SingaporeMotherhood | Family Fun
March 2023
Guide to Ramadan 2023: Iftar Buffets, Raya Treats & Buzzy Bazaars in Singapore
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, abstaining from food, water, and other personal needs. It is a time for self-reflection, spiritual purification, and charity. Muslims in Singapore usually break their fast with a meal called iftar, where family and friends gather to share food and exchange greetings. We search out the best Halal-certified iftar buffets for Ramadan 2023, which runs from 22 March to 21 April.
The month of Ramadan culminates in Hari Raya Puasa, or Aidilfitri, a vibrant festival of celebration and thanksgiving. It’s also a time to bond over yummy snacks, cookies, and cakes! Find out where to get your fill of some special Raya goodies this year.
For an all-in-one experience, head to one of the bustling Ramadan bazaars, where you’ll find snacks and goodies galore, while shopping new baju and accessories for Hari Raya. There are plenty of traditional and trendy food stalls, so you can settle your iftar meals too!
RAMADAN 2023 IFTAR BUFFETS
1. Ramadan Festive Buffet – 21 on Rajah
Fans of Middle Eastern cuisine should head to 21 on Rajah’s Ramadan Festive Buffet. Highlights include the likes of Hummus, Lamb Moussaka, and Moroccan Chicken Rabat Tagine. Slow-roasted Baby Lamb in Tunisian Spice with Saffron Basmati Rice and Rendang U.S. Prime Ribeye star at the carving station. Alongside are Malay, local, and Asian favourites from Satay to Japchae, as well as seafood-on-ice and desserts. Those breaking fast will also appreciate traditional Bubur Lambuk, a lightly spiced iftar rice porridge.
Where Lobby Level, Days Hotel by Wyndham Singapore at Zhongshan Park
When 22 March to 21 April
How much From $62++ per adult | From $31++ per child
Web www.21onrajah.com
2. Ramadan Celebration Buffet – Asian Market Café
Asian Market Café’s buffet line of local favourites and Southeast Asian delicacies returns for Ramadan 2023. Whet your appetite with seafood-on-ice, Ayam Panggang Salad, Gado-Gado, and more. Next, try Singapore Laksa, Mee Rebus, Soto Ayam, ‘New Age Roti John’, Grilled Satay, Mutton Rendang, and Ikan Assam Pedas. Live carvings of Slow-roasted Spiced Lamb and Oven-baked Spice Rubbed Barramundi also await. For dessert, highlights include Signature AMC Durian Pengat, Assorted Nyonya Kueh, and Steamed Puteri Ayu.
Where Level 2, Fairmont Singapore
When 1 March to 30 April
How much From $84++ per adult | From $42++ per child
Web www.fairmont-singapore.com
3. Ramadan Iftar with BBQ Feast – Atrium Restaurant
If you love buffets and barbecues, then Atrium Restaurant’s Ramadan Iftar with a BBQ Feast is a must. It’s a smorgasbord of carnivorous delights, such as Lamb Chops, Ribeye, Honey Chicken Wings, Sambal Squid, Satay, and Otah-otah. On Fridays to Sundays, the super tender and flavourful Whole Spiced Roast Baby Lamb steals the limelight. Mix-and-match flavours with the wide selection of dips — the spicy kicap manis and sambal belacan are lit! Other must-tries include Ayam Pongteh, Slow-baked Whole Norwegian Salmon, and Executive Chef Chua Yew Hock’s Signature Laksa.
Where Level 4, Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
When 22 March to 1 May
How much From $45++ per adult (usual from $90++) | From $25++ per child
Web singaporeatrium.holidayinn.com
4. Heritage Flavours – Carousel
This Ramadan 2023, buffet specialist Carousel takes diners down memory lane with its Heritage Flavours menu. Tuck into iftar specials, starting with Gado Gado, Nasi Ambeng, Traditional Satay, and Lobster Mee Soto. They join the already wide spread of seafood and starters, Halal cheeses, Japanese, Mediterranean, local, and charcoal barbecue favourites. Leave space for seasonal desserts, such as Gula Melaka Swiss Roll, Durian Pengat, and Bandung Ice Cream. The nostalgia continues with cookies, snacks, and drinks from yesteryear.
