Trove of the unique and familiar

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.

(Left) Traders preparing a fresh batch of popiah.

“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.

Traders pouring a dash of sambal on their nasi lemak offering, which is accompanied by sides that include large prawns.

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.

Napie carving out roast 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.

Arizal making his crowd-pleasing cheese-loaded tacos.

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.