Inside World's Most Expensive Pasar Malam (and spending $100) Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar

[@alvinkoh5460]

Pasar Malam food used to be very cheap. That was the FREAKING POINT!!! Years ago, I would buy my meals from Pasar Malam to save money, instead of at the kopitiams or hawker centres. Now, everything is in reverse.😪😪😪

[@eddy-currents]

I'm boycotting pasar malams... Everything too overpriced

[@vincentlow8081]

​@@eddy-currents yes totally agreed Not like those good old days So cheap 😅

[@fredwong8763]

Now the rent for each stall is skyhigh

[@etphonehome6950]

cross causeway you will get cheap food. 1:3

[@nuggetsss2526]

Blame on the expensive rents

[@Raul_Menendez]

Bazaar Ramadan is what is used to be... In the old days, there's more old school kueh kueh than hipster food... All bout' Hari Raya.. Now it's more for youngsters to find their pasar malam cravings..

[@johnwig285]

Well it makes sense because if u want old school stuff, then simply visit the shops arnd the bazaar itself or literally any MRT station that sell kueh. Why should vendors compete selling small ticket items for only a month when they can sell hipster food & make more profits like any other Singaporean who cares abt money? U can sell $10 Praffles but not $10 Prata or Kuih lapis

[@suminaoshinjo6545]

true, literally went just for 5 ramlee burger

[@hakonmur]

@@johnwig285 That so true, those old school kueh and food are literally sold everyday at pasar. Singapore is small, so it is easier to buy them and it is cheap too. Also, you can get "hipster food" only at the bazaar and it's once a year.

[@aniraz90s]

The pasar malam is extremely expensive now. Last time, it was affordable and more cramped with people. The atmosphere last time was really fun, my parents would bring me to Geylang pasar malam every year to buy the clothes and food there.

[@johnsteeve3077]

Thanks!

[@GhibOjisan]

Appreciate it John! Huat ah

[@sivaramlord9151]

In the 90s i used to stay around this area. The Baazar was so fun with many cheap and nice goodies. Now it is so expensive and full of hipster food. I avoided it for the last 20 years. Not worth it. But if you are a tourist, it is a fun visit.

[@finatiq]

I couldn’t agree more bro

[@Vikingsroar]

Ya same back in the 90s I used to go often and my favorite was the beef Deng Deng...would buy plenty and make sandwiches 🥪 out of it yummilicious 😋🤤🤤😅

[@chenyinmei6466]

love this video..and wow..the food..never heard b4..some..goodnight jipun nang

[@steventan6873]

Thanks

[@GhibOjisan]

Appreciate it Steven!

[@MsLilac88]

Hey friend, I enjoy watching your amazing food recommendations. 😊 The food looks so flavourful. 👍

[@jasontungjw]

I used to be able to buy many skewers of food for $10 but now $10 is for one item only.

[@meat_loves_wasabi]

Many fancy looking food... I still go for good ol goreng pisang & cempedak

[@annietan2618]

+1

[@annietan2618]

Can help laughing when u ate the korean hotdog...hehehe

[@qubicfactor]

About the takoyaki, it's probably because you didn't choose octopus. Usually you can pick what fillings you want. But that said pasar malam and bazaar takoyakis are usually not the best, as they use a lot of flour and sauce to cover the lack of flavour.

[@eizop6976]

It was nice bumping into you at the bazaar!

[@GhibOjisan]

Nice to meet you too!

[@IZTheOne]

Pasar Malam food had become more of a luxury even before the pandemic but it's always good to grab the kebabs, because they are truly generous in terms of portions. Takoyaki with octopus in pasar malam are rare. The prices are pretty decent though looking at the things you bought not that extreme. People usually go to pasar malam to experience the vibe and meet ups/catch ups so all is good in the end.

[@muhammadfairuzsamsi7209]

And that is the problem. It's no longer bazaar ramadhan but it has now become pasar malam. The whole spirit of bazaar ramadhan is missing. There's nothing unique.

[@hakonmur]

​@@muhammadfairuzsamsi7209 Can you define what is ramadhan bazaar? When you think about it Ramadhan bazaar around the world is mostly about food. Look at Malaysia, they literally sell mostly just food.

