect of stall after stall offering local delicacies and Raya goods can be giddying, making it easy to lose yourself once you take in the sights, sounds and mouth-watering smells before you.
With this in mind, FMT Lifestyle offers some pro tips to get the most out of your visit, with useful advice from bazaar regulars.
1. Plan in advance
Nasi lemak, murtabak, fried chicken, grilled lamb skewers, kuih lapis, samosas… after a whole day of fasting, it’s hard to resist buying everything that catches your eye (and stomach) – and that’s just the food section!
With this in mind, frequent bazaar visitor Ruqayyah told FMT Lifestyle that, to avoid overspending, she often keeps a list detailing foods she would like to eat, or items she would like to buy, before going.
“It would be such a waste if I bought too much food and ended up having to throw it away. After all, Ramadan is supposed to be a month for moderation, not indulgence,” she said.
2. Make the rounds
Here’s a tip that can be applied to pasar malam-goers as well: walk the market at least twice when you visit! The first round is to check out everything that’s available; the second to decide what you really want to buy.
“Other than stopping you from impulse buying, this allows you to compare prices between different stalls that sell the same items and get the best bargains,” said nasi lemak seller Liza Roy.
3. Go later for more deals and discounts
Be savvy about WHEN you choose to visit your closest Ramadan bazaar. If you’re on a budget, it’s good to know that stalls often offer promotions when it’s closer to iftar, at around 7pm.
According to samosa seller Aleesia Sofea, vendors would want to clear their remaining stocks at this hour and are usually happy to give customers discounts.
“You could get buy-one-free-one deals, or sellers might give you free stuff if you buy something else from them,” she noted.
Of course, not every stall offers such bonuses, so do your research or ask around for recommendations – or simply try your luck!
4. Bring enough money or small change
While most stalls offer e-payment options, elderly vendors may not be too familiar with the technology and might only accept cash.
“So, it’s better to have some small bills on hand,” Ramadan bazaar visitor Khairul Nizam advised. “Remember, QR codes are still a new concept to some customers and sellers.”
Speaking from this writer’s experience: there might also be internet connectivity issues if you choose to pay online!
5. Dress appropriately and bring an umbrella
As we all know, the weather can get scorching hot, especially during the late afternoon when bazaars are in full swing.
Therefore, regular visitor Rossyam Hadi always makes sure to wear thin or appropriate clothing when he visits. After all, no one wants to be sweating buckets while trying to make their way through a crowd!
“Also, don’t forget to bring an umbrella,” he added. “It not only shelters you from the sun but comes in handy should the evening rain hit.”
With these tips in mind, happy food hunting and selamat berbuka puasa to all!