Best time to enjoy? Malay delicacies in high demand at Malaysian Ramadan bazaars

Text by MOOK Travel Life Network, Li Xinyi; compiled and reported

The annual Islamic holy month of Ramadan has begun and will continue until August 20. During this period, Muslims around the world observe daytime fasting to experience the hardships of those less fortunate. Malaysia, one of the Southeast Asian countries with the highest Muslim population, observes this sacred tradition nationwide. The end of Ramadan is marked by Hari Raya, the most anticipated New Year celebration for the Malay community. In addition, the "Ramadan bazaars" that pop up in cities and towns across Malaysia during this month have become popular tourist attractions for visitors from abroad.

Muslims in Malaysia fast from dawn to dusk during Ramadan as a way to practice patience, tolerance, humility, and compassion, making it the holiest time of the year. It is also common for locals to donate to charities during this period to empathize with the struggles of the less fortunate. After a month of spiritual reflection, the highly anticipated Islamic New Year, Hari Raya, arrives. On Hari Raya morning, Muslims attend special prayers at the mosque and then celebrate with family and friends. Homes are filled with lavish meals, and influenced by the Chinese tradition of giving red envelopes during the Lunar New Year, Malaysian Muslims also give green envelopes (Duit Raya) containing money to children and younger family members, wishing them safety and prosperity in the coming year.

The Ramadan bazaars that appear throughout Malaysia during the holy month are especially popular with international visitors. Every evening after sunset, Muslims break their fast with special meals, and cities and towns across Malaysia host a variety of Ramadan bazaars offering a wide array of fragrant and delicious foods. Examples include beef tail soup (Sup Ekor), bamboo rice (Lemang), coconut rice (Nasi Lemak), and Penang Asam Laksa, as well as Indian flatbread (Murtabak) prepared with Malay spices, showcasing Malaysia’s multicultural diversity. Before digging into the food, it’s recommended to try a date—either dried or fresh—from the Middle East, as it’s a tradition said to originate from the Prophet Muhammad, who broke his fast with dates. Aside from the delicious food, the bazaars also sell clothes, traditional Hari Raya attire, and utensils. Visiting a Ramadan bazaar is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a deep dive into Malaysian Islamic culture.

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