[@gerrikwan7195]

Ghib-San love the video, esp the parts when you were speaking in Jap!

[@kheywen9496]

Hi Ghib, I really miss seeing your videos exploring unpopular part/non touristy part of Singapore.

[@GhibOjisan]

I tried editing this video similar to my style long time ago! If you have places you want me to explore, please let me know😁

[@UserAnomynous87]

Hmm. Think this isn't that touristy since it's more for fasting month? It's quite popular though. I believe Singapore hawker/eatery prices will need to increase to be sustainable. Though some of the prices for pasar malam are a bit too high, like I remembered having a $7++ hotdog bun at a pasar malam last year. About less touristy places, I wonder if there is anything in the southern islands? Haven't been there, but I kinda doubt there is anything interesting on the island itself, other than the 'legends'/stories behind the name of the islands.

[@silverchairsg]

Honestly pasar malams don't feel worth it to me any more. Prices have gone up while food quality has gone down. Only the $2 cheese sausage, nasi lemak packets, and vadai still feel worth it to me. Not even the Ramly burger feels worth it any more.

[@alvinkoh5460]

If i got $100, i would rather go eat hotel buffet 🤣

[@TemplarLove]

Lol exactly, hotel buffet just nice $100

[@hanifpastime]

@@alvinkoh5460 omg ya! i agree

[@hanifpastime]

Thanks ghib for the tour, I've not been to pasar malam for so long and im suprise the price there sky rocket. It used to be very very cheap like $3-$5 range. As always rental is the killer.

[@dawnho7744]

I've never been to a Ramadan Bazaar before because I get headaches in crowded places but the food they have look so good. I guess for the stall-holders, it's a once-a-year event and they don't mind paying such high rentals to spread the cheer. Linke you've mentioned, Covid in the past 2 years made businesses bad so that's why these people are going all out to make things happen once again. As for the cost of food, inflation and high rentals justify the prices they put up. After all, it's Pasar Malam that doesn't happen everyday. It's a give and take. I must highlight that you can only get fancy foods in that yearly bazaar so it's worth to go for it!

[@MsLilac88]

I am going to check out the bazaar soon. 😊

[@AmbientWalking]

So fun! I love pasar malams!

[@haruhi7745]

Ah nice place to visit and enjoy the foods 😋👍❤️

[@DC-ji5bc]

Ya and they chop you with high price.

[@orangenomore6199]

Pasar Malam is one of my fave place to go to. I will always buy vadai and some others. I can eat up to 5 pieces each time 😊

[@NazriB]

Lies again? Serie A Leader Passion Mentality

[@sentou2353]

Visit the bazaar at Sultan Mosque next!

[@adangelboy]

Reminiscing but still Pasar Malam in the 80s & 90s were the bomb. During Ramadan there was a bazar in every town. It was good and cheap. 😊

[@shermsin]

15:31 you said "walao" for the sake of it... lololol

[@maytingliu4441]

The food used to be cheaper… just went to the Ramadan bazaar ytd, def better than the turf city’s chatuchak

[@conebones7138]

I really wanted to go but then I saw one of the stalls selling a small cone of fries for 12 freaking dollars.... cancelled my plans immediately lol.

[@ivanseah8321]

Nice video , like it very much 👍 👍👍👍👍

[@sentou2353]

Even if we ask them to lower the price, they cant because singapore is generally too expensive..the rent there is very high and many vendors at the geylang bazaar said it’s very expensive to rent a stall there and they need to increase the price and have lots of customers so they can catch up with the rent

[@Makithemaru-bv1cw]

Pasar Malam is a place whereby locals could enjoy affordable food with many food options. but now it's so expensive. Ramly burger used to be $2/$3 but it's now $5. And $11.90 for a hot dog bun?!?! it's more of a luxury than a cheap find. the food looks good but the price doesn't seem to justify.

[@kaori8441]

出店料高っ！って思ったけど、きっと悪くない額だと思えるくらい儲かるんですね✨ ここで知ってもらって元のお店に来てもらえたら宣伝にもなりそう！　 美味しそうなものがいっぱいで楽しそう😄

[@GhibOjisan]

客単価1000円以上あるお店も多いので割と稼げるのかもしれません😁

[@FazliRahmat]

Definitely it will be a different experience if I had gotten the chance to experience the Ramadan Bazaar @ Geylang Serai with Ghib. But it was unfortunate that it was still during the tightened measures due to the pandemic. But yes, still grateful to share my Ramadan experience with Ghib!

