Ramadan bazaars have a (pretty well-deserved) reputation as the land of Ramly burgers, hot-off-the-grill dendeng, and the occasional hipster food, but for two years in a row, there won’t be any bazaars during the fasting month this year.
Yet, there’s no denying Singaporeans’ immense love for bazaar food (our Ramadan Bazaar Food Showdown polls on Instagram are on fire). So we’ve scoured the city looking for bazaar food that have stood the test of time. You’re welcome.
1. Ramly burger
The undisputed iconic bazaar food, Ramly burgers have been in the pasar malam circuit for years, but they somehow become extra popular during Ramadan. A visit to any bazaar is incomplete without getting our hands messy on this sloppy, street burger.
Where to get?
Beef Bro | Century Square, 2 Tampines Central 5, #B1-38, S(529509) | Other locations here
Sofnade | Online orders only
The Original Pisang Keju | East Village Mall, 430 Upper Changi Road, #01-15, S(487048)
Burock | Blk 418 Bedok North Ave 2, #01-55, S(460418)
Pasar Malam Corner | 135 Jurong Gateway Road, #01-333, S(600135)
2. Takoyaki
This ball-shaped Japanese snack typically filled with minced or diced octopus is incredibly popular all year round. Several eateries specialising in takoyaki have emerged in recent years, but strangely they are mostly concentrated in the East. Westies, just order online lah…or set up shop in the West!
Where to get?
Tako Queen | WIS@Changi, 116 Changi Road, #01-03, S(419718)
Aisuka | East Village Mall, 430 Upper Changi Road, #01-53, S(487048)
Yummy Takoyaki | East Village Mall, 430 Upper Changi Road, #01-61, S(487048) | Order online here
Topping De Cuppies | Blk 510 Bedok North St 3, #01-09, S(460510)
JP Kitchen | Online orders only
3. Ayam Percik
Ayam Percik is one of those things we absolutely miss about Ramadan bazaars in Malaysia. We don’t deny, our neighbours up north just do them better. However, since we cannot travel there yet, here are a few places to get these grilled marinated chicken basted with rich coconut gravy.
Where to get?
Perghchicks | Tang Tea House, Blk 414 Jurong West St 42, S(640414)
Satay Bosque | The Food Market @ Century Square, 2 Tampines Central 5, #03-19, S(529509)
Aroma Kampung | Makan Empire, 11 Kaki Bukit Road 4, Bartley Biz Center, S(417806)
Rumah Makan Minang | 18 & 18A Kandahar Street, S(198884)
4. Dendeng
Dark, oily, with a hint of spicy-sweetness, dendeng is often the star attraction during Ramadan and Hari Raya. Despite that, this thinly-sliced beef is hard to come by, and we are hard-pressed to find various places that specialise in it.
Where to get?
Satay Sumang @ Canberra | Blk 115 Canberra Walk #01-01, S750115 | Order online here
House of Dendeng | Order via Whatsapp at +65 82923352
Alternatively, you can buy frozen dendeng online and grill yourself at home.
5. Vadai
Did you know that prawn vadai is believed to be a uniquely Singaporean fusion dish, as it can’t be found elsewhere, not even Malaysia or India? The perfect vadai has to be greasy and crispy on the outside, yet soft on the inside. And we always insist on more green chilli.
Where to get?
The Original Vadai | Golden Mile Food Centre, 505 Beach Road #B1-31, S(199583) or 82 Joo Chiat Road, S(427379)
Halal Delicacies | Blk 79A Circuit Road Hawker Centre, #01-74, S(371079) | Order online here
Al-Maa’idah Eating House | 179 Macpherson Road S(348539)
