Visiting Kampong Glam Ramadan Bazaar, or Raikan Cahaya Ramadan 2023, on a Sunday evening.
A quick, picture-heavy post of this year’s Ramadan Bazaar, or more accurately, food street, at historical Kampong Glam.
Like the festivities over at Geylang Serai, there are no longer any major social distancing measures in the way—the whole district was truly crowded and lively, and warm when I was there. Generally speaking, I think there’s a wider variety of food here too, beginning with how the stalls don’t repeat.
As for actual food choices, most stalls are of the contemporary and innovative type, although, of course, there are still perennial favourites like Ramly Burgers. (How could Ramly not make appearances …)
There’s also the Light of Gelam light projection show for those visiting on weekends. Together with the illuminated eaves of the surrounding shophouses, the whole district has an exotic, almost Arabian nights feel once it gets dark.
It was a pleasant albeit sweaty excursion for me. Definitely atmospheric and festive too, with the lights and music and all that. Even if you’re not interested in the food, I think this bazaar is worth visiting for the ambience.
Muscat Street Stalls
Just to highlight, the emphasis for this Ramadan food fair is definitely on, what’s the proper description, local street food with modern reinvention. (Or what the press termed as hipster food a few years back) But many of the stalls do still have classic dishes and snacks if you prefer those. I think you can see this from the signboards in my pictures.
Kandahar Street Stalls
Atmospheric and … Air-Conditioned Seats
There are limited seats at the bazaar; it is a street food fair, after all. But what’s there is undeniably atmospheric.
There’s an elevated level above some of the stalls at Pahang Street—you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the whole Kandahar Street stretch from there. (Very few tables, though)
Behind the Kandahar Street stalls is a leafy, garden-like area. At night, this spot is dreamy when lit by fairy lights.
For those who prefer air-conditioned dining, there’s also a tent-ed area at Pahang Street, one with a stage and apparel stalls.
I think … it’s clear which is the most popular. Although I’d say the airy one above Pahang Street is quite great too when it’s breezy.
After Sunset
Kampong Glam Ramadan Bazaar 2023 ends on Apr 16, 2023. Stalls are opened from noon to 11 pm.
Other festive celebrations in Singapore.
