Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Bazaar Ramadan at Bintulu 2013

Bintulu's specialty - "Umai"

 There are two Ramadan bazaars that we visited today.  There is a  Ramadan Bazaar at the Bintulu Esplanade and another bigger one at the Assyakiriin Commmercial Centre.  The latter seemed to enjoy brisk sales because of its location some 6 kilometers away from the old town but which apparently has become a more central location due to the town's expansion to its suburb areas.  I noticed a recurrent fact as  I inquired about the prices of food sold.  Prices of all items are rising steeply which is the signs of the times as Bintulu is now in the throes of the fourth boom.
Pretty Melanau girls selling cakes and Ramadan goodies at the Bintulu Esplanade

'Kuih Kasong' a local delicacy for breaking of fast.

'Satay' or grillled chicken sticks

 At the Ramadan Bazaar near Assyakiriin Commercial Centre, the choice of food and drinks are plenty.  Due to the present hot weather drinks stalls were well patronised.  But if you are in Bintulu try the " Umai" which is almost synonymous with the Melanaus of Bintulu,  Umai is a kind of raw fish dish which like the Bintulu belacan or shrimp paste is a must try eating experience if you drop by this booming town.  Unlike other towns in Sarawak it is very common to see shoppers wearing coveralls because being an upcoming industrial town, Bintulu has attracted thousands of workers in all disciplines to help build and run the many industrial outfits at Kidurong and Samalaju heavy industrial zones situated north of the town.

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