Geylang Serai Bazaar is back for its annual merriment where visitors can eat, shop and be merry! From halal-certified delicacies, traditional Malay clothing to game booths and claw machines (where you can put your luck to the test), the bazaar boasts over 500 stalls! You will surely need more than a day to cover the entire market.
This year, you can walk around with more ease (as compared to the previous years) as the organisers have strategically arranged the vendors according to themes. At least 60% of the food stalls are selling authentic Malay food, so patrons can reminisce the good old days. We have written a comprehensive guide to Geylang Serai Bazaar 2019 so you know what to expect. Enjoy!
What to Expect at Geylang Serai Bazaar 2019
It will be essential to travel light, pack tissue papers and wear loose-fitting clothings. Although there are ventilation fans stationed within the tents, it gets stuffy with all the grilling and deep-frying action going on. With Singapore’s humidity on a rise in the recent months, we urge you to opt for comfort over an elaborate outfit put together just for your #ootds.
Remember to bring cash to the market. Having said that, there are many stalls that also accept payment modes via Grab Pay, PayLah! and PayNow.
Of course, we were there for the food. The slew of traditional Malay food stalls selling items such as Fresh Otahs and Traditional Malay Kuihs are located along Engku Aman Road (right beside the open space carpark). For hipster food options such as the White Rabbit Drink and Meatballs in a Bucket, you may want to head directly for the Alfresco Food Hub located along Lor Sireh Pinang.
To kick-start our night of feasting, our first choice was Ranor Tenggiri Fresh Otah (S$3 for five pieces). Be prepared to queue for at least five minutes as the Otahs are freshly cooked to order. We reckon it is best eaten fresh off the grill – you will be able to taste the perfect blend of the fish paste and spices.
Location: WGS A G344
Next, we bought the Chocolate Banana-flavoured Apam Balik (S$5) from Apam Balik Power. They do have other funky flavours such as durian, cheese and sweet corn.
Apam Balik, also known as “Turnover Pancakes” is made on a hot griddle. This sweet and savoury dessert definitely brought back a sense of nostalgia. The pancake was crisp on the outside and consistently fluffy on the inside. We love how the sweetness of the melted chocolate rice and caramelized bananas complemented each other.
Note: Perfect for sharing as both of us could not finish it in a single sitting.
Location: WGS A G287
As you cross over to Onan Road, you will be able to see another stretch of food and drink stalls along Geylang Road (at the side where Haig Road Market and Food Centre is) serving the likes of Vada (savoury fried snacks), Nutella Smores Dip and some good old pasar malam favourites, namely Ramly Burgers and Turkish Kebabs.
We had the Chicken Kebab (S$5) from Turkish Kebab House. The tender chicken was well marinated and its skin roasted till slightly charred. Each mouthful was flavoursome as the mildly-spicy chilli dressing packed a punch. It is best to consume the kebab immediately to refrain it from turning soggy!
Location: WGS B G126
What could go wrong with the Ramly Burger? You may be surprised! And overheated grill calls for a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, our Ramly Burger was prepared with such finesse and it was so therapeutic watching the cook work his magic.
Our Beef Ramly Burger (S$4) was held together by soft and fluffy buns and its beef patty sizzled to perfection. The patty was juicy and with the addition of the mayonnaise, cheese and chilli – this is what we call the ideal rendition of a good ol’ cheeseburger. You can request to remove any of the sauces mentioned.
Location: WGS B G113
Finally, we concluded our food hunt by visiting the Alfresco Food Hub. This is where you can find the hipster grub and the conventional Insta-worthy “carnival” food. The Alfresco Food Hub is located right beside Tanjong Katong Complex, along Lor Sireh Pinang.
We decided to try the White Rabbit Drink (S$3.50/ regular size) from Take A Bite. Your eyes are not tricking you. –We are talking about your childhood favourite candy in the form of a drink!. You’ve been warned that the White Rabbit Candy drink is really, really sweet. Those with a sweet tooth will absolutely love it, but the health conscious should definitely proceed with caution.
Location: WGS B G019
Food aside, there are several other fringe activities such as the claw machine and game booths that are available at bazaar.
Seating areas are also easily accessible where you can take a break in between your shopping and gastronomic adventures.
Other retail shops include home décor, beauty products, cosmetics, traditional malay costumes and many more.
All in all, we think that 2019 bazaar has definitely seen an improvement as compared to the previous years. We leave it up to you whether you’d like to hop onto the bandwagon and pay a visit to the largest night market of the year!
How to get there
Since the bazaar is held along Sims Avenue, Geylang Serai, Geylang Road and Onan Road. There are multiple parking options for you if you are driving over to the bazaar:
Engku Aman Open Space Carpark (Nearest carpark to Traditional Malay food stalls)
Geylang Serai Multi-storey Carpark
Wisma Geylang Serai Carpark (Limited parking lots)
Tanjong Katong Complex Carpark (Nearest carpark to Alfresco Food Hub)
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar
By Bus: 2, 7, 13 or 155
Opening Hours*
Food and Beverage:
Sunday to Thursday: 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Fridays & Saturdays: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM
*Opening hours may vary from stall to stall
When: 03 May 2019 – 05 June 2019
Where: 1 Geylang Serai, Singapore 402001
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