To remain competitive and draw crowds, Ramadan bazaar vendors in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI), Kuala Lumpur, have introduced distinctive twists to conventional fare.
For example, Subaidah Shul Hamid along with her son Mohd Firas Rokhaizan have incorporated instant noodles into the conventional murtabak, a usually chicken- or beef-stuffed fried pancake.
My son enjoys devouring instant noodles, so he was eager to try this take on ‘murtabak’.
“The ingredients are largely similar, but we refrain from adding onions unless requested by our customers,” explained Subaidah.
At the Sue Murtabak Maggi stall, Mohd Firas can be observed working continuously to cater to the extensive line of patrons.
The flatbread is not included with this dish.
Rather than being prepared traditionally, this dish uses precooked instant noodles combined with a thick egg sauce infused with 33 locally sourced spices. It’s then set into a uniquely designed square mold on the hotplate.
“I began preparing this ‘murtabak’ using instant noodles this year, and customers really enjoy it,” stated 18-year-old Mohd Firas.
He mentioned that they can opt for either beef or chicken as the stuffing.
“We only prepare this during Ramadan,” explained Subaidah, who operates an adjacent stall offering traditional murtabak.
In the meantime, Raihan Mohd Yusoff, who is a new participant at the TTDI Ramadan Bazaar and only 24 years old, has been enticing visitors with his homemade Thai salad rolls.
With rice paper, he presents an array of fillings such as steamed shrimp, grilled beef, chicken paired with mushrooms, crab sticks, and pan-seared salmon.
My mother hails from Songkhla, Thailand, and she prepared these salad rolls for me to vend at the bazaar.
“She has been enjoying this since her childhood,” he mentioned.
Raihan mentioned that his parents were also peddling Thai salad rolls at the Ramadan markets held in Taman Tasik Permaisuri, Kuala Lumpur, as well as in Pandan Indah, Selangor.
The TTDI Ramadan Bazaar at Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 2 starts bustling from around 3 pm, filled with visitors browsing through a variety of selections that go beyond conventional dishes.
Of course, there are traditional treats like nasi Briyani, tepung Pelita, and nasi Lemak.
Next to these dishes, you can find global selections such as premium burgers and Wagyu fried rice, along with other innovative items like uniquely shaped steamed buns.
Lengthy lines often develop at favored food stalls as visitors to the bazaar queue up calmly awaiting their preferred dishes.
A regular draw at this stall, Pit Boy BBQ, attracts a consistent stream of visitors keen on enjoying mac and cheese served inside a hollowed-out cheese wheel alongside smoked lamb ribs and beef brisket.
At the same time, a performer costumed as Pikachu from the well-known Japanese Pokémon series is moving through the throng to entertain the kids.
A different artist, dressed in rock-themed clothing, performs lively music at the entrance of the bazaar.