The best Ramadan bazaars in Kuala Lumpur

Dive into what some believe is the best Ramadan bazaar in the city. Here’s a chance to buy local specialties such as bubur lambuk (savoury porridge), murtabak, grilled meats, and nasi campur (mixed rice) from the scores of vendors along Jalan Raja Alang. To go fully local, try roti goreng Mc Gyver (deep-fried bread stuffed with spicy sardine, chicken or beef sambal) and tauhu sumbat (stuffed tofu). Foods like purple tepung pelita (a traditional steamed kuih) and Thai tapioca dumplings have made this bazaar a social media hit.

Twenty minutes away from the city centre by train is one of KL’s favourite Ramadan bazaars – the TTDI Ramadan bazaar, which boasts some of the best food varieties this time of year. Pisang goreng (fried bananas) covered in salted caramel, smoked brisket tacos and pulled lamb tacos, nasi beriani gam – a specialty dish from Johor, pulut panggang (grilled glutinous rice rolls), ikan bakar or grilled fish will wow palates. But the bazaar’s popular popiah basah (fresh spring rolls), decadent Samyang omelettes, and cheese wheel mac and cheese are its real draws.

You’ll find the captivating sounds, sights, and smells of Bazaar Ramadan Bukit Bintang – a stone’s throw from major shopping malls and hotels – hard to resist. Highlights include classics like nasi briyani, charcoal-grilled lamb, nasi lemak, and the seasonal roti John, a flavourful omelette sandwich with mutton, beef or chicken in a French loaf and doused with chilli sauce and mayo. Don’t miss the highly recommended fried quails, served with sides of rice and soup.

This is KL’s longest Ramadan bazaar, stretching with endless rows of stalls on either side of the road. Many here sell more or less the same food items. Tip: we suggest heading to the stalls with the longest queues. There’s murtabak Maggi and murtabak cheese, tauhu bergedil with cheese, and tamago; and for dessert, try kuih ketayap (pandan-infused crepes with a coconut and palm sugar filling) or putu piring, steamed rice flour stuffed with palm sugar.

What this bazaar lacks in size, it makes up for in quality. Expect all the classics like satay, roti John, and a host of delightful Malay kuih. But do make a beeline for stalls offering standout renditions of grilled seafood, ayam percik, jelly puddings, nasi kerabu (blue-pea rice with fresh herbs), and putu bambu (rice cakes steamed in bamboo). Every Sunday, the weekly night market or pasar malam is set up, adding a rich mix to your bazaar experience. Shop for fresh local fruits, vegetables, and seafood.

Indulge in proper Indian-Muslim or mamak fare when you visit the bustling Bazaar Ramadan Masjid India. You’ll be spoilt for choice. Everything from biryani, chapati, murtabak, curry puffs, and kebabs to tandoori chicken and putu mayam (string hoppers) are hot favourites here. Along the way, check out the covered section where rows of stalls sell traditional Raya clothes, toys, and cookies. The bazaar is easily accessible from the Pasar Seni and Masjid Jamek LRT stations.