The Star Malaysia

Trove of the unique and familiar

Eclectic ttdi ramadan bazaar a huge draw for foodies

- By JAROD LIM jarodlim@thestar.com.my

KNOWN for offering unique and sometimes extravagan­t foods, the popular Ramadan bazaar in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) in Kuala Lumpur is a trove of culinary wonders.

It also offers experience­d chefs who have worked in hotels and restaurant­s an opportunit­y to showcase cuisines to entice the adventurou­s palates of seasoned foodies and curious gastronome­s alike.

From local delights such as kambing golek (roasted lamb), tepung pelita and chilli crab to Western cuisines such as beef tacos and pasta, visitors are spoilt for choice.

Long queues are often spotted at the bazaar as visitors wait patiently to get their choice of food for break of fast.

One such popular stall is Pit Boy BBQ, which sells beef ribs.

“Last year, we had our popular pasta in an Italian Grana Padano cheese wheel.

“This year, we expanded to another stall with a selection of meats,” said its founder Arizal Aziz.

“Visitors can try our beef ribs and brisket done Texas barbecue-style, grilled on a wood fire.

“Brisket is also used in our tacos drizzled with cheese and our homemade special sauce topped with tomatoes, coriander and garlic,” he said.

A skewered whole lamb on a spit at a different stall is an arresting sight.

M. Napie Lubis, who has 10 years of experience as a hotel chef, now runs a catering service specialisi­ng in roast lamb.

He said there was demand for the delectable meat.

“Despite the higher cost, I am willing to take the risk to have something different to offer.

“I use a secret marinade of 21 spices, including local, Chinese and Western spices, to prepare the lamb.

“On weekends, we can sell two whole lambs,” he said, adding that the lamb also went well with his homemade black pepper sauce.

Meanwhile, Burger Bros Wagyu burger might be a familiar name to TTDI folk.

The humble stall that operates along Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 3 is now offering Wagyu burgers at the bazaar.

Owner Ibrahim Sohairi said customers could have either Wagyu beef or chicken burgers.

“We use homemade buns and caramelise­d onions to go with their choice of patty,” he said.

The TTDI bazaar also attracts a number of buskers.

Dressed in a Batman costume, Azmi P. Ramli gets to live his dream of playing his favourite DC character while performing for the crowd.

“I started busking in 2015 and performed in the Bukit Bintang area.

“This is my first time here in TTDI, and I hope I can earn a decent living here,” said the single father of two boys aged 10 and 14.

 ?? — Photos: yap chee HONG/ the Star ?? (above) Beef ribs being grilled at the Pit Boy BBQ stall.
— Photos: yap chee HONG/ the Star (above) Beef ribs being grilled at the Pit Boy BBQ stall.
 ?? ?? (Left) traders preparing a fresh batch of popiah.
(Left) traders preparing a fresh batch of popiah.
 ?? ?? traders pouring a dash of sambal on their nasi lemak offering, which is accompanie­d by sides that include large prawns.
traders pouring a dash of sambal on their nasi lemak offering, which is accompanie­d by sides that include large prawns.
 ?? ?? Napie (left) carving out roast lamb and (right) arizal making his crowd-pleasing cheese-loaded tacos.
Napie (left) carving out roast lamb and (right) arizal making his crowd-pleasing cheese-loaded tacos.
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