[@shijou2867]

Ah yes, I would go if not for the absurb prices 😂

[@KirbyOng]

I think if you eat at the Geylang Serai Malay Market or the coffee shops nearby is cheaper than eating at the bazaar. #JustSaying

[@leloyqy]

Rent has gotten absurdly expensive for the pasar malam

[@silverchairsg]

Prices too

[@simplyme3306]

@@silverchairsg the high prices are due to the high rent

[@Fodevarer]

the rental for such event is crazy

[@xxuenii]

Yes, most expensive is the right word!!

[@space4495]

Ghib, next can you explore Kampong Glam Bazaar? Thank you. 😊

[@williamc9578]

Rental is usually the big cost driver. For a religious festival like Ramadan (which to a great degree is about charity and empathy for the less privileged), the organizers charging high rentals (if it wasn't for charity) its quite egregious. It's just fleecing consumers using Ramadan as a advert.

[@tkyap2524]

The food is good and reasonably priced spells good business. Not many people will complain.

[@b3rndvast3r]

Ghib ah, when are you going to the initial D Fujiwara store?

[@jolwsk]

All pesar market not cheap.. i paid for 3pax abt $25-35 at punggol

[@danishrusdi]

Quite a lot of Ramadan Pasar Malam sites this year, and can't really resist it though😅

[@sujaniaslam2428]

Hi Ghib,, wah so many food,, i hv never been to Ramadan Bazar at all 😅,, the rent omg, so expensive can buy a car in indo 🤣,, for that prize,, its only fun to visit if you can eat alot of food,, anyway 楽しいかた,, Huat Ah,, 👍🍺🥙🌯🍔😬

[@faiz875]

I seriously don't understand how can a small stall cost 18k rental. It's just tentage and electricity/water. Without it is just a normal walkway.

[@johnwig285]

You start a similar business first then talk & realise millions go into organising a bazaar. U think what, the land free ah? Permit to block off certain areas free ah? Then the logistics? Tent all magic set up by themselves?

[@faiz875]

@@johnwig285 I'm saying a reasonable amount like 10 to 12k. I'm not saying 1 or 2k what

[@rz9018]

​@@johnwig285 hes right. 18k is too expensive. Get lost white knight

[@blammer]

@@johnwig285 organiser is the government

[@cikg00]

Somemore opens only at night

[@winnieang83]

Yummy food... ❤

[@andyhoo5358]

Its a free market, so if one finds the prices too high, just walk away. When enough people stop patronizing, the stall holders can either lower their price, or if their rental is too high, negotiate or walk away from the organisers. If the Pasar Malam requires the stallholder's arm and a leg to operate, and then further requires the patron's arms and legs to be viable. It is probably better to let the tradition be lost.

[@1337hacks]

Could have blown your mind if they had put in the little sausage that's cut into the shape of octopuses in the takoyaki

[@darrenlim5112]

Wow the foods are so different with Malaysia Bazaar. The foods are more like those that can be found at food truck park in KL such as TAPAK.

[@jessicamong1586]

After having a big meal you can start fasting.

[@kerdak]

biggest & The longest running annual bazaar in Singapore // 55 years❤

[@bluelingen]

so much food 🤤

[@calvincheecs]

Wow ! Unbelievable sky rocketing rent! This is insane. 700 x avg $15k rent = 10.5 mil !😮 Should start relating Singapore bazaar to ATAS pasar malam. Who is the landlord? Laughing all the way to the bank .

[@calvincheecs]

Ghib, Where is Bro ? You used to hang out with him.

[@LvPolkadot]

For me the food at pasar malam all expensive, go there just buy vadai, otak otak, and Thai tea, that's all, I scared buy new menu,looks make my pocket run😂

[@alfredhu7366]

This rental rate is totally unacceptable. It reflects a free for all market...the survival of the fittest, but I feel that it's doing a disservice to the community because we will have to pk up the tab. I suspect the organizer just gives it to the highest bidder and do very little after that. It doesn't help especially for the average Singaporeans who find some of the prices almost ten times more than the hawker centres .,..it's an event for the rich...not for the average low income earner... I hope the organizer will do a rethink for a bazaar that once upon a time appeals to the everyday person.

