Kuching Ramadan Market - Part I

This is the Muslim month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the 9th month in the Muslim Calendar. During this month, Muslims observe the Ramadan Fast, and abstain from eating or drinking from dawn until sunset. This is also the time when Muslims concentrate on their faith and spend less time on other concerns of daily life.

In most parts of Malaysia, Ramadan Markets are set up for the convenience of Muslims. These markets sell mostly ready cooked meals which can be bought and taken home for breaking of fast. Many non-Muslims also like to visit these markets due to the endless variety of foods offered. However, it is important to note that eating in front of Muslims before breaking of fast is considered bad decorum, and should be avoided. 

There are several Ramadan markets in Kuching. The biggest and most popular one is at Satok Road, near the Sunday Market. Tents are set up to accommodate the stalls which line the back streets and alleys around the shophouses. The best time to visit would be around mid afternoon -  before the evening rush, when it would be jam-packed as everyone rush to buy the food before going home.

One of the most popular items at the market is the grilled Ikan Terubok, a local fish which has a high oil content so the meat is silky smooth. It has a nice delicate sweetness, and is normally served with a dipping sauce of lime and chilli. The fish has a lot of bones so eating it can be a bit tricky, but it's worth the trouble.

Another popular fish is stingray which is normally grilled over charcoal or pan-roasted. It 's served with a sambal sauce (chilli, garlic and onion made into a paste - sometimes with Belacan added).

 

Grilled chicken, anyone ?