You may have heard of the Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar, but what about Raikan Cahaya Ramadan (translation: celebrating the light of Ramadan)? This year’s Kampong Gelam Bazaar is back, bigger and flashier than ever with over 100 stalls for you to explore.
From 15 March 2023 to 16 April 2023, visitors can expect to indulge in both traditional and trendy foods, shop for handmade crafts, and even witness aerial light shows!
This isn’t your average night market — instead of a huge tentage with everything crammed into one place, the stalls are spread across the entire area with ample space in between. Plus, the streets of Kampong Gelam are such a vibe with the fairy lights all around (main character moment, anyone?).
As with every festival, one of the main things we look forward to is good food. With up to 86 food stalls with a mix of vibrant food trucks and outdoor grills serving up various Singaporean favourites, you can defo expect to be spoilt for choice.
You’ll find pasar malam staples like Ramly burgers, kebabs, tornado potatoes, and of course, Thai milk tea. However, what caught our eye was the large variety of contemporary Muslim-friendly food options — think fusion cuisine, smoked meats, philly cheesesteaks, and more.
Fans of Japanese cuisine, look no further than Detako for baked sushi and takoyaki. We opted for the Mentaiko Hotate (S$15) sushi baked, comprising Japanese pearl rice topped with cooked scallops and a rich mentaiko sauce.
Craving for some beef? Head over to Meat My Meat to try their popular Philly Cheesesteak for just S$9.90, or get Picanhas’ Steak & Mash (S$18) that comes with 100g of steak, garlic mash, and savoury meringue.
We also tried Big Paw Paws’ Smoked Beef Brisket (S$16/100g), which had been smoked for a whopping 11 to 16 hours. The flavour had defo penetrated into the brisket and had a good balance of meat to fats, but it ended up being a little less juicy than expected.
If you’ve heard of The Secret Garden by Zeekri, you might be familiar with their fusion cuisine.
Their stall focuses on halal Korean-fusion cuisine, so you can expect to find spaghetti Jjajangmyeon (S$10) and Tteokbokki (from S$10) that has seaweed chicken, cheese tofu and more.
Feeling thirsty after all that good food? Choose from iced teas, sugarcane, and more. Interesting options include Charcoal Matcha (S$5.50) and Masala Milk Tea (S$6) from popular drink stall Broti!
There are no shortage of options when it comes to dessert as well. From goreng pisang to ice cream, there’s definitely something for everyone!
Get Biscoff Poffertjes (Dutch baby pancakes, S$6.50) from Alley, or Cendol Coconut Ice Cream from IIceage (S$10). Either way, you’re bound to have the perfect sweet treat to end off your meal.
With ample outdoor seating available, you won’t have to worry about not being able to find a table to enjoy your food.
There’s even a two-storey mezzanine that’s oh-so-pretty — perfect for people-watching with your boo or to chat with your friends. (Hint: if you’re there on a hot day, be sure to get a seat at the indoor air-conditioned tent!)
Feel like splurging? You’ll be delighted to find a myriad of handmade crafts, the cutest knick-knacks and even clothes from 23 retail booths. These stalls are manned by independent artists, so it’s the perfect time to #supportlocal.
Don’t miss one of the main highlights of this year’s bazaar — incredible light projections on the iconic Masjid Sultan (Fri to Sun only). If you visit on Fridays and Saturdays, you’ll also be able to witness drone-controlled LED kites in action. Talk about an unforgettable spectacle!
Of course, no celebration is complete without entertainment. The mainstage will feature live music performances with a roster of singers, traditional and modern dances — the perfect accompaniment to your visit.
One Kampong Gelam will also be holding a Mass Iftar on 1 April 2023 along Arab Street, where you can purchase tables in advance for your own Iftar or pay-it-forward for beneficiaries of the Mosque Sultan Community Chest and Jalan Besar GRC. In the spirit of giving, you can also head down to charity drive at the bazaar from 7 to 16 April (4 – 8pm) to donate pre-loved clothes, non-perishable foods, and home essentials.
With such good vibes all around, this year’s Kampong Gelam Bazaar is certainly one of the best places to celebrate the festive season!
Kampong Gelam Bazaar
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Photos by Kylynn Seng
