SingaporeMotherhood | Family Fun
May 2018
Ramadan 2018: Iftar Buffets & Hari Raya Bazaars Not to be Missed
For families observing fasts this Ramadan, these Iftar buffets and Hari Raya bazaars around town are great options for your evening meals, and day-to-night shopping. Non-Muslims are welcome too!
This year, the sacred month of Ramadan starts on Tuesday, 15 May and ends on Thursday, 14 June. Muslim adults observe a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. It’s also the lead-up to Hari Raya Puasa, when Muslims celebrate a personal victory of repentance, self-restraint and renewal. Throughout Ramadan, you’ll find Iftar buffets and Hari Raya bazaars across the island. In multi-cultural Singapore, you don’t even have to be Muslim to experience the delicious cuisine and colourful atmosphere of the season!
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ABUNDANT IFTAR BUFFETS
Iftar refers to the evening meal that breaks the daily fast observed during the daylight hours. In recent years, dining options have continued to grow, giving Muslim families more choices when it comes to dining out after a day of fasting. Many hotels are even having their kitchens specially cleansed and certified Halal ahead of the Muslim fasting month.
1. The Sedap-licious Ramadan Buffet at Azur, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
Back by popular demand is the Sedap-licious Ramadan Buffet at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport’s buffet restaurant, Azur. Live stations present highlights from Whole Salmon with Laksa Gravy to Lamb Slab Biryani, while Satay-marinated Australian Beef Short Ribs headlines the carving station. The Halal spread is complete with seafood on ice, traditional Raya favourites and locally inspired desserts such as Teh Tarik Tiramisu, Chendol Panna Cotta and the must-try Chilli Crab ice cream!
A dedicated prayer room with prayer rugs has been prepared for Muslim diners, and 1-for-1 lunch buffets (from $58++ per adult, from $29++ per child) are also available. Group reservations of 10 adults and up enjoy a 30% discount.
When 7 May to 30 June, 6pm-10pm
Where 75 Airport Boulevard
How much $68++ per adult, $34++ per child
Reservations Call 6823 5354, email [email protected], visit www.changiairport.crowneplaza.com
2. Ramadan Iftar Buffet Dinner at StraitsKitchen, Grand Hyatt Singapore
Break the fast with family and friends at Grand Hyatt Singapore’s Halal restaurant StraitsKitchen. It features Arabic mixed grill of chicken, lamb and beef, Ouzi slow-cooked Arabic spiced lamb and a selection of homemade mezzeh and breads. Other traditional favourites include Baklava, Basbousa and Lalida Coconut, as well as a selection of Kasih Halva’s Arabic syrups. You can also enjoy Chinese, Indian, Malay and Peranakan cuisines.
StraitsKitchen’s signature Date Bazaar also boasts a huge array of moist dates from Egypt, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Tunisia! The iftar buffet throughout Ramadan is followed by an indulgent Hari Raya Puasa celebratory buffet dinner ($88++ per adult, $44++ per child) that’s available from 14 to 16 June.
When 17 May to 13 June, 6pm-10.30pm
Where 10 Scotts Road
How much $80++ per adult, $40++ per child
Reservations Call 6732 1234, email [email protected], visit www.singapore.grand.hyattrestaurants.com
(See also: How Much Do Your Kids Know About These 11 Festivals Celebrated in Multiracial Singapore?)
3. Ramadan Buffet at Chef Wan’s Kitchen
For the very first time, Chef Wan’s Kitchen is hosting an all-you-can-eat buffet showcasing the celebrity chef’s signature dishes. From mainstays such as Chef Wan’s Selangor Beef Rendang and Ayam Lemak Chilli Padi to seafood options such as Lala Masak Kunyit and Sambal Petai Udang, there’s plenty to whet your appetite. There will also be live stations serving classics such as Bibik Neo’s laksa, mee soto, kambing soup and bubur ramadas. Top up with desserts like pulut hitam and wash it all down with homemade bandung.
For even better value, every second diner enjoys 50% discount purchasing Chef Wan’s Kitchen buffet vouchers and booking through Chope, while the in-house “90-minute Early bird Special” also means 50% off every second diner for bookings at 5pm.
When 16 May to 13 June, 5pm-10pm
Where #02-14 Esplanade Mall, 8 Raffles Avenue
How much From $35.50+ per adult, $15.50+ per child
Reservations Call 6397 4911, email [email protected], visit www.facebook.com/ChefWansKitchen
4. Ramadhan Iftar Buffet Pop-Up Restaurant at Hilton Singapore
Hilton Singapore will be hosting its popular Ramadhan iftar buffet pop-up at the newly renovated Panorama Venue this year. The feast spans six carving and live action stations featuring roasted whole baby lamb, whole roasted beef sirloin, Penang laksa, mix fruit rojak, Ramly burger and ice kacang. It also highlights local favourites such as soup kambing and grilled otah-otah, alongside Moroccan, Indian, Japanese and Chinese cuisine. For dessert, don’t miss bubur cha cha and pengat pisang, plus the popular Hilton cheesecake, chocolate fountain and more.
Halal-certified by MUIS, the Iftar buffet pop-up restaurant is located on level 24, offering beautiful sunset views, the perfect backdrop for breaking fast, with prayer rooms available on site. Groups of six to 15 diners enjoy a 25% discount with reservations made at least two days in advance.
