SIBU, April 8: The 64 stalls at the Ramadan Bazaar at the town square Phase 2 site are enjoying good business as long queues can be seen daily ever since such bazaars made a comeback after two years of lockdowns due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Poor weather with intermittent rain did not stop visitors from thronging the bazaar, with many emerging with bags of foods in hand as they prepare to break fast or simply enjoy the delicious local cuisine for dinner.
A retired headmaster, who only identified himself as Ting, 80, was spotted buying pulut panggang, or steamed glutinous rice.
When met by DayakDaily, Ting said he had missed such bazaars.
“In the last two years due to the pandemic, we did not have Ramadan Bazaars. So this time, I do not want to miss it,” he said.
“I will most probably come here again in the next few days if the weather permits.”
A stall owner, Othman Ali, 58, is among those receiving a good response from visitors for his signature dish, Penang char kway teow.
Othman, a former graphic designer, claimed that people liked his version of the popular dish as it was not very spicy.
“I have purposely made it not too spicy as most Sarawakians can’t eat spicy food. I was away in West Malaysia for many years due to my work. I’m introducing my version of Penang char kway teow so that people here can savour it,” he said.
“Cooking is my passion as I used to work in a restaurant during my university years in America. So I know that not every cook can prepare the same food with the same taste,” Othman said, pricing a packet of his char kway teow at RM10.
Another stall operator, Halis Ayup, specialises in roasted chicken and sardines.
“We have been in this business for many years and over the years we have built up regular customers. Our permanent stall is in Taman Permai,”said Halis, aged 33.
His brothers and sisters also help out at the stall, which opens from 1pm until the breaking of fast daily.
“Our items are affordable. We are selling a whole roasted chicken at RM22 and RM12 for roasted sardines depending on their size. Besides that, visitors who love satay or pulut panggang are welcome to visit our stall,” he added. — DayakDaily
