TARGET 160706

Kota Bharu Central Market
(Pasar Siti Khadijah)

In the city of Penang, Malaysia, there is a central market, much like the "farmers markets" in other countries. This market has four floors, with the central octagonal area naturally lit from above by a huge skylight.



The building, itself, is huge, as you can see from the floorplan, above. The area shown in the feedback for this target occupies only the central octagonal area (shown blank in the floorplan. The rest of the ground floor consists of stores and stalls for meats, already prepared foods, and other produce. The upper floors have lots of shop selling batik (a local fabric), hijabs (veils that cover the head and chest, which are particularly worn by some Muslim women beyond the age of puberty in the presence of adult males outside of their immediate family.), and souvenirs. So, if in your viewing, you ventured outward to see what was around the target area, there is no telling what you would get. Beyond the building is the city of Penang, consisting of everything but open countryside. That is why I have limited this specific central area to be your Target of the Week.







The central area, which is the primary target for this week's Target of the Week consists of raised platforms where vegetable sellers sit surrounded by their weekly harvest of just about every edible plant grown in Malaysia. It is a vegan's paradise.



Since many of the farmers also bring freshly caught fish to the market, uncooked fish are also allowed to be sold in the central area. In the picture above, a fish-seller "cleans" a fish by cleaving it vertically in two, head and all, so the buyer can purchase exactly half a fish - sans entrails.

There are many "farmers' markets" in Penang, but the Central Market is definitely the one to go to for the best selection - or just as a tourist, to see this awesome place.

FEEDBACK MAP



If you got impressions for which this feedback is insufficient, more information,
pictures and videos can be found at the following web sites:

Penang Travel Tips
Last Appetite web site
Peter Loud Photography
Trip Advisor (best photo gallery)
Austin Bush Photography



Originally posted in Malaysia, Malaysian Food on January 24, 2008 by Phil Lees