By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, March 2: The air was thick with the enticing aroma of grilled meats and traditional delicacies as the first day of the Stutong Wet Market Ramadan Bazaar 2025 kicked off with a bang.
Despite being the inaugural day of the holy month’s much-anticipated bazaar, eager food lovers flooded the area as early as 2pm, making their way through the 160 bustling stalls offering an extensive variety of mouth-watering dishes.
This year, vendors pulled out all the stops, with tantalising offerings such as Nasi Ayam Penyet, fragrant Briyani, and Sarawak’s signature Kolo Mee drawing long queues.
Visitors with a craving for local treats also had their pick from an array of kuih muih, including kuih bongkol, apam balik, crispy popia, and golden-brown chakoi.
The separate canopies for drink stalls and barbeque stalls ensured a smooth flow for visitors navigating the lively scene.
While the primary crowd consisted of Muslims eagerly purchasing dishes for iftar/breaking of fast, non-Muslims were also spotted browsing the stalls, taking the opportunity to explore the unique flavors of the season.
Some were on the hunt for lunch, while others were simply soaking in the festive atmosphere that the bazaar is known for.
During the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi extended his appreciation to Kuching South City Council (MBKS) for organising the bazaar annually.
“The Ramadan Bazaar is one of the key highlights that adds to the excitement of the fasting month. It is not only a place to buy food but also a platform to strengthen friendships and foster unity among our multicultural society,” he said when officiating the event.
Meanwhile, MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng emphasised the role of the bazaar in showcasing Sarawak’s unique culinary heritage, mentioning delicacies such as nasi lemak, roti jala, soto ayam, kek lapis, and bubur pedas.
“As Kuching is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, it is our responsibility to continue preserving and promoting our unique food heritage.
“The Ramadan bazaar is an important platform for our local food entrepreneurs to showcase their culinary skills and introduce Sarawakian cuisine to a wider audience,” he said.
Adding a touch of prestige to the event was the visit of Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Their presence drew excited whispers among vendors and visitors alike as they made their rounds, personally selecting a variety of delicacies to bring home for iftar.
– DayakDaily
