A Feast for the Senses: Kampong Glam's Ramadan Bazaar Returns Bigger and Better!
Kampong Glam is set to host its largest and most extended Ramadan bazaar to date, promising an unforgettable experience for locals and tourists alike. Starting from March 2, 2024, and running until April 5, this nearly five-week-long bazaar will take over Kandahar Street, Muscat Street, and Baghdad Street with over 100 stalls brimming with culinary delights and retail treasures.
Now in its fourth edition, the bazaar aims to kick off a week before Ramadan, offering an array of food, drinks, and shopping opportunities from 2 pm to 11 pm daily. Foodies will rejoice at the approximately 80 stalls dedicated to mouthwatering eats and refreshing beverages, while shoppers can explore around 20 retail stalls for unique finds.
But it's not just about shopping and eating; the bazaar is a cultural extravaganza, too. Attendees will be treated to live cooking shows and performances by renowned Malaysian artists like Tomok and Alif Satar, as well as Singapore's own Taufik Batisah. With last year's bazaar attracting over 650,000 visitors, this year's event is expected to draw an even larger crowd, with an estimated 700,000 people.
In response to rising costs and in a nod to the backlash faced by other bazaars for high rental prices, the organizers have decided to cap stall rental fees, ensuring a more inclusive event for all vendors. This move is part of a broader effort to keep the festive spirit alive without burdening participants with excessive costs.
Highlights of this year's bazaar include the return of food trucks and crowd-favorites like Broti and Kream, offering everything from thirst-quenching drinks to delicious snacks. The bazaar will wrap up a few days before Ramadan ends, ensuring Kampong Glam is pristine for morning prayers and that ample parking is available for those attending services at the iconic Sultan Mosque, which is also celebrating its bicentennial in 2024.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the mosque will feature light projections of archival images, telling the story of its 200-year history. Moreover, a mass iftar on March 23 will bring together over 1,500 people, including charity beneficiaries, for a communal breaking of the fast along Arab Street, with part of the proceeds supporting Sultan Mosque and its charitable activities.
Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board and Urban Redevelopment Authority, the Kampong Glam Ramadan Bazaar is more than just an event; it's a celebration of community, culture, and cuisine. Whether you're there to feast, shop, or soak in the performances, this bazaar promises to be an unforgettable part of Singapore's Ramadan festivities.
Photos: Roxanne Lek • Ray Chan • RP • Ray Chan • Richelle Quek • Rex Marion • Osman Goni
