Taman Tun Dr Ismail Ramadan Bazaar offers dishes not commonly found elsewhere. — Photos: SS KANESAN/The Star
INGREDIENTS like Japanese wagyu beef and Grana Padano cheese might not be typical Ramadan bazaar fare.
But the bazaar at Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) in Kuala Lumpur lives up to its reputation with unusual offerings.
A worker at the Yokai Restaurant stall preparing wagyu fried rice.
One might find the beefy aroma irresistible while walking past the stall selling wagyu fried rice, but the more eye-catching detail on their bunting is the word “#menurahmah”.
Banking on the Menu Rahmah hype, stall operator Raziq Rafice, who is also the co-owner of Japanese-fusion Yokai Restaurant in TTDI, is offering wagyu fried rice at a discounted price at the bazaar.
“At the restaurant, we sell the dish for RM38 but at the bazaar, it only costs RM21.
A visitor buying ayam percik from a stall at the TTDI Ramadan bazaar.
“We wanted to test the market at the bazaar and so far, the response has been encouraging with some of our restaurant regulars buying from us too,” he said.
Another stall that has a steady stream of customers queuing up is Pit Boy BBQ stall.
What attracts visitors is probably the sight of the cook mixing hot pasta in a cheese wheel.
Mini fried crabs are another unusual stall offering.
“Our cheese wheel pasta is back by popular demand after debuting at TTDI Ramadan Bazaar last year.
“We use Grana Padano from Italy and the cheese wheel is certified halal.
Lai was pleased with the wide variety available.
“After cooking macaroni with our homemade sauce, we mix it at the cheese wheel before packing it.
“Customers can get it for RM15 with an additional RM5 if they opt to add beef or lamb,” said Jefrey Faiz, restaurant manager for Pit Boy BBQ Puchong.
The stall also sells imported smoked lamb ribs at RM15 as well as smoked beef back ribs at RM18 per 100g.
Razzin bought wagyu fried rice and a smashed burger.
Intrigued by some of the upscale treats at TTDI Ramadan bazaar being promoted online, dentistry undergraduate Razzin Nasarraddin, 21, gave in to the hype.
“I bought wagyu fried rice and a smashed burger.
“The trader claimed that the patty is flattened for a better texture and it came with sauteed mushroom and onion.
Abd Hadi says the bazaar encourages cashless transactions.
“I admit that both items are pricey but I am willing to spend for these rare finds,” he told StarMetro when met at the bazaar’s exit while on his way back home to break fast.
Insurance agent Alton Lai, 28, who visited the bazaar in TTDI for the first time, said he was impressed by the wide selection.
“Although there are a lot of visitors, there is also ample space to queue up and buy,” he said.
A busker performing at the TTDI Ramadan bazaar.
There are also traders who offer cheaper options like the Nasi Bajet D’laila stall where a packet of chicken rice costs RM6.
Long queues are often seen at some stalls such as Tepung Pelita Istimewa and Shawarma Grill.
Shoppers are able to use different modes of payment such as ewallets and credit cards, in addition to cash.
TTDI Ramadan Bazaar chairman Abd Hadi Mustafa, who is also known as Eddy, said the bazaar was equipped for digital payment.
“We are known as a digital bazaar.
“We accept all cards available in Malaysia, to encourage cashless transactions,” he said.