[@johnwig285]

No you dont have to pick up the tab. Is bazaar the only choice? U literally just mentioned hawker centers. Even the shops at Geylang are selling cheap food. Nobody asking u to buy only from bazaar. Ofc it is easy as a consumer to say rental rate is unacceptable when you dont know the effort and millions that goes into setting up and running the bazaar. U guys are also conveniently leaving out the fact that last time all the space were meant for vendors, but now not every space is directly making money as some are set aside for seats.

[@noproblematallmate]

The only way is to not support such events. They have the freedom to try to profit and consumers have the freedom to choose not to support.

[@alfredhu7366]

U r right...sorry to the lower income folks....don't even try to come. ...it's an exclusive place .....so these folks are not included. ...is that the purpose?

[@rsashimi7810]

Yap, I was there too in early Apr 23. Prices are insanely expensive for the mediocre food. Definitely NOT recommended as a place to visit.

[@rafiqarazib2065]

yes. that's right. WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE PASAR MALAM. haha. i just went yesterday. spent $90 just for 2pax.

[@cai11tube]

17k and its still "ok" i can only lol at his expression when he say its "ok"

[@cikg00]

Maybe his daily intake was 1k

[@ruminatingenigma4649]

Why don't people criticise the landlord for raising rents like crazy? It's like they can raise it to crazy amount and we're here complaining and we somehow avoid talking about the landlords

[@cpc5637]

u need cup corn with condensed milk ok

[@naofreehito]

that's the neatest looking Ramly burger ever... in Malaysia, the real deal is the ENTIRE burger is a real mess and you defnitely won't wanna go on a first date to have Ramly. Ask Zermatt about his Ramly experience haha

[@GhibOjisan]

Cannot believe this is considered neat😂

[@luciferaye1236]

I would consider Ramly Burger a Sloppy Joe as it is always drenched with sauces (:

[@kindajal]

welcome to the world's most expensive everything country. from cars to housing to food enjoy your stay.

[@kayposia4997]

i don't blame the food vendors.greedy organizer. they ruined the atmosphere of ramadan pasar malam . the whole idea of ramadan pasar malam is to sell affordable food so the less fortunate people can buy the food at pasar malam to break their fast.

[@ethanf.6848]

They are mainly convenience food, caloric heavy and laden with sugars because they are breaking fast.

[@isxuanhere]

I'm craving for fried tapioca cakes. But yet couldnt find a single one at ponggol. All I want is to try out ramly, pisang goreng, and those mini snacks (that could rarely be found since most of the stalls adopted a more fusion-feel and started selling those hipster-instagrammable food) Some stalls are also repeated (eg. selling similar food items at different prices. it's so repetitive and lacklustre. The last i've ever been to Geylang's bazaar was back in 2019. Expensive as hell but I only went there just for meatballs on a bucket. It's good and the quantity was pretty okay. But from one of the comments i've read, it looks like their quality has gone down as well. But yet it can cost up to 4-5 bucks just for one single item. Please back in 2015 all these snacks are so damn cheap, I'm talking about 2 bucks for each of these. And also the quality of ramly burgers has dropped ngl. I want my ramly to be drenched in bbq and chili sauce. Nowadays it tastes so dry that I have to drink water every 2 bites. On a positive note, I do like that most of the stalls offer e-payment as well as cash.

[@singaporewalkingtourstv]

👌👌👌🎥

[@ylein6508]

What?? 462 per day cost too much. But actually in australia, these kind of outdoor portable stalls usually have food that cost the same as restaurant prices like AUD15-18, sometimes cost even more. I still don’t understand why.

[@johnwig285]

Because as an organiser u would want to maximise ur profits off a 1 month event??? Or am i supposed to lose money just to appeal to ppl?

[@ljavier_7664]

Overpriced overhype could get a decent nasi lemak at a fraction of those prices

[@evfdurs]

I think the bazaar organisers need to stop charging rental like that. Its insane cos this is not the only option for stall owners to open shop for a month also $16.90 for prata waffles is too expensive for me. I rather go cross opposite and go haig road hawer centre. U should go there, I like the malay stall fried popiah so greasy but crunchy

[@naturenurture7387]

Anyone else noticed everything Ghib ate was orangey brown 😂?

