Khatib pasar malam has whole grilled squid, karaoke competitions, live performances & plant fair until 17 Dec

I’ve been to quite a few pasar malams this year, but none have had as many activities as the Nee Soon South Trade Fair 2023. Located at the open space opposite Khatib MRT Station, this fair offers more than your usual pasar malam activities.

For starters, while most regular pasar malams only house food stalls, retail booths and sometimes claw machines and carnival rides, the Nee Soon South Trade Fair 2023, which was organised by Nee Soon South CCC, features a huge range of activities, including karaoke competitions, live musical performances and a plant fair.

During my visit, I spotted a large banner promoting the karaoke competition, in which competitors can win up to S$800. Those aged 35 and above are welcome to apply for the competition, at a registration fee of S$35— only 30 people are allowed to compete during each round.

If you aren’t too keen on taking the stage yourself, not to worry, for there will be external live performances at the fair on select dates, with various bands and musical groups lined up to entertain you throughout the nights.

Khatib pasar malam also has a Pets & Plants Extravaganza, presented by Ascent Group— this fair will take place until 26 Nov only, from 11am to 9pm. The air-conditioned space is where you can find all sorts of horticultural supplies and interesting potted plants, such as cacti and carnivorous venus flytraps.

Tampines Pasar Malam has big mushrooms for $6, Stinky Tofu & Fried Oreos

Of course, a pasar malam isn’t a pasar malam if it doesn’t have food! The Khatib pasar malam offers all your favourite classic fair food, with all sorts of fried fritters, Ramly burgers, takoyaki and kebabs for you to fill your stomach.

I spotted stalls selling roti filled with kaya butter, kacang merah and kelapa, while others had banh mi and whole chickens for S$18. There was even a stall with Korean Corn Cheese for S$7.

The stall with the longest queue was Kung Fu Squid, which sold whole pieces of Grilled Squid for S$6 each. The tantalising seafood was grilled fresh with onions, allowing for passers-by to inhale the aroma of the squid.

The Khatib pasar malam also has a considerable number of retail stores selling clothing items at insanely cheap prices— where else can you get a pair of pants for S$2.90?

For families, young children will certainly appreciate the carnival rides and claw machines scattered throughout the fair, too. How exciting!

Take note the the different activities at the fair start and end at various timings, though visiting before 9pm should allow you to enjoy most of their offerings.

Huge 16-day Sengkang pasar malam with over 42 food stalls & getai performances