The holy month of Ramadan is something many of us look forward to – not just because it leads up to a well-deserved holiday and wholesome festive celebrations, but also because it comes hand-in-hand with Ramadan bazaars and night markets. And we all know what that means: delicious grub, yummy snacks, and festive outfits to cop.
Well, if you’re venturing across the border on one of your regular Johor Bahru trips, now’s the best time to check out Ramadan bazaars in JB. Mouth-watering authentic local food awaits you, so gear up and bookmark these spots.
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We’re not going to paint a false picture here: fun as it is, you can expect the Ramadan bazaars in JB to be crowded. Typically, you can expect crowds to start forming from around 5pm onwards in preparation for buka puasa (break fast) which is at about 7.15pm. So, we recommend heading over a little earlier if you want to avoid peak-hour human traffic.
If you’re driving, parking may also be difficult to come by. It’s a good idea to check traffic conditions before heading over to your desired bazaar. Otherwise, it may be advisable to call a Grab car instead.
That said, you’ll also be walking a lot. Wear comfortable shoes if you’re the kind who needs to explore every corner of the bazaar. Bazaars can also get a hot and stuffy with all the grilling and frying going on around you, so airy clothing would be most suitable.
It’s also important to be mindful that it is, after all, a holy month for Muslims who are fasting. As a sign of respect, if you are not fasting, you may want to head to a more discreet spot or wait till after buka puasa, to chug that ice-cold drink and dig into your food.
Image adapted from: Parkmayafest via Facebook
If all things “JB” make your ears perk up, then Ramadan Fiesta 2024 is probably already high on your must-visit list. There are over 100 F&B, snack, and clothes stalls to browse, with food prices ranging between S$2 and S$15. You might even be able to catch some live performances while you’re there.
If that’s not enough, the quiet riverside area is also home to a handful of fast-food joints, local restaurants, and retail stores.
Address: Tebing Bandar Dato’ Onn, Jalan Dato’ Onn Utama, Nasa City, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 4pm-12am, Daily
Image credit: muddy black via Google Maps
Located just opposite Giant Southern City, Bazaar Ramadan Taman Suria is a must-visit for seafood lovers. The first thing that’ll catch your eye, after all, is the delicious aroma of ikan bakar. Delicious spicy-sweet stingray (RM20, ~S$5.70) aside, there are jumbo-sized crabs (RM40, ~S$11.40) and grilled giant clams (RM20 ,~S$5.70) for the taking.
Other than that, expect to see bucket-loads of kuih-muih, freshly fried and grilled food, and tonnes of snacks, sweet beverages, and authentic local food.
Address: Jalan Suria 18, Taman Suria, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 4pm-8pm, Daily
Open as late as 12am, the Ramadan bazaar at S’mart Pandan is an annual affair everyone looks forward to. After all, this massive bazaar features more than 200 stalls, plus you can stock up on fresh produce from S’mart at affordable prices.
On the roster of things to do here: browsing rows of baju raya for kids and adults for as low as RM20 (~S$5.70); gorging on freshly fried and grilled local food, and dabao-ing bagloads of Raya snacks.
Address: 68950, Jalan Kota Tinggi, Taman Desa Cemerlang, 81800 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 12pm-12am, Daily
Image adapted from: @angsanamallsmalaysia via Instagram
Those who’re looking for a less packed Ramadan bazaar experience can head over to the bazaar at Plaza Angsana. Not only are the rows generously spaced apart, but you’ve also got Angsana Mall right next door if you want to get your regular JB shopping done at the same time. Copious amounts of mouth-watering food aside, expect to find plenty of affordable Raya outfits to bring home.
Address: Plaza Angsana Parking Lot, Bandar Baru Uda, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Not stated, but stalls are expected to close around 7pm+
This fiery red sup tulang makes an appearance each year.
Image credit: HorLeong Loh via Google Maps
Just because it’s situated on the outskirts of the main JB town area, it doesn’t mean that the bazaar at Perling Mall is to be missed. The bazaar is rather sizeable and takes over the mall’s outdoor carpark with white tents that resemble Jodd Fairs in Bangkok.
Other than local fare, there’s a variety of food here. Look out for quirky renditions of pasar malam food such as the “bloated” Cheesetart Buncit (from RM12/pack, ~S$3.40) that comes in flavours like Biscoff and Cadbury, and a sloppy and cheesy sandwich called Roti Jeff from RM8 (~S$2.30).
Address: Taman Perling, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 3pm-7.30pm, Daily
The scene at last year’s bazaar.
If you’re spending the day at Taman Mount Austin this Ramadan season, then check out the nearby bazaar at Taman Adda Heights that’s just a 12-minute drive away. It’s got all your night market favourites, including freshly fried churros, ice-cold drinks, and local delights. You can find grilled chicken from RM3.50/piece (~S$1) and refreshing soursop juice from RM4 (~S$1.15).
Address: 63-01, Jln Adda 3/1, Adda Heights, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Not stated, but stalls are expected to close around 7pm+
Image credit: Kakmin Bpc JB via Facebook
Bazaar Ramadan BBU (Bandar Baru Uda) is about a 5-minute drive from Angsana Mall. It’s a spot that’s catered more to locals and the neighbouring housing areas, but you’ll find plenty of cheap food here. On our radar are RM1 (~S$0.30) bomboloni, matcha pisang cheese and popiah pisang, and plenty of grilled food like chicken and satay.
Address: Jalan Padi Ria, Bandar Baru Uda, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 11am-7.30pm
Image credit: Fathiyah NFS via Google Maps
Another bazaar just a stone’s throw away from Angsana Mall is Bazaar Ramadhan Kampung Pasir. This local neighbourhood joint doesn’t skimp on all the goodies you can find at larger bazaars, namely an array of Malay food that’s fried, grilled, and drizzled in plenty of yummy sauces.
Spotted at last year’s edition: RM6 (~S$1.70) chicken chop and nasi putih ayam butter, RM4 (~S$1.15) ayam goreng, and kuih-kuih from RM0.40 (~S$0.10).
Address: Kampung Pasir, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Not stated, but stalls are expected to close around 7pm+
Image credit: HorLeong Loh via Google Maps
Over at Taman Dahlia housing estate is a local neighbourhood bazaar that’s worth checking out if you want a truly local experience. The bazaar occupies a quiet street shaded by trees, so there’s a little respite from the scorching sun above. Your tummy can expect the usual suspects of local fare, including freshly grilled ayam percik (RM4, ~S$1.40) and an array of refreshing, sweet drinks from RM3 (~S$0.85).
Address: Persiaran Dahlia, Taman Dahlia, 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 3pm-7pm, Daily
You’ve got plenty of options when it comes to Ramadan bazaars in JB. So save this list if you’re looking for authentic and delicious local food, affordable Raya clothes, and yummy snacks.
Check out more things to do in JB:
Cover image adapted from: muddy black via Google Maps, @angsanamallsmalaysia via Instagram, Kakmin Bpc JB & Parkmayafest via Facebook
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