GEORGE TOWN: THE Ramadan bazaar in Lebuh Queen, in the heart of Little India, is a popular place for breaking fast.
However, unlike many other Ramadan bazaars, the one here is run mostly by Indian Muslims.
Similar to a mamak restaurant, the bazaar offers a variety of Indian Muslim dishes and delicacies.
Topping the list is the various nasi kandar dishes. They include the fish head curry, daging masak kicap and ayam goreng rose.
Also a hit among visitors are chicken kapitan, honey chicken, roast chicken and beef masala.
Of course, there are stalls selling roti naan, murtabak, roti jala and everyone’s favourite roti canai.
Chicken, lamb and beef tandoori are also available. So are putu mayam, pasembur and capati.
However, a new food item which has been much sought-after is the beetroot halwa, an Indian dessert made of grated beetroot simmered in milk and spiced with cardamom. It has a moist texture and is sweet.
There are also other types of halwa including those made of carrot and gajar.
Other popular items are air tiga tanda, a special air bandung with selaseh seeds, malva nuts and jelly cuts.
For kuih, the popular ones are kuih kapal terbang, a sweet fried dough, the various kuih talam, the different samosa and the humble agar-agar (jelly).
The Lebuh Queen Ramadan bazaar organising committee chairman Shahul Hameed Syed Mohamed said the bazaar is very popular among Muslims and non-Muslims since it was started in 2003.
“People like to come here because of the variety. There are many main dishes as well as desserts,” he said.
Shahul Hameed said the introduction of beetroot halwa by some traders was well received.
“It is very unique to the Indian Muslim community and the dessert is fast becoming popular with the public.
“In fact, you cannot find the beetroot halwa anywhere else but in Lebuh Queen,” said Shahul Hameed.
There are 22 stalls set up at the bazaar which was opened by Penang Muslim League president Datuk Haja Najmudeen Kader.
Other popular Ramadan bazaars on Penang island are in:
l Bayan Baru
Located near the Bayan Baru mosque, it is the biggest on the island as there are about 100 stalls selling popular Malay and Western dishes. A favourite here is the Bayan Baru honey chicken wings.
l Jalan Utama
This Ramadan bazaar near Penang Hospital is popular among residents of nearby Jalan Datuk Keramat and Jalan Perak. It is well-known for its traditional kuih like seri muka, tepung talam, kuih ketayap, bengkang, cucur keria and curry puffs.
l Jalan Sungai Pinang
A portion of this busy road is occupied by various food and drinks stalls. Located in the centre of a very populous area in the city, the Ramadan bazaar also houses stalls selling the various baju Raya such as baju Melayu and baju kurung.