Sights and Delights during Ramadhan in Brunei

Ramadhan is a holy month when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.

For the non Muslims it is also a month when they can enjoy lots of goodies at Ramadhan bazaars. Some traders experiment with new ideas like selling new cakes or new fusion food. But most come with their normal traditional foods like Pais Ikan or fried noodles. The supply and demand is reversed : Muslim traders sell to non Muslims as well as to their own people in a large arena of make shift stalls only meant for Halal Food. The food chain is activated in a unique way. Smoke fills the air and so does Muslim prayers from either the loudspeakers or small portable radios.

And it is a good time for me to look for unusual food and sights. Brunei is a food wonderland.

Good kebab at this stall....Cheerful seller.







Here's young lady preparing her kebabs. "Laku" She said. Laku has become a mixed Chinese Malay term and acceptable in our local speech. It means popular.



Colour cold drinks. The pink ones are called Air Bandung - it is Rose Syrup mixed with Evaporated Milk and is an all time favourite during the fasting month.




Beautifully bbq-ed sting ray or Pari. This is not too spicy and one can just peel the fresh off by hand.



Holy Smoke!!




"This wooden cash box has been with the family for more than 30 years." the operator proudly told me. I like the contrast : new handphone on top of the old box. I think the carpenter must have been a good craftsman.


This is a special cake (perhaps only found in Brunei) - cake to warm the womb after child birth. I think it is a bit too late for me now.....


A Good Haji buying food to take home....


Nice to see this decor - made from Nipah Palm. This is the only stall with green decor.



Another cultural fusion - Breaking fast with noodles and eating with chopsticks. Thanks for allowing me to take your picture.

Family of Ramadhan traders enjoying their Sungkai (breaking of fast food).



Young boy enjoying his little bombs (crackers)


Happy to break fast.

A group of employees from Hua Ho Departmental stall sat on the steps of the Stadium to break their fast. As they ate they listened to the prayers broadcast from their car radio. They were taking a break after which they would go back to work!! Cheerful and enthusiastic employees.

Darkness was looming up fast as I left for home. It was nice to have a cheerful wave from them. With a sigh I thought to myself that it was a time well spent.