Geylang Serai Bazaar: What to look out for at the night market?
Discover what you can expect to find at the famous Ramadhan bazaar! From food to clothes to home ware, you can shop it all at one place.
Mention ‘Ramadhan‘ and you’ll realise what comes to mind is everything that’s synonymous with Hari Raya Aidilfitri, festive vibes among the local Muslims and of course, nightly bazaars. Almost every Singaporean heartland has had its fair share of hosting a bazaar – or pasar malam (night market) as some call it – but none are quite as significant as the Geylang Serai Ramadhan Bazaar.
The night market spans the size of about two football fields, as all the food fare, home decor, ethnic clothes and more fill up the booths to keep patrons coming back every year. Read on for some of the amazing finds you’ll discover while walking through the one-stop shop in the heart of Geylang.
FOOD
Local street food is not to be missed during the festive season. The most popular and classic (in our context that is) fare that’s almost always present at every night market includes Japanese-inspired takoyaki, Indian vadai, Turkish kebabs, dengdeng (Malay-style beef jerky, or the halal equivalent to Chinese bak kwa), the famous Burger Ramlee and more. However, more trendy delicacies have begun making their way to the market, including multi-flavoured churros, Thai-style coconut ice cream and fried banana fritters with unique toppings. Be warned though, some of these stalls are very popular among the youngsters and are prone to having long queues. Arrive early – preferably before the time to break fast – to make sure you get a taste of everything or you might find yourself having to stand in line for hours!
FASHION
Ethnic wear is a must at this market, being in proximity with Malay hot spots such as Tanjong Katong Complex and Joo Chiat Complex. You’ll find many well established online and physical vendors bringing their various embellished styles to tempt you for your Hari Raya outfit choices – all for men, women and children. More casual clothing have been spotted here too, with surplus and second hand items taking up a booth or two. For the non-Muslims – why not buy yourself your first kaftan, baju kurung or abaya (Middle Eastern long dress) and join in the fun? A little dressing up could never hurt nobody!
BEAUTY & ACCESSORIES
You’ll find plenty of booths offering beauty products and services such as henna art (even white henna!) and express manicures to get you ready for the festivities. Direct imports of US, UK and Australian makeup brands can be found at some stalls. For accessories, keep a lookout for all the vendors that have walls and walls of statement necklaces, glitzy rings and eye-catching pendants to accompany your Hari Raya outfits.
HOME DECOR
The various carpet and Turkish lantern stores are hard to miss, as you’ll smell the waft of musky fabric and antique decor as you pass by. The bazaar is a great place to find your ideal home ware at a bargain, since haggling is not anything new here. Time to spice up the household vibe with some Mediterranean flair!
So if you’ve yet to get yourself down to the Geylang Serai Bazaar, it’s high time you do so before Hari Raya comes! Paya Lebar MRT is just a walk away, so round up some friends and spend an evening taking in all the festive vibes.
Nur Syazana H.
