Pasar malam (night market)

At Pasar Malam, you can find many stalls selling the familiar and perennial crowd favourites of deep-fried street snacks or food such as 'Ramly' burger, roti john, Indian vadai or wadai, banana and tapioca fritters, fried fish crackers, otak-otak (ground fish meat with spices wrapped in palm or attap leaves) steamed buns and peanuts, kebabs, coconut juices and ice-creams, fried noodles, nasi lemak, chendols and roasted chestnuts. And of course, knick-knacks like smartphone accessories and clothes.

The flea-market style pasar malam or night market opens during broad daylight too. 'Pasar' is a Malay word which means market. Maybe during the olden days, they used to only operate in the evenings when it is a bit cooler given the tropical weather here, that is why they called it Pasar Malam. The vibe in the evenings tend to be better too. During the festive season such as during the fasting month of Ramadan, pasar malam is turned into bazaar such as at Geylang Serai. Pasar malam and bazaar are not permanent, but temporary set-ups sometimes to coincide with certain events. Think of it like pop-up stores except that pop-up stores are within air-conditioned shopping malls.

Pasar Malam

Ramly burger sells for between $3 to $3.50. Banana, tapioca fritters and epok-epok (curry puff) typically sell for $2 for three pieces. Vadai or wadai, a staple at Pasar Malam is deep-fried dough flour with pieces of shrimps and typically eaten with raw green chilli or if you are up to it, the spicier littlechilli padi, is usually sold by Indians stall holders. Vadai typically sells for $2 for three pieces.

And a middle eastern meaty kebab, usually sold by Turkish vendors, meat is usually chicken or lamb, sell for between $4 to $5. They will sell you three kebabs for $8 to $10. Great for the whole family.

You can find these night markets at many neighbourhoods or the heartland as we call it here. Usually, these night markets are located very close to MRT stations to attract commuters looking for fast and quick bites or tarpau (takeaway) meals especially on their way home after work.

Vadai or wadai

Night markets are not unique to Singapore. You can find night markets in many parts of South-East Asia such as in Thailand and Malaysia. Night markets are popular too in Taipei, Taiwan. In fact, the night markets in Thailand and Taiwan are much bigger than the ones in Singapore.

The idea of night markets is unique to each location to sample the local delicacies or snacks; however, the local snacks tend to be deep fried food, towards the unhealthy side as the stall owners tend may be using the same cooking oil throughout the day.

Stalls selling clothes.

But many of these greasy snacks are sinfully crispy and delicious. They are priced affordably but sometimes we end up buying more food or snacks than we actually needed. And they tend to be nicer to eat while still hot.

Other than food and snacks, as mentioned above you may find stalls selling the usual cheesy stuffs or knick-knacks such mobile or cellphone cables, battery chargers and cases, and home accessories such mattresses and cushion covers. And kids toy too. Sometimes you wonder if those tangled phone cables or charger really work. But for a few dollars, and if you need some as spares, well, it just might.

Lamb and chicken kebab

Many go to night market to hit the food section. Well, that is the main purpose of hitting pasar malam, otherwise you could just go to Bugis Market for cheap knick-knacks. My favourites snacks at pasar malam are steamed peanuts, Ramly burger, Turkish kebab and vadai. If you are feeling a bit adventurous, try some chicken parts such as deep-fried chicken gizzards or liver. Really yummy.

Kebabs, steamed peanuts or corns, vadai and Ramly burger are the staples of pasar madam here. Not to mention fish crackers in all shapes and sizes. If you are watching calories, these are mostly deep-fried but tasty food, but we certainly want to indulge every now and then.