| Aziz Idris |
THE traffic leading to the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium moved at a snail’s pace yesterday afternoon as Muslims and non-Muslims rushed to buy their favourite food and beverages from the Gerai Ramadhan Belia 2017.
The organiser was happy to note that more than 480 registered stalls have filled the parking area of the stadium this year with 90 per cent of them run by youth entrepreneurs.
Pengiran Haji Haris bin Pengiran Haji Duraman, Managing Director of Riza Group, the company responsible for managing the Ramadhan stalls, told the Sunday Bulletin that the number of stalls increased this year from 460 last year.
He explained that the stalls are devoted for youths so that they can learn to work in self-reliance as well as gain exposure to the “real” business world.
“This is also serving as a ‘training ground’ to teach the youths to become entrepreneurs,” he added.
Photos above & below show members of the public buying food in preparation for breaking their fast in the first day of Ramadhan. The Gerai Ramadhan Belia 2017 not only showcases a myriad choice of dishes but also boasts of high participation from youth entrepreneurs
Youth vendors of the Sotong King during the Gerai Ramadhan Belia 2017
Pengiran Haji Haris bin Pengiran Haji Duraman, Managing Director of Riza Group, during an interview
Photos above & below show some of the famous stalls at the Gerai Ramadhan Belia 2017. Affordable local cuisines and unique creations are offered at the bazaar, from traditional Malay ‘kueh’ and grilled food to western dishes and middle-eastern cuisine. – PHOTOS: DEAN KASSIM
First time youth vendor Saadatul Munerah of Sotong King said she was thrilled to participate this year, but admitted that “it is more challenging than expected”.
“We prepare deep-fried squids on the spot, which many customers have not seen before. We try to bring something new and, Alhamdulillah, there have been encouraging sales.”
Sotong King sells three main types of squids – Sotong King, Finger and Ring. They come in three flavours; BBQ, hot and spicy, and salt and pepper. Customers can also add cheese toppings.
Another youth vendor Mohd Azmi bin Ismail, expressed joy for having secured a ‘golden’ spot this year after using the drawing system. “It’s closest to the car park, which means it has the most traffic flow,” he explained.
An abundance of affordable local cuisines and unique creations are offered at the bazaar ranging from traditional Malay ‘kueh’ and grilled food to western dishes and middle-eastern cuisines.
An avid food lover, Maryam binti Metussin, got there just before sundown to find the place packed. “A lot was happening all at once. I saw food stalls to my left and right, sweets and savouries, smoke from barbeque pits, colourful take-away plastic bags, families and friends.
“This is what makes the Gerai Ramadan hard to avoid every fasting month. Apart from all the delicious food and beverages, it is also a place where friends and family meet. It’s more than just food here,” she chimed.
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