[@GhibOjisan]

No regrets though🥰

[@JardinJumat]

Last time is called Bazzar Geylang. Now is like pasar malam only

[@vidx9]

I like how the title says "World's Most Expensive Pasar Malam". We just watch can liao. No need to go

[@Ernest-i9x]

big bass splash.....

[@shinsukemohri]

物価が高くなってたねー。 ホーカーズでフライドチャークェティヤオ が4SGDが無くて、6SGDですから、バザールはもっと高くなって当たり前ですねー。 このバザールはアラブ⁉️ゲイランサライ？ 楽しそーで羨ましい。

[@GhibOjisan]

いやほんとに、僕が移住した4年前と比較したら大分あがってます😱

[@cassl4187]

Ridiculous pricing and quantity is small/little, unlike overseas the food is overflowing with ingredients.

[@gg_honda]

the food price is just ridiculous.

[@derektan9104]

Pap should step in

[@zhen86]

You dunno tokyo banana?

[@GhibOjisan]

I don’t think I saw freshly made Tokyo banana before

[@Helluxx]

Now mostly go Malaysia for cheaper option 😂

[@xcre8ionx]

Wasted time and travelling cost.. become more expensive already 😂

[@Helluxx]

@@xcre8ionx for the West & North peeps not really & it’s like 3 times cheaper

[@hawwusong74]

i love pasar malams so it absolutely pains me to say that this bazaar is a bust on many fronts..... it is a total waste of time and money. the food is expensive. for context, $7 for a pathetic portion of mango sticky rice. $6 for literally 10 potato sticks. $10/12 for a half sized chicken/mutton bryani. $4-6 for beverages like coconut juice heavily watered down with water and sweeteners. absolutely ridiculous prices.... as much as 70% more when compared to hawker stalls.... but if the quality was good, then all is fair, right? quality was terrible! really rubbish quality ingredients and terrible culinary skills. i went with the family and spent $220 in total on food alone... we bought a tremendous spread to share.... NOTHING was good. some of the food was objectionably passable but you really had to stretch to find some redeeming value..... the whole pasar malam is nothing more than a money grab. i'd go so far as to say that the vendors were victimizing their patrons that were genuinely breaking their fast and trying to have a good time. don't get me wrong, the size of the place is definitely impressive, but what it lacks in quality is quite shocking. most of the stalls are either selling the same thing (many stalls had similar signboards? syndicated operation?) or many of the weird fusion foods bordered from irrelevant to shockingly bad. i bought something called "meatballs in a bucket".... there were a couple of meatballs on top but the bottom was filled with potato mash, sauce and some fries. that set me back $9-10? $4 chicken wings that were cleverly divided into wings and drumette and sold at $2 a piece. what?! i am heartened to see many youngster stall holders but the culinary skills are way below par when compared to their good intentions. i don't know whether their rent has been raised to a point whereby they have to sell 4 pcs of lekor for $2 or a tiny bag of fried chicken skins for $5, i for one am unlikely to patronise these locations again, and that is coming from a person who absolutely adores pasar malams. consumers should therefore vote for change..... do not pay these exorbitant prices and get crap in return. we vote with our wallets and not condone these behaviours. we should go have fun and spend some money, but i refuse to pay through my nose and be taken for a fool.

[@michaelleong9015]

The best and most underrated comment. These are exactly my sentiments after having visited.

[@finatiq]

I cannot agree more

[@nazreenmonash4372]

You should try Malaysian Ramly Burger maybe oneday more

[@GhibOjisan]

Oh it’s different!?

[@simplyme3306]

@@GhibOjisan it is very different. Even in Malaysia each stall has their own unique ways of making them. Not all are equal and not are are fantastic. Singapore's version are healthier. They just buy the ramly patties and create their own menu. You've been to Malaysia and you didn't try one? LOL..then just go across to JB and try at the many pasar malams.

