A nostalgic look at the evolution of Ramadan bazaars and what’s been lost over time
Ramadan bazaars have long been a significant part of Singapore’s cultural landscape, especially for the Muslim community during the Hari Raya celebrations. Originally starting in areas like Geylang Serai and Kampong Gelam, these bustling street markets served as a place to break the fast, purchase festive foods, and celebrate the season’s spirit. However, in recent years, many Singaporeans have been lamenting the evolution of these bazaars, pointing out that they have become more gimmicky, expensive, and less community-focused.
Khai, a longtime local, reflects fondly on the early 2000s when the Geylang bazaar was a place for family and friends to gather, share seasonal treats like Ramly burgers and otak-otak, and enjoy traditional performances. He recalls how the vibrant atmosphere and sense of community defined those days, making the bazaar more than just a shopping destination but an experience. Yet, as bazaars evolved, Khai misses the simplicity and connection that once defined the space.
Mel, another Singaporean with fond memories of Ramadan bazaars, remembers how her family, despite limited means, would indulge in the festive atmosphere of the bazaars. She recalls the excitement of choosing from a variety of treats like banana fritters and kueh tutu, and how those moments created lasting memories.
But as time has passed, the nature of the bazaars has changed. Abdul Mubarak, a vendor who has been part of the Ramadan bazaar scene for 25 years, highlights the steep rise in rents, now reaching up to $15,000, which has forced vendors to increase prices. Despite these challenges, Abdul still strives to provide quality food, including ingredients like octopus tentacles for satay.
Claudia, reflecting on her childhood memories, laments the shift toward more aesthetic-focused food rather than quality. The trend of Instagrammable dishes has taken over, often sacrificing taste for visual appeal. She misses the simpler days when food was judged by its flavor rather than its visual appeal, and vendors focused on serving satisfying meals.
Others, like the person behind the complaint about the decline in quality, agree that the reliance on gimmicks and flashy presentation has come at the expense of the taste that made the bazaars special. They recall a time when basic dishes like ayam percik, keropok lekor, and Ramly burgers were the highlights, and vendors took pride in the food’s quality.
As the bazaars continue to evolve, many Singaporeans hold on to the memories of simpler, more authentic times when the spirit of the bazaar was rooted in community, tradition, and good food—values that they hope will return.
