Immersing in some Malay culture this Hari Raya

One thing I cherish growing up in Malaysia is how we embraced and celebrated being in a multi-racial community. Every major festival, we’d go from house to house, visiting friends and their families, sharing our culture … and of course, food! Now that we live in Singapore, B doesn’t quite have this same childhood – even if we do know others from different races and religions here. (Sadly, this pride in one nation, many races is also diminishing in Malaysia).

With Hari Raya (Eid) almost upon us, I wanted to give B a taste of the Malay culture, an important part of our Southeast Asia heritage.  Besides volunteering to help with his school’s Hari Raya celebration, I also took some time out to bring him to the Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar after school today.  Thankfully the skies were cloudy, and after browsing around, we had a chance to share a table and “break fast” with a friendly Malay couple at the Geylang Food Court. If you and your kids are curious, do go! Note that the Bazaar is only open till Sunday and should get quite crowded over the final weekend.

Geylang, si paku Geylang

Inside the bazaar, it can get quite stuffy despite the handful of ceiling fans. Dress light, drink lots and step out to breathe often 🙂

B devoured the crispy apom balik (pancakes). I was also thrilled to find sweet corn filling (my childhood fave!) which many Chinese stalls don’t sell

Best vadai in town?

Keropok and kerepek

The most common stalls sold deep fried food, ice cream, briyani and kebabs

Assorted kuih muih – B was fascinated by the pink lapis and the NUTELLA cake

Strolling through the merchandise lanes with the usual suspects: carpets, clothes, shoes, toys, accessories, and ….

… sheep balloons on wheels! (I guess representing the “sacrifice” for the other major Eid celebration later this year, Hari Raya Haji?)

Oh, final tips if you’re keen to go:  Visit around 5p before the crowds.  If you drive and are lucky, park at the main Geylang Serai carpark (off Sims Ave and Geylang Road). Else, there’s more lots along Haig and Joo Chiat Roads. There’s also a nice big kids’ playground at the Haig HDB estate. If you’re eating there, find a cool place to sit and order BEFORE sunset.

Take a leisurely, breezy stroll along the bridge to enjoy the lights while the feast is in full swing between 7-8p 🙂

Selamat Hari Raya! Eid Mubarak!

 

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