Where Level 1, Royal Plaza on Scotts
When 21 March to 22 April
How much From $71++ per adult | From $38++ per child (15% off with selected credit cards)
Web www.carouselbuffet.com.sg
(See also: Ramadan Fasting during Pregnancy: How to Do It Safely)
5. Chef Wan’s Malaysian Palace Cuisine – Ginger
Celebrity Chef Wan returns after five years to present the best of Malaysian Palace Cuisine just for Ramadan. There’s Ayam Percik from Kelantan, Perak’s Rendang Udang Galah, and from our closest neighbour, Johor, Kuzi Kambing and Laksa. Finally, Chef Wan pays tribute to his late grandmother by serving her Kerabu Meehoon Nyonya. These recipes typically reserved for Malay royalty accompany Ginger’s extensive Ramadan festive buffet, complete with Bubur Lambuk, Salted Egg Yolk Crab, and Milo ‘Dinosaur’ Soft Serve.
Where Level 1, PARKROYAL on Beach Road
When 5 March to 30 April
How much From $55++ per adult | From $27.50++ per child
Web www.parkroyalhotels.com/beachroad
6. Ramadan Iftar Buffet – J65
Seafood-ies flock to J65 for its Lobster Rock & Roll and Seafood Mania dinner buffets every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. For the rest of the week throughout Ramadan 2023, a special iftar spread takes centrestage. Highlights include Hyderabad Dum Briyani featuring 24-hour marinated roasted whole lamb, Braised Black Angus Beef with Ranch Sauce, an Whole Norwegian Salmon with Nonya Sauce. A live Korean station even features Jjim Dak, Haemul Pajeon, and Tteok Bokki by Chef Park Won Wook from Korea!
Where Level 1, JEN Singapore Tanglin by Shangri-La
When 23 March to 20 April (Mon, Tue, Thu & Sun)
How much $98++ per adult | $49++ per child
Web www.jen-eats.com/tanglin
7. Indonesian Ramadan Buffet – Kintamani Indonesian Restaurant
Feast on an extensive spread of authentic Indonesian cuisine at Kintamani. Begin with traditional Indonesian porridge, Bubur Surau or Bubur Manado, as well as sambals and crackers galore. Then pair Rendang Kambing, Ayam Bakakak, Udang Balado, and Flower Crab Padang-style with your choice of rice, noodles, and soups. You’ll also find Grilled Lamb Leg, Baked Fish, Chicken Sharwama, and more at the carving station. Put out any spice fires with a bowl of Cendol or Es Campur at the dessert station!
Where Level 3, Furama RiverFront
When 23 March to 21 April
How much From $38++ per adult | From $22.80++ per child | From $26.60++ per senior (15% early bird discount if you make your reservations by 20 March)
Web www.furama.com/riverfront
8. The Flavours of Peranakan – Peppermint
Relish all-you-can-eat true-blue Peranakan cuisine at Peppermint with its first-ever collaboration with Penang’s one-Michelin-star Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery. Chef-owner Beh Gaik Lean brings signature dishes, such as Brinjal Sambal, Egg Belanda, Assam Prawns, Curry Kapitan, and Ubi Kayu with Gula Melaka. They complement Peppermint’s Chef de Cuisine Leon Yee’s age-old recipes from his great-grandmother. These include Ayam Buah Keluak, Black Angus Beef Oxtail Pongteh, Pulut Hitam Cake, and Ondeh Ondeh Swiss Roll. Wash it down with complimentary Iced Bandung and Pandan Iced Tea.
Where Level 4, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay
When 17 March to 30 April
How much From $68++ per adult | From $34++ per child
Webwww.panpacific.co/marinabay
9. Ramadan 2023 Iftar Buffet – Permata Singapore
For a taste of progressive Nusantara cuisine, head to Permata’s Ramadan buffet. The royal mansion next to Istana Kampong Gelam will serve an authentic blend of Indonesian and Malay dishes. Headlining the spread are Percik Lamb Ribs, a staple at Ramadan bazaars in Kelantan; North Sulawesi-inspired Ayam Palumara, and Botok Botok Barramundi, Chef Mel Dean’s take on the steamed mackerel classic. Other must-tries include Rawon Risotto, the ultimate heritage dish, Mee Maidin, and desserts such as Bubur Som Som.
