Siti Khadijah Market Kota Bharu: Visitor Guide

Siti Khadijah Market is the heart of Kota Bharu and one of the most photographed markets in Malaysia. Under a domed roof, rings of stalls rise around an open central floor piled with fish, chillies, herbs and fruit. Most traders are women, which is a long tradition in Kelantan and the reason the market was renamed in 1997 after Khadijah, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad, who was herself a merchant.

The building opened in 1985 as Buluh Kubu Market. Today it is where locals shop and where visitors come to eat their way through the Kelantanese kitchen.

What to see at Siti Khadijah Market

Start on the ground floor, then climb to the upper galleries for the best view of the whole market.

• Ground floor: the wet market, with fish, poultry, vegetables and tropical fruit. The colours of the produce piles under the dome are what most photographers come for.
• First floor: dry and prepared food, including serundeng (spiced coconut floss), keropok (fish crackers), traditional kuih and stalls serving breakfast.
• Upper floors: non-food goods such as batik, songket, sarongs, headscarves and household items.

What to eat

The first-floor food stalls are the place to try Kelantan’s distinctive dishes. Look for nasi kerabu, blue-tinted rice with herbs, coconut and fish; nasi dagang, rice cooked with coconut milk and served with fish curry; and laksam, thick rolled rice noodles in a creamy fish gravy. Kelantanese food leans sweeter than elsewhere in Malaysia.

Pick up kuih for later: akok, tahi itik and the golden, egg-rich jala emas are local favourites. For more dishes, see our Malaysian food guide.

Best time to visit

Come early in the morning. Breakfast stalls are busiest and freshest then, and the wet market is in full swing. By afternoon many food stalls have sold out. Kelantan follows a Friday and Saturday weekend, so check opening days before planning around a Friday, and expect closures or shorter hours around major holidays.

Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, out of respect for local norms in this conservative state. Ask before photographing traders up close.

How it fits a trip

The market is in the centre of town, an easy walk from most hotels and from other sights. Allow a morning for the market and nearby heritage areas. Our guide to things to do in Kota Bharu covers the rest of the town, the Kelantan state guide explains the wider region, and Kota Bharu is a natural stop before or after the Perhentian Islands on our East Coast islands itinerary.