Each day, the city shifts a little so that images are fast forgotten. What many Malay Muslims in Singapore used to love — such as old Geylang wet market and food stalls in the open-air carpark — have long disappeared and in their place are new faces, delicacies and attractions. Soon, these too will vanish in the waves of redevelopment and gentrification. Here, we capture moments to look back fondly on — who knows what next year will bring.
Remembering: Ramadhan in Geylang Serai, 2014
By Coconuts
Glorious moments of the annual bazaar in Singapore’s predominantly Malay precinct, in the Muslim holy month
-
Free country
By Coconuts
Jay-walking is a common sight in Geylang Serai during the hectic month, even in the presence of law enforcement officers
-
Foodie haven
By Coconuts
The food stalls have spread this year to all corners of the bazaar, selling everything from honeyed beef jerky to grilled squid
-
Mr Teh Tarik Eating House
By Coconuts
Best known source of fried snacks like jackfruit and banana fritters
-
Every bit a carnival
By Coconuts
Even funfair staples like popcorn and cotton candy aren’t left out of the menu
-
Apam balik
By Coconuts
Another quintessentially Ramadhan Bazaar delicacy, the apam balik or “turnover pancake” in English is filled with sweet peanut paste and sometimes chocolate
-
The ubiquitous Burger Ramly stall
By Coconuts
-
In with the new…
By Coconuts
The two coconut ice-cream stalls that only popped up at this edition of the Ramadhan Bazaar reflects the city’s newfound obsession with the tropical fruit
-
… and in with the old
By Coconuts
Ice pops continue to be popular as the city closes in on the hot August month
-
Season for charity
By Coconuts
Donation boxes, especially these ones for the TAA Trust Fund, line the district during Ramadhan
-
Tanjong Katong Complex carpet auction
By Coconuts
-
Red, white, green…
By Coconuts
This patriotic billboard turned up at a carpet display in the last week of Ramadhan
-
…and other raya colours
By Coconuts
The nyonya kebaya has evolved over the years — this version sports a longer top with elaborate, almost garish, beading
-
Lights, camera, Geylang
By Coconuts
Joo Chiat Complex, where Malaysian actors are known to make promotional appearances during Ramadhan, boasts the brightest facade in Geylang Serai
-
Geylang Serai New Market
By Coconuts
The recently remodelled building just celebrated its 50th anniversary, and is still going strong
-
Shopping at Geylang Serai New Market
By Coconuts
Shops selling traditional Malay baju, scarves and accessories occupy the second floor
-
Child riding the swinger at a makeshift carnival
By Coconuts
The empty field this year houses rides like this one, but will soon make way for the Wisma Geylang rec centre
-
Fairy or disco lights?
By Coconuts
Whatever makes the windows stand out more, especially on the night before Hari Raya
-
House of horrors…
By Coconuts
A relatively recent mainstay, this scare attraction has become a non-official meeting point for folks spending the day at the bazaar
-
…and is that the Raya Grinch?
By Coconuts
A woman painting a mask that will evidently be used by a scare professional
-
Famous ‘Bunga Kembang Malam’ poet…
By Coconuts
For years, this man has parked himself on a wooden ‘throne’ and recited poems to young girls accompanying their faux flower-loving mothers
-
…now has a contender
By Coconuts
And he doesn’t just smile at young girls with their flower-loving mothers
