Cover Nasi kerabu (Photo: Getty)

Amidst classic options and viral treats, here’s what to order for a taste of the traditional at this year’s Ramadan bazaars

Yes, there will always be the Ramly burger, the colourful cotton candy drink, and other viral treats that you can find in many of Singapore’s Ramadan bazaars over the years. If you’re an old-school traditionalist searching for lesser-known (or even forgotten) local delights, we’ve made sure to round up some traditional snacks that you can find at Ramadan bazaars across the island. From Indonesian bakso to a comforting platter of nasi kerabu, there’s something for everyone. So go forth and indulge—you may rediscover an iconic snack that may be your new favourite dish.

Don’t miss: Ramadan 2024: 5 most exciting bazaars to visit in Singapore this year

1. Bakso

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Above Indonesian bakso, or beef meatballs, here served in a noodle soup (Photo: Getty)

These beef meatballs are a staple in Indonesian cuisine and are not to be missed. Often found in a tantalising soup brimming with fragrant spice, these meatballs are made with a mixture of ground beef and tapioca or corn flour, making for a smooth, homogenous texture. 

You can find these meatballs at The Bakso Safirah, which operates stalls in bazaars across the island, from Tampines and Paya Lebar in the east to Jurong and Choa Chu Kang in the west.

2. Nasi kerabu

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Above Nasi kerabu, which stars rice dyed with butterfly pea flower (Photo: Getty)

A beautiful pastel blue colours the rice in this classic dish from the Malaysian state of Kelantan, thanks to the butterfly pea flower. Much like its other rice dish counterparts like nasi ulam, nasi kerabu is often served with chicken or fish, sambal, keropok (fish crackers), and herbs. It is, of course, hearty, filling, and delicious, best enjoyed with a serving of sambal.  

To find nasi kerabu, look out for a stall called Kerabu.sg. Make sure to catch them at the Admiralty, Tampines, and Bedok bazaars.

Read more: The most lavish Ramadan buffets and menus to break your fast in Singapore 2024

3. Lemang

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Above The House of Lemang’s lemang set, with rendang, serunding, and sambal goreng (Photo: The House of Lemang)

Hailing from the Minangkabau Highlands of Indonesia is lemang, a rice cake made with glutinous rice and coconut milk that’s steamed in banana leaves within a bamboo tube. Rich with a generous bite, lemang is often served with a savoury dish—think rendang or serunding, a spiced grated coconut condiment. 

Few stalls do lemang as well as The House of Lemang, which also offers home delivery. Find them at the Kampong Gelam, Admiralty, and the Woodlands bazaar, as well as the Ecoharmony bazaar at Bedok. 

4. Nasi bukhari

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Above Nasi bukhari, a favourite rice dish in Saudi Arabia

Celebrated as one of Saudi Arabia’s favourite dishes, nasi bukhari gets its immense flavour from the generous infusions of herbs and spices—think cinnamon, bay leaf, cumin, clove, and more. Tossed with nuts and dried fruits, this is one rice dish that deserves more love at the Ramadan bazaars. 

Nasi bukhari is just one of a few dishes served at Burock Cuisine, which operates stalls at the Geylang Serai, Tampines, and Woodlands bazaars.

5. Roti Boyan

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Above Roti Boyan, a pastry filled with potato (Photo: Facebook / The Modern Malay Kitchen by Sharmeee)

This comfort snack comes from the Indonesian island of Boyan (or Bawean). In this snack, a buttered pastry dough envelopes a filling of lightly-seasoned potato. Best eaten, of course, with sambal tumis. Get your fill of roti Boyan at the Jurong West bazaar. 

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