Bazaar pulls in crowd

Plently of pocket-friendly food options in SS6/1

THERE is a palpable crackle in the air at the SS6/1 Ramadan bazaar.

It’s a cheerful mix of festive cheer and wafting aromas.

It’s as if the swarm of visitors, swept into the joyful atmosphere amid the 208 stall lots, were on a culinary adventure exploring the food stalls brimming with options for meals to break fast.

Some stalls had long queues, like the Popia Basah F.A.M. selling popiah basah, popiah goreng and popiah bersira (sweet and spicy fried spring rolls) since 2006, which enjoyed brisk business.

A regular visitor to this stall, Shamsiah Jalil, 36, said she has been a fan of the spring rolls here for years.

“It’s a tasty snack to break fast, and my whole family enjoys it,” said the teacher.

This bazaar also has some pocket-friendly food options, including a stall called Budak Kawah selling fried noodles (mee and bihun) and rice priced between RM4 and RM6 (with egg).

Deep-fried items like fritters are a favourite at bazaars, and this one has a stall selling crunchy, fried soft-shell crab for RM5 a portion.

The same goes for churros, which are always crowd-pullers and priced at RM5 a portion with choices of chocolate or caramel dipping sauce.

College student Michael Lee, 19, said he looked forward to the Ramadan bazaar here every year.

“My friends and I like to explore our affordable dinner options at the bazaar as there are many interesting stalls,” he said.

As the people shopped for their food, there were other sounds of unbridled happiness coming from the middle of the bazaar where two clowns were busy popping out balloon animals for children.

It was the first time for Awang the Clown group to make their exuberant presence felt at the SS6/1 Ramadan bazaar. Last year they were in Taman Medan.

Nirmeshini Nagasuarao, 34, and her daughter Akshaya Kugendran, 7, were excited to see the clowns.

“We live in Cheras, but my daughter’s uncle lives nearby, so it is our first time visiting this bazaar.

“We love the choices of food for children here, like the rainbow jellies and cheesy fried chicken,” she said.

a stall selling churros, a Spanish fried dough delicacy, and mini pancakes (in foreground). Photos: Kamarul ariffin/the Star

Petaling Jaya city council health department officer conducting hand swab on a randomly selected vendor at the bazaar during a spot check.

(right) Nirmeshini, 34, and her daughter akshaya are excited to see awang the clown group entertaining visitors at the bazaar.

a trader displaying a tray of freshly fried soft-shell crabs at the bazaar.

the Budak Kawah stall features affordable fried noodle and rice.

Festive spirit and fragrant aromas greet visitors at the bazaar.