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It hasn’t been that long since June, but it’s back. We have a Tampines Pasar Malam right next to the Tampines East MRT station. You have a good chunk of time to drop by as it started on 1 Nov and will end on 30 Nov 2023.
The pasar malam covers a large space outside the station. The bulk of it is made up of a selection of Food and beverage (F&B) options and a shopping area at the back. There are even several seating areas for you to settle and chow down. If you can get a seat, that is, as the whole time I was there it was constantly packed.
The longest queue was at a stall you could single out by smell even in the packed night bazaar. A little towards the back was Man Kou Xiang Stinky Tofu, in their big push-cart. They were dealing with the crowd pretty efficiently, with an electronic kiosk handling the orders while the rest manned the station.
You can choose between a White Vegetarian Stinky Tofu (S$6 for Small, S$7.50 for Medium, S$9.50 for Large) and Black Bean Vegetarian Stinky Tofu (S$6.50 for Small, S$8.50 for Medium, S$10.50 for Large), with a variety of flavours like Mala Soup Base or their Speciality Garlic Chilli Sauce.
For potato fiends, you have your selection of wedges and rostis at this night bazaar. Bok Bok Cui has also set up shop at the Tampines Pasar Malam. They didn’t seem to be selling their iconic crunchy potato balls, opting for Potato Pancake (S$3) instead. You can pick between a spicy and savoury seasoning. Don’t make the same mistake as me and bite into the pancakes after leaving them for a while as it will get soggy with oil.
Toa Payoh West’s pasar malam has Milo tea, double-patty ramly & MSW durian till 6 Nov
Not having tried one before, I decided to try a Teochew Traditional Oyster Puff (S$3.50) that was stuffed with meat and two pieces of oysters. You can pick to have yours with crab meat or abalone, 3 sell for S$10. The filling is spread across the whole puff and not just in the middle so every bite has something. If you want something more filling, they offer a bowl of Mee Sua and Sharkfin soup as well.
There were lots of stuff for a sweet tooth like me as well. From Taro Cookies to something that made me pause for a bit: Fried Oreos (S$3 for 6 pieces). Look, we clown on Americans for frying anything and everything during their state fairs but it seems we do it, too.
I had to try it just to satisfy my curiosity. It’s not exactly like biting into a fried mochi and was more like a fried mini-donut. Of course, you can never go wrong with Oreo-anything.
Korean seems to be the most prominent theme at this pasar malam. You get your pick of Korean chicken, coin pancakes and with GOPIZZA there, your choice of pizza. You can go for the usual Japanese Fried Mochi, skewers and kebabs as there are several stalls offering these usual favourites.
Or, hear me out, a big singular mushroom all to yourself. Stall 90 is selling one for S$6 with 8 different flavours. They’re not even on a stick!
If you like Pokémon or Sanrio, feel free to cautiously try the crane machines. You can get a cute plushie if you’re lucky. Or if you have kids with you, there’s a small selection of carnival rides out back.
Overall, Tampines Pasar Malam, while not small, is on the simpler side of things. Of course, there’s no need to be crazy to have a good time. If you’re in the area and craving some fried or sweet bites, take a look.
10 pasar malams in JB that are rated 4 stars & above [Nov 2024 update]
