As the holy month of Ramadan approaches on March 12, 2024, anticipation grows. One awaited occasion Muslims and Malaysians cherish is the vibrant ambience of the Bazaar Ramadan. This bustling marketplace is a vital resource for community members facing challenges in preparing meals for Iftar. The leading bazaar in Pahang stands as a lively hub for cultural exchange and culinary pleasures during this significant period.
Pahang cuisine reflects the rich culinary heritage of the Pahang state in Malaysia, incorporating influences from Malay, Chinese, and indigenous Orang Asli (aboriginal) cultures. Known for its diverse flavours and ingredients, Pahang cuisine offers dishes catering to various tastes. One prominent aspect of Pahang cuisine is its emphasis on fresh and locally sourced ingredients, particularly seafood, vegetables, and herbs. Given its coastal location, seafood dishes are abundant in Pahang cuisine, with popular options including grilled fish, fish curry, and prawn dishes. While some are in town, others are in a rural area, so prepare a map to find the best bazaar!
What Is the Must-Try Bazaar Food in Pahang?
Pahang cuisine, originating from the state of Pahang in Malaysia, is a diverse and flavorful blend of Malay, Chinese, and indigenous culinary influences. With its coastal location, seafood is prominent in Pahang cuisine, featuring dishes like grilled fish, fish curry, and prawn specialities, often infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Known for its fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and cultural diversity, Pahang cuisine offers a rich and satisfying culinary experience reflective of Malaysia’s vibrant food culture.
- Patin Tempoyak
Patin Tempoyak is a traditional Malay dish that features catfish (known as “patin” in Malay) cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce made from fermented durian paste, known as “tempoyak.” To prepare the dish, catfish is typically marinated with turmeric and salt, then fried or grilled until cooked. Meanwhile, tempoyak, made by fermenting durian fruit with salt, is mixed with various spices and aromatics such as garlic, shallots, ginger, and chilli peppers. The fried or grilled catfish is then simmered in the tempoyak sauce until the flavours meld together and the fish is tender. Patin Tempoyak is known for its bold and complex flavours, combining the creamy richness of durian with the savoury notes of the fish and spices.
- Sambal Hitam
Sambal Hitam is a traditional Malay condiment known for its intense flavour and dark colour. Unlike the more common red sambal, Sambal Hitam is made using blackened chillies, which gives it its distinctive hue. To prepare it, red chillies are typically charred or roasted until they are blackened, then blended with other ingredients such as shallots, garlic, tamarind paste, shrimp paste, and sugar. The mixture is then cooked until it reaches a thick and rich consistency. Sambal Hitam is often used as a condiment or dipping sauce to add heat and flavour to various dishes, such as grilled meats, seafood, and rice dishes.
- Laksa Pahang
Laksa Pahang is a unique variant of laksa originating from the Pahang state in Malaysia. Unlike other types of laksa in Malaysia, which typically feature a coconut milk-based broth, Laksa Pahang is known for its clear and tangy soup base. The soup combines fish or seafood broth with herbs and spices, including lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and tamarind. Additionally, Laksa Pahang often includes fish balls, prawns, shredded chicken, tofu puffs, and bean sprouts.
- Dodol
Dodol is made from coconut milk, palm sugar, and glutinous rice flour, cooked over low heat until it thickens and becomes sticky and chewy. Additional ingredients such as pandan leaves or durian may be added for flavouring. The mixture is continuously stirred during the cooking process to prevent it from burning and to achieve the desired consistency. Once cooked, the dodol is usually poured into moulds and left to cool and set before being cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Puding Raja
Puding Diraja, commonly called Royal Pudding, was created and served to the royal family of Pahang, Malaysia. This dessert incorporates pisang lemak manis (a local variety of sweet bananas), evaporated milk, prunes, candied cherries, and cashew nuts. It is decorated with jala mas and accompanied by a chilled sauce made from milk and cornflour. Today, it has gained popularity as a favourite dish during Ramadan and is also a special treat for weekend family afternoon teas.
Read more to have an incredible journey in Pahang:
20 Best Bazaar Ramadan in Pahang 2024
The given location can help you find dishes for Iftar. May the spirit of Ramadan light up your soul. Ramadan Mubarak! The following is a list of bazaars by region:
1. Kuantan
*Estimated Bazaar Ramadan Location Is Based on the List from Majlis Bandaraya Kuantan:
| Area | Address | Google Maps |
| Tapak Mahkota Square | Mahkota Square, Jalan Mahkota, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang | Navigate Now |
| Tapak Taman TAS | 4 K2, Jalan Tas 30, Taman Tas, 25150 Kuantan, Pahang | Navigate Now |
| Pantai Selamat Indera Mahkota | A79-A107, Lorong IM 3/19, Taman Radiance @ Indera Mahkota, Jln Bypass Kuantan, Gebeng, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang | Navigate Now |
| Kota SAS | Bangunan Tanah Makmur, KotaSAS Avenue, Persiaran, Jalan Kota SAS, Kota Sultan Ahmad Shah, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang | Navigate Now |
| TMG Tanjung Lumpur | NO.PT 124756, Jalan Bandar Putra 1A, Jalan Tanjung Lumpur, 26060 Kuantan, Pahang | Navigate Now |
| TMG Beserah | B-634, Jalan Beserah, Taman Bandar Emas, 25300 Kuantan, Pahang | Navigate Now |
| Dataran Masjid Negeri Sultan Ahmad 1 | Jalan Mahkota, Kompleks Pentadbiran Kerajaan Negeri Pahang, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang | Navigate Now |
| Tunas Manja Sungai Isap | A-35-A-47, Pusat Komersial Batu 3, Jalan Sungai Isap, 25150 Kuantan, Pahang | Navigate Now |
| Tapak Pasar Tani Sungai Soi | 297, Jalan Sungai Isap 7, Perumahan Sungai Isap Tiga, 25150 Kuantan, Pahang | Navigate Now |
| No. | Location – Kuantan |
| 1. | Taman Impian |
| 3. | Balok Permai |
| 4. | Tanjung Api |
| 5. | Serambi Teruntum |
| 7. | Taman Desa Samudera, IM8 |
| 8. | Pasdec Makmur, IM2 |
| 9. | KM 43, Jalan Kuantan- Kemaman |
2. Chukai
*Estimated Bazaar Ramadan Location Is Based on the List from Majlis Daerah Chukai:
| Location | Address | Google maps |
| Tapak Parkir Kantin Rahimah (Stadium) | Parkir Jalan Abdul Rahman, Jalan Abdul Rahman, Kampung Kubang Kurus, 24000 Chukai, Terengganu | Navigate Now |
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.asia. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