When 16 May to 14 June, 6.30pm-10.30pm
Where 581 Orchard Road
How much From $68++ per adult, from $34++ per child
Reservations Call 6737 2233, email sinhi.f&[email protected], visit www.singapore.hilton.com
(See also: Family Feasting just got better with these Kid-Friendly Weekend Lunch and Brunch Restaurants in Singapore)
5. Ramadhan Iftar Dinner at AquaMarine, Marina Mandarin Singapore
In collaboration with Garuda Indonesia, AquaMarine will be presenting a special Ramadhan Iftar Dinner buffet. Guest Chef Vindex Tengker will also be delighting diners with authentic Indonesian dishes such as Rendang Padang, Gado Gado, Ayam Betutu, Sate Lilit and Nasi Goreng Kampung. The Halal-certified buffet spread will also showcase Kampung-style Slow Braised Leg of Lamb, Ayam Penyet and Oven-baked Fish with Assam Curry, while the Middle Eastern Roasted Whole Baby Lamb takes centrestage on Fridays and Saturdays.
Diners can also look forward to exquisite cultural performances and stand to win a trip to Bali and Belitung! In addition, every child aged 12 years and below dines free with every paying adult from 17 to 30 May.
When 16 May to 14 June, 6.30pm-10pm
Where 6 Raffles Boulevard
How much From $72++ per adult, from $36++ per child
Reservations Call 6845 1111, email [email protected], visit www.meritushotels.com
EXCITING HARI RAYA BAZAARS
Ahead of Hari Raya Puasa, which falls on Friday, 15 June this year, homes are refreshed with new furnishings and decorations. Muslim families also prepare new clothes to receive friends and relatives during the celebratory festival. That’s why apart from traditional delicacies and IG-worthy snacks, you’ll also find beautiful fabrics, curtains, rugs, lamps and crockery for sale at Hari Raya bazaars or ‘pasar malam’ (night markets).
1. Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2018
Image cc licensed (CC BY 2.0) flickr image Gold by Khairul Nizam
The largest and most highly anticipated Ramadan bazaar happens, of course, at Geylang Serai. This year, the street light-up ceremony happens on 12 May, with much of the action taking place at the new Wisma Geylang Serai, a Malay-Muslim cultural and heritage hub. The pasar malam itself is set to be bigger than ever before, spreading out from Wisma Geylang Serai into Haig Road, along Engku Aman Road and around Tanjong Katong Complex. Besides traditional Malay costumes and houseware, expect over 1,000 stalls selling anything from Raya festive goodies to unicorn-themed hipster food.
When 12 May to 14 June, 10am-10pm
Where Haig Road, Malay Village, Tanjong Katong Complex & Wisma Geylang Serai
Nearest MRT station Paya Lebar
(See also: 17 NEW Must-Try Delectable Street Foods at The Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2017)
2. Our Tampines Hub Hari Raya Bazaar 2018
If you’d like to learn about cultural practices in various Muslim countries such as Turkey and Uzbekistan, head to the new Hari Raya bazaar at Our Tampines Hub. It’s divided into three themed zones – where visitors can shop, feast and explore Muslim cultures from around the globe. Upping the fun factor on weekends will be performances from popular Malay celebrities such as Zizan Razak and Ruffedge.
When 12 May to 13 June, 10am-10pm
Where Our Tampines Hub, 1 Tampines Walk
Nearest MRT station Tampines
(See also: 12 Must-Try Non-Hipster Street Foods at the Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar)
3. Bazaar Raya Utara 2018: Our Kampong Days
Miss the simple, laidback kampong days? Then drop by Bazaar Raya Utara in Woodlands and reminisce over traditional food, fun kampong games and Malay movie screenings. Also expect snacks from Chulop! and The Original Pisang Keju, fashion from Ayu Apparels, BIRUE and many more. Catch performances by Amira Othman, Aiman Tino, Ella Aminuddin, Sufian Suhaimi and the like on weekends.
When 14 May to 12 June, 10am-10pm
Where Woodlands Regional Centre (open field beside Causeway Point)
Nearest MRT station Woodlands
4. CelebFest 2018: Ramadhan Edition
Like the previous four editions, CelebFest 2018 will be headlined by special appearances from award-winning local and regional celebrities. For this special Ramadhan Edition, the event will see performances by winners of Gegar Vaganza Aishah, Azharina and Siti Nordiana, for starters. There will also be plenty of celebrity retail and F&B options, so prepare for lots of stargazing throughout!
When 18 to 20 May, 10am-10pm
Where Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre, Halls 401 & 402
Nearest MRT station Esplanade & Promenade
5. The Grand Bazaar
If you’ve always wanted to visit the famed spice bazaars in Istanbul, then head to The Grand Bazaar. Inspired by the beautiful sights and sounds of Turkey, visitors can expect a myriad of food, fashion and furniture shopping, plus cultural performances to enjoy. Taking place on the final weekend of Ramadan, there’ll also be Muslim Youth Forum SG sharing sessions, while popular groups UNIC and Raihan will be on hand with their classic and latest hits.
When 8 to 10 June, 10am-10pm
Where Singapore Expo, Hall 6B
Nearest MRT station Expo
Header image: Scribbling Geek
Feature image: Hilton Singapore
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