Quantcast
Channel: Travelfish on Singapore » Festivals
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 10

Ramadan in Singapore

0
0

Around 15 percent of Singapore’s citizens are Muslims, meaning the city-state, along with much of Southeast Asia, celebrates the month of Ramadan. This year the period runs July 10 to August 7; it’s a great time if you’re in Singapore to get a flavour of the Malay culture here.

Sultan Mosque is the focal point of Arab Street.

Sultan Mosque is the focal point of Arab Street.

Singapore’s Arab street and Kampong Glam area, historically the Muslim quarter of Singapore, is bustling with activity during Ramadan. A visit to Arab Street ideally starts at Sultan Mosque, built in 1824 and considered the national mosque; visiting hours typically end at 16:00.

Muslims prepare for an Iftar, or breaking of fast session at Sultan Mosque.

Muslims prepare for an Iftar, or breaking of fast session at Sultan Mosque.

During Ramadan, the mosque hosts Iftar, the breaking of the day’s fast at sunset, and Terawih, special Ramadan nightly prayers, along with other mosques and allocated prayer areas across the island.
The main prayer hall at Sultan Mosque.

The main prayer hall at Sultan Mosque.

It is not uncommon for the inter-faith community to be allowed to join Muslims in breaking their fast, or Iftar sessions, so do enquire at the mosque if you’re interested.

Briyani, a filling rice-based dish made with spices and meat is a  common dish for Iftar.

Briyani is a popular dish eaten for Iftar.

Food bazaars are held at several places across the island during Ramadan. Stalls are set up near Sultan Mosque along Bussorah street and feature a wide range of foods for Iftar.

At the Ramadan bazaars you'll frequently find doner kebabs from Turkey, or in this case, Tunisia.

At the Ramadan bazaars you’ll frequently find doner kebabs from Turkey, or in this case, Tunisia.

In recent times, the range of food at Arab Street has expanded in range to reflect the population diversity here. Cafes offer Iranian, Lebanese and Egyptian dishes, and even fruit-flavoured hookah.

A French restaurant at Baghdad street offers a special Ramadan set menu.

A French restaurant at Baghdad Street offers a special Ramadan set menu.

Other restaurants in the area that serve Western cuisines will ensure that they’re not left out of the action, and bring on the spirit of Ramadan in their own creative ways.

Besides Arab Street, Geylang Serai is another Malay-Muslim quarter which features a huge bazaar and festive street lights during Ramadan.

Geylang Serai features a huge bazaar and festive street lights during Ramadan.

Elsewhere in the east of the island, Geylang Serai, a predominantly Malay precinct, celebrates Ramadan in a big way too and usually features a glittering street light-up.

The bazaar is set up along the road and is much larger than the one at Arab Street. Many of the shops here are open late into the night, some even 24 hours, which adds to the festive atmosphere. It features stalls selling items other than food; besides ever-popular mobile phone accessories and traditional Malay clothes, you’ll find carpet auctions and games for children as well.

The Ramly burger beats McDonald’s hands down.

The Ramly burger beats McDonald’s hands down.

If you do visit Singapore at this time, enjoy the festivities. And a Ramly burger — a simple concoction of meat patty and egg, slathered with chilli sauce — is a perfect supper to end the day.


Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 10

Latest Images

Trending Articles





Latest Images