Pekan Rabu — Local services in Kedah

I recently had the pleasure of visiting a superb establishment that catered to all my desires for Malay traditional attire, mouthwatering food, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Here's my review:

Traditional Attire: This place was a treasure trove for those seeking authentic Malay traditional attire. The collection showcased a wide range of meticulously crafted garments, including baju kurung, baju Melayu, kebaya, and sarongs. The designs and patterns were diverse, catering to different tastes and occasions. The quality of the fabrics was commendable, and the attention to detail in the stitching and embroidery was impressive. Whether you were looking for a traditional outfit for a special event or simply wanting to immerse yourself in Malay culture, this place had an array of options to suit every need.

Food Delights: The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the delectable Malay cuisine available. From traditional favorites like rendang, nasi lemak, and satay to lesser-known regional dishes, the food offerings were a culinary delight. Each dish was prepared with care and authenticity, capturing the rich flavors and spices of Malay cuisine. The taste was exceptional, and the presentation was visually appealing. It was a true feast for the senses, and I left with a satisfied palate and a deeper appreciation for Malay gastronomy.

Souvenirs with a Cultural Touch: Not only did this place excel in offering traditional attire and delicious food, but it also had a remarkable selection of souvenirs. From handicrafts and batik paintings to unique trinkets and traditional accessories, the souvenirs captured the essence of Malay culture. The items were beautifully crafted, showcasing the artistic skills and heritage of the region. Whether you were looking for a memento of your visit or searching for a meaningful gift, this place had a wide range of options that would undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

Special Finds: Tapai Pulut, Dodol, and Kopi Kampong: If you were lucky, you might stumble upon the delightful treat of tapai pulut. This traditional fermented glutinous rice delicacy was a rare find and a true delight for the taste buds. Additionally, the store offered other delectable treats such as dodol, a sticky and sweet Malay confection, and kopi kampong, a rich and aromatic traditional coffee. These unique offerings added an extra layer of authenticity to the experience, allowing visitors to indulge in the flavors of Malay heritage.

Overall Experience: This establishment was a true gem, offering a complete immersion into Malay culture. The availability of traditional attire, the mouthwatering selection of Malay cuisine, and the unique souvenirs all contributed to an unforgettable experience. The attentive staff members were knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about sharing the beauty of their culture. Whether you were a local or a visitor, this place provided an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate Malay traditions.

I highly recommend this superb place to anyone seeking a genuine encounter with Malay traditional attire, flavorful food, and memorable souvenirs. Be sure to explore their offerings and embrace the rich heritage of the...

Kompleks Pekan Rabu (FKA Pekan Nat) as its name suggests, it was used to be just a weekly market that operated only every Wed & was established in early 1920s at Tanjung Chali with all farmers gathered together to market their agricultural products at that time. It then became a training ground for the Malays to do business & it later evolved into a daily market when the business became more prosperous

Now this 4️⃣-storey 🆕 complex with historic Wednesday Market continues to open everyday, including public holidays ya 😃 It’s not air conditioning however not to worry as it’s with high ceiling, so with good air ventilation & quite cooling to enjoy shopping in it ya 🛒🛍️💯👍🏻

Guess what❓⁉️

Our Malaysia’s 4️⃣th & 7️⃣th Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad was used to be a cendol vendor when he was a teen at this market

Let’s satisfy your hunger by trying various traditional Malay dishes such as Laksa Kedah, kuih bahulu, dodol durian, salted fish, fermented fish product named “Pekasam”, rojak buah & many more at its Ground Floor food court

In next visit, SiennyLovesDrawing 👩🏻😋 is gonna enjoy Laksa Kedah here 🌶️🍜

This recent visit she has just done her breakfast right before her visit here, so it was too full to enjoy it ohh…Though, she was so tempted to as a local food lover, hahaha 😂😆

Ohh ya…She has bought a 🆕 Baju Kedah from here & didn’t realized that her happy shopping 🛒🛍️ was being noticed by most of her travel mates, oppsss…😂😆

From her chat with some of the local vendors here, weekends usually more crowded comparatively 💯👍🏻 Also the businesses resume greater now from the global health pandemic effects

Yes ✅, not just food stalls, many other goods are also traded here eg. Local handicrafts, clothes, sundry goods & traditional medicines from 1️⃣st floor onwards. Do enjoy bargaining with the local vendors here so that you can enjoy shopping 🛒🛍️ at a satisfactory price, hmm…do be reasonable & to support local ya 😃

The public toilet 🚽 here is clean & with 🆓 admission

Hope this review from SiennyLovesDrawing is helpful to all that traveling to Alor Setar, Kedah. Do check out my blog link on my profile for more of my travel...

Pekan Rabu doesn’t just sell snacks and souvenirs, it sells the heart of Kedah, spread haphazardly across three floors. The place’s been around since the 1920s, back when it was just a riverside Wednesday market. Today it’s a concrete maze built on tradition, where the descendants of old traders sling bahulu and belacan with the same energy their grandfathers probably used to hawk dried fish.

This market isn’t some dusty relic. It’s big, it’s clean, it’s got lifts, and it even has basement parking for RM3, though if you’re bad at steering, good luck not getting wedged in the corner. The building may be modern, but inside it’s still a carnival of smells, textures and noise. Imagine the perfume section of a department store, except instead of Chanel it’s fried keropok, hot dodol and sweat.

The food here is the hook. Fresh bahulu that’s so soft it makes factory versions taste like sponges from MR DIY. Kuih karas that snaps like sweet glass. Dodol that’ll glue your teeth together in the best way possible. And in the food court? Spicy laksa that clears sinuses faster than Vicks, mee hoon soup for when you need comfort, and cendol so good you’ll forgive the lack of air conditioning.

As for clothes, Pekan Rabu is a runway of Malay tradition. Baju Melayu, songkok, sampin, everything you need to look like you’re about to crash a wedding. Prices are decent, bargaining’s expected, and the vendors actually smile while taking your money. That’s more than you get in most malls.

Some complain the new building’s lost the old market’s raw charm. Others moan about the heat, the copy-paste clothing stalls, or the occasional rude hawker. But you don’t come here expecting an artisanal hipster bazaar with oat milk lattes. You come here for tradition, for snacks your grandmother would approve of, and for the joy of wandering aisles where half the fun’s discovering things you didn’t...