Hello Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar, we meet again. Here's a lowdown of what you can expect at this year's iteration.
When I think of Ramadan bazaars in Singapore, Geylang Serai comes to mind. The annual festivity has been around for a long time; I remember walking around the night market in the ‘90s and ‘00s when it was bigger and brimming with traditional food. Nowadays, the bazaar food I grew up with is seemingly gone and replaced by hipster fare. Of course, the only constant is change, and new types of cuisine have flooded Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2024. However, I still managed to find a few stalls peddling old-time faves.
Curious about what you can find at this year’s bazaar? Before I get into the deets, here’s a quick lowdown on what you can expect. This year’s bazaar is situated behind Wisma Geylang Serai and features 500 stalls, of which up to 150 kiosks sell food and drinks. Each booth is required to sell at least two items at $3 each, and all food vendors must be halal-certified, Muslim-owned, or fulfil a halal criteria set by consultants. So, besides highlighting what each stall offers, let’s talk about what you can get for $3.
Food stalls to check out at Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2024
1. The Padangton
You’ve probably heard about this restaurant in Bugis or have visited it at least once. Well, you don’t have to travel far during the fasting month to satisfy your rendang craving. The Padangton has set up shop at this Ramadan bazaar, offering its signature dish as tacos (from $5). You can get yours with beef or chicken, or go for the lamb if you’re feeling fancy. Traditionalists can order the dish with turmeric rice accompanied by acar padang, egg and anchovies in sambal sauce (from $12).
What’s going for $3? You can get a bag of crackers or som som (a dessert consisting of coconut milk, rice flour, and pandan sugar syrup).
The Padangton, Stall 182
2. Taste of Indonesia
Full disclosure: Indomie has me in a chokehold; if I could have it every day, I totally would. So imagine my delight when I laid eyes on this stall. The star is, obviously, the fried Indonesian instant noodles (from $6.80), which you can pair with pempek Palembang (savoury fishcake, $6 for four pieces), bakso goreng (fried meatballs, $6 for three pieces), tahu isi (stuffed tofu, $3 for two pieces), and more. If noodles aren’t your preferred carbs, choose from the various rice sets, which come with a drink ($10.90).
What’s going for $3? Plenty of things, so you can munch on something without breaking the bank. You can also get herbal wind meds for $1, which is good for dealing with bloating.
Taste of Indonesia, Stall 49
3. Thai Dessert House
Moving on from Indonesia, we now head to the Land of Smiles. Here, you can sink your teeth into Thai fried bananas ($4 for six pieces), which are freshly fried. You don’t have to worry about getting soggy, oily pieces! Alternatively, try the potato fritters. Those who want to savour something less oily can go for the mango sticky rice or forgo the sweet stuff and get the actual fruit ($5).
What’s going for $3? None, though if you top up a dollar, you get the fried bananas. Does that count?
Thai Dessert House, Stall 141
4. Confuzion Foodiez
You’re gonna need to quench your thirst after all that food. Naturally, you can stick to plain water, but where’s the fun in that? We present this viral stall, which introduces the Filipino sweet treat to the masses. The flavour selection includes sweet corn, mixed fruits, chocolate, and more. Psst: the classic pandan always hits the spot. If you’d rather have a drink without fruit bits, get your talons on the slushy air ikat tepi. Choose from fun flavours like Milo Dino Oreo, Sour Assam Boy, and Bubblegum.
What’s going for $3? Unless I’m blind, I couldn’t find any $3 items here. Red flag!
Confuzion Foodiez, Stall 145
5. 123 Sataylicious
This stall is a hit-and-miss. If you’re not paying attention, you might walk past it entirely, so keep your eyes peeled for the huge “first king juicy dengdeng” banner underneath the Ramly burger sign. Get these savoury beef jerky slices in original or chilli; there’s also chicken honey if you prefer a different protein ($7 for 100 grams). Or get satay, ketupat, and burgers if you’re still hungry.
What’s going for $3? Nothing spotted. Hmmm.
123 Sataylicious, Stall 167
6. Ahae-Taiyaki
Ngl, this booth was the first thing that caught my eye when I entered Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2024. Who can resist the adorable mascot adorning the stall front? As the name says, here’s where you can get Japanese fish-shaped treats. Sweet and savoury options are available, from sweet potato, chicken sausage and cheese to custard cream and Hokkaido milk. If you have difficulty choosing (don’t we all), you can go for durian or kaya, aka the two most popular flavours.
What’s going for $3? Everything! Now, whether that’s too pricey or not, I’ll let you decide.
Ahae-Taiyaki, Stall 204
7. Happiness In A Box
You can always count on finding at least one trendy food item at the bazaar every year. Previously, it was the rainbow bagel; this year, it’s all about cheese coin waffles. Think of it as the fraternal twin to the Japanese dorayaki pancakes with cheese filling. These baddies come in flavours like cheese, maple syrup (both at $5), and Nutella ($6). Food vloggers should get the rainbow ($6), which (obviously) makes for colourful documentation on the ‘gram. We also spy kani mayo and spicy beef teriyaki sushi bake (from $10) if you want something more substantial.
What’s going for $3? Mineral water, which costs less than $2. But who wants to pay for plain water?
Happiness In A Box, Stall 166
8. Ranor Tenggiri Fish
No, you’re not otah your mind – this Southeast Asian fishcake has been spotted at Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2024. The savoury snack is grilled fresh, and rightfully so since otah should be enjoyed piping hot. There’s the traditional fish otah, but if you’re open to trying something different, the stall also offers crab, prawn, octopus, and fish egg variations. Not your thing? That’s okay, you can sample the pepes ayam (Indonesian chicken) or satar ikan (fish meat) wrapped in banana leaves or nasi lemak.
What’s going for $3? It’s $1.50 a pop. In this economy? We did a double take too.
Ranor Tenggiri Fish, Stall 71
What else can you find at Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2024?
Now that you’re full and satiated, let’s explore the remaining 350 stalls, which are divided into retail and recreation. Take the time to window shop for gorgeous modest apparel in cheery colours, hijabs for our Muslim sisters, festive fairy lights, religious paraphernalia such as calligraphy artwork and prayer essentials, and more. Of course, you must pause and browse through the various booths stocking Hari Raya goodies.
Those with little ones in tow can hit up the carnival games booth. Try your luck at the target shooting game, and who knows, you might even score a small prize to take home. Speaking of prizes, how about scoring a major coup? Check out the booth with the car display – this is for serious buyers only! Donation boxes for the needy are also placed throughout the bazaar, so consider paying it forward before you take your leave.
Our tips to conquer the bazaar
Go earlier in the week: If dealing with crowds scares you, consider dropping by on Monday or Tuesday. We can’t guarantee there won’t be people, but compared to the weekends, you’ll have some wiggle room to breathe, soak in the atmosphere, and feast in peace.
Wear comfy clothes and shoes: Queues, crowds and Singapore’s humidity – enough said. Dress comfortably unless you don’t mind your apparel sticking to your body and your feet getting stepped on or run over by prams. You’ve been warned…
Bring a fan: Battery-operated or rechargeable ones work wonders.
Carry a reusable tote bag: Down with single-use plastics!
Make sure you’re stocked up on tissue and wet tissue: It gets messy, so come prepared. Otherwise, take note of the nearest toilets.
Remember to clear your trash: This is self-explanatory. Be kind after you dine!
And there you have it. Keep calm and enjoy yourself at the bazaar!
Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2024, now till 10 April, 10am to 11.59pm, Wisma Geylang Serai, 1 Engku Aman Turn, Singapore 408528