Where Gedung Kuning, 73 Sultan Gate
When 23 March to 20 April
How much $88++ per adult | $48++ per child
Web www.gedungkuning.sg
10. Santapan Ramadan Buffet – Window on the Park
Gather your loved ones and bond over the sumptuous Santapan Ramadan buffet at Window on the Park. Start with Malay Traditional Ulam Salad and Turkish Lamb Stew with Ocra. Then move on to delights such as Ayam Bakar Sambal Kicap and Lamb Chop Rendang Kerisik Sauce. Singapore Chilli Crab and Black Pepper Crab are also back by popular demand. End your feast on a sweet note with Um Ali, Pengat Pisang with Sago, Teh Tarik ice cream, and free-flow Bandung. Diners also stand to win a one-night stay with breakfast for two in a social media contest!
Where Level 2, Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre
When 22 March to 21 April
How much From $73++ per adult | From $38++ per child (10% off reservations made from 17 to 23 March)
Web singaporeorchard.holidayinn.com
(See also: Ramadan in Singapore: a Guide)
RAMADAN 2023 RAYA TREATS
Coconut Gula Melaka Cookies – All Things Delicious
From Assorted Dates Gift Box to Mini Bundt Cakes and Sticky Toffee Pudding, All Things Delicious has you covered. Fans swear by its addictive Coconut Gula Melaka Cookies that’s baked-to-order with European lactic butter and cage-free eggs. This one-stop Ramadan shop also offers ready-to-eat iftar essentials, including Mezze Platter, Harissa-roasted Organic Kampung Chicken with Sausage Filling, and pasta and pilaf trays. They even cater a delicious Chef-To-Go Iftar Mini Buffet that’s perfect for families of four to six.
From $15.90 at www.allthingsdelicious.sg
Mubarak Ramadan Bundle Box – Amazin’ Graze
If you’re fasting, it’s important to eat healthily during your pre-dawn meal and when breaking your fast. Amazin’ Graze’s specially curated Ramadan and Raya essentials help you do just that. The Mubarak Ramadan Bundle Box fills your pantry with varieties from Pink Berry Instant Oatmeal to Pandan Coconut Nut Mix. It also comes with a free Yves Rocher Juicy Berries Duo Kit. The wide range of snack boxes and bundles also make for thoughtful gifts for family and friends observing Ramadan.
$58 at www.amazingraze.com.sg
Pandan Speculoos Cookies – Butter Studio
Halal-certified Butter Studio offers a delectable range of handcrafted cookies and cakes for the season. Making its debut for Ramadan 2023 are these moreish Pandan Speculoos Cookies. Each buttery bomb contains a generous dollop of caramelised cookie butter for added oomph. It joins returning favourites, such as Nutella Latte Cookies and Sea Salt Red Velvet Cookies. Other popular items include Kunafe Cheesecake and assorted Raya cupcakes and tarts. Spend at least $100 to enjoy 10% off Raya cookies till 24 March.
$23.90 at www.thebutterstudio.com
Tapak Kuda Raya – Hipster Bakes
Muslim-owned home-based bakery Hipster Bakes has attracted quite a following for their delicious cookies and cakes. For example, Tapak Kuda Raya, or fluffy horseshoe-shaped sponge cake rolls with a Nutella core, that sells out annually. Other perennial Ramadan favourites include Makmur Cookies, Ondeh Ondeh Tarts, and Rose Lychee Tarts. The latest rainbow-hued Paddlepop Spritz Cookies are proving to be a hit too. Orders come in thick and fast during the Ramadan and Hari Raya season, so get yours in stat!
$22 for 2 rolls at www.shopee.sg/hipsterbakes
Ketupat Ice Cream Cake – Swensen’s
Sweeten Hari Raya family celebrations with this imaginative Ketupat Ice Cream Cake. Instead of rice, the giant woven diamond-shaped parcel envelops a refreshing core of pandan kaya ice cream! Joining Swensen’s newest ice cream cake creation, a selection of savoury specials include Satay Ayam with Rice, IMPOSSIBLE™ Satay Pizza, and Ramadan Iftar Platter for sharing. In addition, the Nasi Lemak Ice Cream Cake and Pandan Bandung Ice Cream Roll are also back by popular demand!
$55 till 21 April or while stocks last at Swensen’s outlets islandwide or shop online
9,500 Halal-certified Products – FairPrice
To better serve the needs of Muslim customers, FairPrice has increased its range of Halal-certified products by over 21 per cent this year. In fact, about 9,500 items — many exclusive to FairPrice — are available to fuel your Ramadan and Hari Raya needs! In addition, you can grab ready-to-eat hot delicatessen products for iftar on your way home from work at dedicated Halal Corners at 32 FairPrice stores islandwide. The popular pop-up kueh booths also make a return this year at 16 outlets, while 60 outlets will distribute Iftar Packs to Muslim customers 30 minutes before and after sundown daily. P.S. Stand a chance to win 4 MG HS cars with every $30 spent in the Raya Festive Draw!