[@nazreenmonash4372]

the ramly burger in Malaysia is cheaper and less expensive with more varieties to add on. you can even select your own reference. like American KZbinr George Motz. he even made his own Ramly Burger even you can made it your very own Ramly Burger.. You should try it bro.... 👍👍👍👍

[@nazreenmonash4372]

@GhibOjisan 👍👍

[@francispua3210]

Singapore ramly burger I tried once, and is last time for me also 😐

[@wongfamilyfavchannels5488]

Ghib, you need to try the fried oreo! For future video ideas, would you consider to do one on the cleanliness of our hawker centres? I felt we need to bring more awareness to how dirty tables are now because patrons are clearing their own plates and there are fewer cleaners, not to mention the crows have more leftover food now to feast on. Just a thot.

[@juanryansasaki5522]

Bro better go to bazaar taman bandar Uda angsana at JB..

[@jeffreysetapak]

Haiya, what pasar malam?? My friend like to eat Malay food, he ate nasi padang in Geylang Serai until quite late because he was drinking teh tarik and talk with his friend until nearly 12:00am. When he went home his wife was so angry asked him to sleep in the living room for a few days and claimed God knows did he visit the brothel or not. Hee hee hee hee 😂😂😂😂

[@jeffreysetapak]

Ghib Ojisan, did you visit the "men's special place" in Geylang Serai before?? Hee hee hee hee 😁😁😁😁

[@PwnageJ]

Im sorry but these prices are scary me off..

[@Banayaga]

$22!??!! Go restaurant bah

[@TemplarLove]

Save your money, go eat in the restaurant instead

[@jameslim3850]

The govt should have help reduce the rental so more customers can go and spend at these special bazaars. instead chose to pass the buck to the customers..which does not feel right.

[@randallp9746]

It’s a private organizer that’s renting out the space for the stalls. Nothing to do with gov.

[@derworm]

The bazaar is run by a consortium made up of S-Lite Event Support, TLK Trade Fair and Events and Enniche Global Trading.

[@jameslim3850]

@@derworm This is why the govt should not have outsourced to consortium (knowing full well they will inflate their prices) but should be direct-rental to the clients instead to control the prices.

[@jameslim3850]

@@randallp9746 This is why the govt should NOT have outsourced to private organizer (knowing full well they will inflate their prices) but should be direct-rental to the clients instead to control the prices.

[@rz9018]

​@@jameslim3850 the gov wants to earn money. Thats where the problem lies. And they gave to the highest bidder

[@francispua3210]

More like hipster food festival 😂

[@AjizSatay5658]

Bazar seller should not take advantage on customer necausr after pandemic disaster the people is just starting to work back

[@sby37]

This one is not "Ramadhan" Bazaar. This is one is an expensive Pasar Malam in Ramadhan. You go Johor Bahru for the REAL Ramadhan Bazaar better la Ghib san.

[@anonnymouz6826]

Why Malaysian always so damn kaypoh always criticising Singapore BUT FLOCKED to Singapore to work seriously

[@sby37]

@@anonnymouz6826 lol who is Msian? I'm Singaporean Malay. Bodoh.

[@xxDxxism]

2000 kid here.i miss the days where they sold soft drink ice pops for 50 cents...then $2 for a plastic ultraman mask

[@tAiLspo0n]

Gimmicks/Tourist Traps.

[@P53eud0nym05]

Night markets & pasar malam were supposed to be where u get cheap & good food. Now its worse than a tourist trap. Expensive & crappy food.

[@noproblematallmate]

DO NOT SUPPORT high rental places especially these events. Let them fail. Tenants should not sign up and customers should not buy anything.

[@darkdino5]

pasar malam food is supposed to be cheap and simple. Now I rather just buy food from hawker which has more portion for the same or lesser price paid, BOYCOTT bazaars to wake up their idea

[@simplyme3306]

Yes! As a Chinese I would also prefer to have more traditional food, these are too fusion. Somehow making these less festive?

[@GigaZX91]

tissue is sponsor by kind muslim man yeah!!!

[@GhibOjisan]

I didn’t even ask - he just handed it out😊

[@jwy2004]

🤤🤤👍

[@myfortezza]

Think of their increased costs. If you want cheaper, there’s always Malaysia. Or neighbouring 3rd world countries, the only thing u worry is the hygiene conditions the food was served. As long as your stomach can handle food poisoning you’re it.