A visit to Kota Bharu isn’t complete without stopping by this market. Here we share 10 things you should buy at Pasar Siti Khadijah, Kota Bharu.
The uniqueness of this market is immediately clear, as it is run mostly by women, and this has become a defining identity of the place. Pasar Siti Khadijah has three floors and sells all kinds of goods from traders across dozens of stalls in the building.
Although there are many stalls here, most of the goods sold by the traders are quite similar. So let us share with you 10 Things You Should Buy at Pasar Siti Khadijah, Kota Bharu.
Siamese Rice (Beras Siam)
Siamese rice is especially popular among the people of Kelantan. As a result, you will find it sold by many traders in this market too. Siamese rice has a tastier flavour than local rice, especially for those who love it.
So do not miss the chance to grab some Siamese rice at Pasar Siti Khadijah, such as Beras Siam Cap Burung Serindit, which is also a favourite here.
Traditional Kelantan Kuih (Sweets and Cakes)
The unique food traditions of Kelantan include all sorts of delicious, sweet kuih (traditional cakes and snacks). At this market, you will find many traders selling these tasty treats.
For example, kuih taik itik, jala emas, buah tanjung, sri kaya, and more. These spreads will surely make your mouth water, and they make a great snack for the road.
Dried Foods
Instant keropok (crackers), dodol (sticky toffee), serunding (meat floss), kerepek (chips), and various crackers are among the favourites of travellers visiting Pasar Siti Khadijah as gifts for family and friends.
The friendly nature of the traders here, who often invite visitors to sample what they are offering, will almost certainly tempt you into buying a few of these delicious items even if they were never on your original shopping list.
These dried foods usually keep for a long time, making them ideal to bring home after a visit to the market.
Handicrafts
Kelantan’s rich heritage lies not only in its mouth-watering food but also in its arts. A variety of unique handicrafts can be found at this market, such as woven goods, carved items, and more.
You can pick up beautiful woven goods in all kinds of patterns and motifs, such as woven bags and baskets. In addition, sickles and machetes are also sold here, both in plain designs and specially carved versions.
Batik Cloth
One thing synonymous with the East Coast is batik cloth. At Pasar Siti Khadijah, you will find high-quality hand-drawn batik in a variety of motifs, and with good bargaining you can get it at a very worthwhile price.
This makes the batik here one of the main draws for visitors. Traders will usually lower the price if you buy in larger quantities.
Done shopping? Rest at Hotel Ma'Wa
Hotel Ma'Wa is just steps from Pasar Siti Khadijah — Muslim-friendly rooms, free breakfast, from RM 158/night.
View Hotel Ma'Wa →Women’s Clothing
Pasar Siti Khadijah is already synonymous with being a paradise for women, and that is undeniable. There is a wide range of women’s clothing sold here, including fabric by the metre, bawal headscarves, sarongs, and much more, which will surely leave female shoppers spoilt for choice.
What sets it apart from other places is that, with so many traders selling these items, there are plenty of options for visitors to suit every need and want.
Telekung (Prayer Garments)
A telekung (women’s prayer garment) is one of the items you should buy when visiting Pasar Siti Khadijah, whether for your own use or as a gift for family and friends.
A wide range of choices is on offer, covering many patterns and colours, making this market a great place to choose a favourite telekung from the variety available. You are sure to find one you love here.
Prayer Mats (Sejadah)
Besides the many goods on sale, visitors can also find all kinds of prayer mats offered here. What is interesting is that visitors can choose from various types of prayer mats based on their preferred colour, pattern, or material.
Even those who are quite particular about the type of prayer mat they use for prayer will surely be able to find one they like here.
Kitchenware
Kitchenware such as woks, copper pots, steamers, kuih moulds, and more can all be found at Pasar Siti Khadijah. Equipment like moulds for kuih, especially traditional kuih that are rather hard to find elsewhere, can be bought here.
There are also plastic items such as rice containers and kitchen utensils available. Customers usually recommend buying from the friendlier traders, as it is easier to negotiate a price that leaves both seller and buyer satisfied.
Wedding Goods
For those looking for wedding items, especially for ceremonies and gift exchanges, this market is well worth a visit. For instance, decorative flowers and gift items such as sampin (a fabric worn over trousers) can be found here.
Not only that, gift trays for items such as the dowry, ring exchange, ceremonial betel-leaf arrangements, and potpourri are also available here. Clearly, Pasar Siti Khadijah is one of the go-to spots for completing your wedding shopping.
We have now shared 10 things you should buy when visiting Pasar Siti Khadijah. Our tip is to compare the prices of the goods on sale and try to haggle to get them at a more attractive price.
Some items, such as dried foods, can be had at a more worthwhile price if bought in bulk. Happy shopping!
Already in Kota Bharu? Book at Hotel Ma’Wa — just steps from Pasar Siti Khadijah, Muslim-friendly rooms from RM 158/night.
