It seems that ngabuburit (killing time before Iftar/breaking the fast) has been a mandatory agenda during Ramadan. Usually, one of ngabuburit activities is hunting takjil (sweet food eaten upon breaking the fast). Many regions in Indonesia hold temporary markets during Ramadan providing various special takjil of the archipelago.

The Ramadan market in every region is always welcomed by the people of Indonesia since it provides a variety of Indonesian food. Almost every region has special food that only made when the month of Ramadan starts.

For Sobat Parekraf planning to ngabuburit with hunting takjil, visit these Ramadan markets in various regions of Indonesia:

Aceh Ramadan Market

It has been a tradition of Aceh people to flock to the Ramadan market to hunt takjil. Almost every year, the Aceh Ramadan Market is always held near the area of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, about 250 meters to the left of the mosque.

There are various Aceh takjils that Sobat Parekraf can find in this Ramadan Market, starting from sweet food: bhoi and timpan cakes, to Aceh's spicy food, mi caluk. Meanwhile, if you look for fresh fruits, Sobat Parekraf can try Aceh rujak (fruit salad).

Pabukoan Market, Padang

Visiting Padang, West Sumatra, during Ramadan is incomplete if you do not do ngabuburit at Pabukoan Market. The term "Pabukoan Market" is for Ramadan markets scattered in several areas in Padang. One of the most popular Pabukoan Markets is Banda Buek Market located on Jalan Raya Indarung.

There are various typical Padang takjils that Sobat Parekraf can buy at the market, starting from the bongko cake, lemang tapai, lopis sarabi, kampiun porridge, to rendang. For information, bongko cake is Padang people's favorite menu to break the fast since this sweet cake can only be found during the month of Ramadan.

Benhil Ramadan Market

Sobat Parekraf should be familiar with Benhil Market, right? During the fasting month, Benhil Ramadan Market in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, has always been a temporary market that provides various takjils. The location is quite strategic, located near offices, making the Ramadan market always crowded during ngabuburit time.

There are various takjils that Sobat Parekraf can buy as a menu for breaking the fast; starting from dumplings, grilled fish, mixed ice, to various fried foods. Moreover, we can also find Betawi specialties in the Benhil Ramadan Market, namely Soto Betawi.

Illustration: Crowds in Ramadan Village, Jogokariyan, Yogyakarta (Shutterstock/M. Rinandar Tasya)

Jogokariyan Ramadan Village

A mosque that is always crowded with Yogyakarta residents in Ramadan is Jogokariyan Mosque. Not only for worship, in this mosque area Ramadan Village is also annually held to provide takjil to break the fast.

In Jogokariyan Ramadan Village, there are a variety of typical Yogyakarta takjil offered, starting from compote, kipo, jenang mutiara, tiwul, to gatot. These takjils are delicious and very suitable for breaking-the-fast menu.

Pusdai Market, Bandung

Located in the center of Bandung, Pusdai (Islamic Da'wah Center) Market  is a temporary market that is only open during Ramadan and Friday. During the month of Ramadan, Pusdai Market is always crowded with people who are ngabuburit, as well as looking for takjil to break the fast.

Sobat Parekraf can find a variety of typical Bandung snacks in this Ramadan market; starting from cimol, batagor, doger ice, oyen ice, to cireng. Sobat Parekraf should be familiar with some of the food, right?

Sawojajar Ramadan Village, Malang

Like other Ramadan markets, Sawojajar Ramadan Village, Malang, is also always crowded with residents who want to do ngabuburit and look for takjil to break the fast. This market location is on Jl. Lake Bratan, Sawojajar, Malang.

There are many takjils that Sobat Parekraf can get at Sawojajar Ramadan Village, starting from nagasari, klepon, cenil, to jemblem. For those who don't know, jemblem is a kind of old-fashioned snack said to have existed since the days of Majapahit kingdom. Made from cassava and grated coconut to be formed round and filled with Javanese sugar, this snack is similar to misro of West Java.

Wadai Market, Banjarmasin

For Sobat Parekraf who plan on vacation or stop by at Banjarmasin, it is nice to do ngabuburit at Wadai Market, Banjarmasin. This market is managed by the local government and its location is always moving every year. For Ramadan 2023, the government has determined Siring Sungai Martapura as the place for Wadai Market.

Although the location is not permanent, the enthusiasm of people to hunt for Ramadan special cuisine culinary of South Kalimantan is always high. Bingka kentang, amparan tatak pisang, papari, ipau, to laksa are some targets of takjil hunters coming to Wadai Market, Banjarmasin.

So, are you ready to hunt takjil for breaking the fast, Sobat Parekraf?