Siti Khadheeja Market

 When I  found out we were heading to a state called Kelantan, I decided to check out the hot spots to shop for food, of course.  What I do know is that its best to buy locally mainly because they would be fresh and also cheaper and also if you are thinking environmentally, its also a good thing. 
If you google places to see or shop in Kelantan, this market will come top of the list.  Its just a local market, but what's fascinating is that its mostly women and the whole excitement of discovering new things , weird ones and also familiar ones that you find from back home.

 The place is situated right in the heart of Kota Bahru, the capital of this state.  It's a rather old run-down building and once you get near it, the stench of rotting garbage, fish and god knows what else could put you off. Plus the presence of stray cats who love to brush against you. But once you get used to it, or just avoid looking down and take deep breaths, its not that bad. The vendors are smiley, friendly people, like most Kelantanese people.  Some even put in an extra handfuls of chillies or a couple of limes if you buy lots of produce :) or come back to them.
Most of the vendors on the ground floor sell vegetables and fruits, there are poultry sellers, butchers, and fish mongers.

 

 Then there are the coconut milk extractors. They use huge machines to extract fresh coconut milk and even sell freshly grated coconut.

The top floor or the first floor, is mostly spices, various condiments and pickles and various kinds of meat floss, pots and pans.

Even though I like the hustle and bustle of the place, the place is quite unkept when it comes to cleanliness, other than that it is a good place to go and snoop around and discover new things.

If you want to know more about this place check out this site, the author has lovely photos and great  article describing the place.