Pop-up kueh booths and iftar pack distribution available till 21 April at selected FairPrice stores islandwide
(See also: March 2023: Eat, Play, Shop & More for Families in Singapore this Month)
RAMADAN 2023 BAZAARS
One Kampong Gelam presents Raikan Cahaya Ramadan
The historic Malay-Muslim quarter brings back its annual Ramadan bazaar bigger than ever before. Starting today, visitors can expect 23 retail booths and 86 food stalls, food trucks, and outdoor grills. Enjoy Raya goodies, satay, seafood, and IG-friendly treats, alongside the option of outdoor dining or mezzanine seating. Translating to “celebrating the light of Ramadan”, Raikan Cahaya Ramadan 2023 also offers dazzling light installations, aerial light shows on weekends, live performances, and a 10-day charity drive.
From 15 March to 16 April (12nn – 11pm) at Kampong Glam (Baghdad Street, Kandahar Street, Sultan Gate). Stay tuned to www.facebook.com/visitkamponggelam for updates.
Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2023
This year, Singapore’s largest Ramadan bazaar, boasting some 700 stalls, will also run for an unprecedented 36 days. Timing its opening to coincide with the Hari Raya light-up in Geylang Serai, it features two distinct zones. While exploring the much-anticipated ‘Street Bazaar’, which stretches from Geylang Serai Market to Tanjong Katong Complex, look out for interactive art installations. Besides more food and retail stalls, ‘Souq City’ in the vicinity of Wisma Geylang Serai also highlights community shelves, where you can donate non-perishable Halal food and Raya clothing.
From 17 March to 21 April (10am – 12mn) at Geylang Serai (Engku Aman Road, Geylang Road, Changi Road). Stay tuned to www.facebook.com/WismaGeylangSerai for updates.
LalooLalang Raya Pop Up
Amid the ‘glam’ vibe happening around Kampong Gelam during this season, Aliwal Arts Centre hosts LalooLalang’s own Raya Pop Up. Expect three days of fun festivities during the Good Friday public holiday long weekend. Spanning the entire ground floor, it will be a special curation of about 50 vendors, ranging from food to fashion. Here’s a tip: Check out the stalls within the airconditioned centre when it gets too warm outside!
From 7 to 9 April (2pm – 10pm) at Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street. Stay tuned to www.facebook.com/laloolalang for updates.
Twilight Ramadan 2023
Twilight Flea & Feast takes their popular Ramadan edition to Downtown East this year. As always, expect lots of vendors offering tasty Halal food and snacks to fill hungry tummies. The 4-day event will also feature retail stalls where you can shop for clothes, accessories, homeware, and even toys. It’s always fun for the whole family, with a host of entertainment options, including hands-on activities for the kids.
From 13 to 16 April (12nn – 10pm) at D’Marquee @ Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Close. Stay tuned to www.facebook.com/twilightfeast for updates.
Paya Lebar Quarter Festivities
Not exactly a bazaar, but a wide range of Halal options await at Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ) this Ramadan. At the same time, shoppers enjoy exclusive promotions, rewards, and parking perks. Lendlease Plus members who spend at least $200 in up to three same-day combined receipts can redeem a $10 e-voucher. From 22 April to 7 May, you’ll earn double the Plus$ with a minimum $50 spent. Not a Lendlease Plus member yet? Sign up now with promo code “LLPPLQ23” and stand to receive a welcome bonus of 5,000 Plus$. Don’t miss the chance to spice up your festive photoshoots with themed decorations at PLQ Plaza and Parkside!
Where 10 Paya Lebar Road
When 14 April to 28 May
Web www.payalebarquarter.com
SingaporeMotherhood wishes all our Muslim readers a blessed Ramadan 2023, and Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri in advance. For everyone else, join us in a month of delicious food and festive fun!
Prices may be subject to prevailing taxes; prices and menus are accurate at time of publishing.
Featured image: Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium
All content from this article, including images, cannot be reproduced without credits or written permission from SingaporeMotherhood.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram for the latest article and promotion updates.
