Ramadhan Bazaar - Unwritten Etiquette for Everyone

Ramadhan in Malaysia is embraced with customary Malay kampong lifestyle and nostalgically craving for traditional dishes, cakes or desserts as Muslims devote fasting in the day time and increased praying and reciting the holy Koran at night or in between working breaks for spiritual contemplation and reflection. Fasting would be to refrain from eating, drinking and smoking during the fasting hours as well as abstinence on all vices of mankind in the month long of Ramadhan.

Inevitably, Ramadhan bazaars have been the convenient avenues for the ever-busy city dwellers to get hold of these home cooked delicacies that can only be purchased within the fasting month of Ramadhan.

In a true spirit of camaraderie, all Malaysian non-Muslims are coming out in droves alongside their fellow Muslims in search of the special fare and mouthwatering food for their breaking-of-fast that these quaint street food bazaars would offer.

Thus it is best for all of us to observe increased discretion and sensitivity in respecting fellow Muslims, even in the atmosphere of slapstick hollering of traders – more likely a tiring shout of a hard day’s work rather than an exclamation of trade persuasion.

Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts that we should all remember during our visit to Ramadhan bazaar.

Dressing

•        Women are advised to dress sensibly and modestly, avoiding spaghetti straps, sleeveless blouses or above-the-knee skirts;

•        Men are expected to dress modestly, avoid bold or vulgar prints of your attire. Shorts preferably of good length beyond knees if possible;

•        Cross-dressing is an absolute no-no, whether it’s Ramadan or not.

Etiquette – generally show consideration for those who are observing the fast

•        Refrain from drinking, eating, chewing gum or smoking in the Bazaar area.

•        Do not sample any of the food on display or even consuming your purchase in the bazaar area;

•        Do not be loud or obnoxious. Avoid getting into arguments or animated/offensive behavior to anyone – even if it’s your own family member, friends or coworkers;

•        Some kiasu locals will not queue at all or worse, jump on any opportunity to be served. Be patient and courteous so as not to harass the stressed-out traders. Do not expect even a 1-star hospitality service from street vendors sweating under the hottest time of the day in the sun! Even the cashiers will have a dour face due to fatigue!

•        Do not point fingers at others as this is considered disrespectful. Avoid making obscene gestures and using foul languages;

•        Talking aloud with your friends or on the phone can be construed as rude. So do any ear-plug listening devices while wondering around the bazaar;

•        Should you be ill-treated by the vendors or anyone in the crowd, do not retaliate. There is no need to get offended. Look at them somberly in their eyes and simply walk away from the scene. Be the nobler party;

•        It is a bazaar after all. Beware of pickpockets and snatch-thief all the time. Bring only small change instead of big notes or you will be quick to annoy the traders.

•        Picture taking is acceptable but with discretion of course. It’s polite to seek permission first before taking photo of an individual – be it a beggar alike.

•        Remember your right hand – to point to your selection, handing over the money and in receiving your goods. It’s overly rude to pass anything with your left hand.

•        Should you be short-handed, or your right hand somehow could not perform the required task, please acknowledge before-hand to the seller in a simple apologetic gesture –

“Maaf, tangan kiri ya Encik/Cik!” – Sorry for using my left hand Sir/Maam.

 Anymore tips from anyone?