Ramadan bazaar draws muslim crowd in Bangkok during fasting month

BANGKOK: Each year during Ramadan, the atmosphere at Petchaburi Road Soi 7, located in the heart of Bangkok turns lively with the Ramadan bazaar held there.
From 1 to 30 Ramadan, the street, or "Soi" in Thai is frequented by many Thai Muslims in the city looking for food to break the fast.
Murtabak (spicy folded omelette pancake) trader Mohamad Toha who has been operating a stall there for the past few years said on average, he sold about 200 pieces of the pancakes from 2pm until sunset.
"I sell three types of murtabaks – chicken, beef, and bananas – at 35 Baht (RM4.50) a piece. Banana murtabaks are very popular here and has always been the choice of customers," said the trader who also has a sister living in Butterworth, Penang.
Murtabak in Bangkok is savoured with sweetened condensed milk or sugar water with slices of cucumber, onion and chilli, unlike in Malaysia, where it is often served with dal or curry.

Murtabak, which is known as "Mataba" by the locals is very popular in Bangkok, with many stalls in the bazaar offering the delicacy.
Traders at the bazaar also sell a variety of traditional Thai dishes such as "Khao Krieb Pak Mor Kai", namely chicken balls wrapped in fine sheets of corn flour and eaten with slices of fried coconut and chilli.
Among the other popular traditional food at the bazaar are "Kai Song Krueng" – chicken meatballs mixed with rice and sweets; "Fakthong Chuem" – pumpkin pudding with palm sugar water and "Sai Krog Khao"– giant sausages made from grilled meat and rice.
All the dishes are sold at reasonable prices of between 30 Baht (RM3.90) to 50 Baht (RM6.50).
Apart from the Ramadan bazaar, Soi 7 Petchaburi road is well known for the presence of many halal restaurants and food stalls which are frequented by the Muslim community all year round.
Ramadan bazaars are also available in other areas with large Muslim communities in the city, such as Ramkhamhaeng, Min Buri and Nong Chok. — Bernama