Introduction to A Malaysian Wet Market
20.07.08 Sunday 8.00am
New to KL? Never ventured past Cold Storage?
Early one Sunday morning, 5 ibu families went where the locals (and many expats) get the freshest and best produce. TTDI ( Taman TunDr Ismail ) Pasar Besar – literally translated, Big Market. Set aside all preconceived ideas of Malaysian markets. This one is big, spacious, clean and dry!
Whether you are looking to save a few bucks, pick up exotic local produce or just get your hands on the freshest meat, seafood, vegetables or fruit, this is the place to be.
Members were introduced to the best stalls, where the owners speak English and will charge you the same as they charge everyone else! There is no bargaining here,and the guesswork is taken out of the equation as the prices are clearly marked at most stalls. There is stroller access via ramps and lifts and parking aplenty, under in front of or around the market.
There are some interesting (albeit surprising) finds in TTDI Market. One of them being Lizar’s Curry and Spice Shop. If you have dreamed of being able to whip up a spicy local dish you tried during your stay in Malaysia but have no idea where to start, Lizar takes the hard work out of the whole cooking process. She sells freshly ground spices, dry and wet, and prepackaged dry and wet spices complete with recipe on the package! They are truly authentic and you may find yourself braving many dishes at once!
There is also a Fantastic baking goods shop tucked away in a little lane, carrying flour, butter, fresh vanilla beans and everything baking related that you can imagine. Many of the Mums have told me that the prices are cheaper than many of the other baking stores.
Vegetable shops abound and the choice is limitless. I shop at the stall owned by 3 sisters who will just as readily choose the best veges for you whilst giving you tips on how to cook them!
Fruit shops are not prolific but the choice is adequate. Some stalls specialize in only one type of fruit, maybe just papayas or bananas.
Pork is relegated to the ‘Underground’, Malaysia being a Muslim country, this non-halal meat is separated from the rest. Down in the carpark, you will find a booming trade done by several stores. My favourite is the big stall 2nd from right a you enter. ‘Cougar’ my pork man will interrogate you as you order your cuts. He will advise you which cut is better for what dish, and ensure you get the best cut. One of the Mums who bought some pork chops on this trip recently sent me a message informing me that they were, in her husbands’ opinion, The BEST chops he’d EVER had in KL! This, mind you, in the 7 years they’d lived here!
Venture upstairs and you’ll find a few cake shops and a lovely little bakery cum café should you need a respite from the hustle and bustle downstairs.
So, one morning ( except Mondays please – where most stalls are resting from the Sunday madness ) grab the kids and head to TTDI Market. Even if you end up not buying anything, ( highly unlikely ) you’ll most certainly get a culinary adventure and the kids - a colourful and interesting adventure!
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