SHOPPING AT THE BIG MARKET OF HATYAI IN THE MORNING

3rd DECEMBER 2019 ~ We took the tuk tuk to get to Hat Yai's Big Market and we were among the early birds to arrive that Tuesday morning.

in the tuk tuk to the market

As you can see, the road was still clear of traffic but we were so ready to march to the market and shop till we drop.

The first shop attacked was the one selling Zebra products - a prominent brand of kitchenware/cookware locally produced in Thailand. The prices should be cheaper in Hat Yai, I supposed.

After visiting the row of shops opposite the market building, then only we went into the market itself. And here, the real shopping began.

It was a wonder how the ladies could simply buy anything they saw at the market. I have traveled a few times with my female friends so this was not something new to me.

When you think the shopping might already end, then you are wrong. This was actually just the beginning. And the four ladies went back to the same market again in the afternoon to shop for more. 😆

video: happy people coming back from the market
the second time 😜

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MY HAT YAI GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE - OUR FIRST BREAKFAST AT TAM RAB RESTAURANT

making paratha/flat bread/roti canai

3rd DECEMBER 2019 ~ Our gastronomic adventure continued with our first breakfast in Hat Yai city. We came across Tam Rab Restaurant the day before which was very near to our hotel.

people selling fruits outside

We were among the early birds. There were many other Malaysians eating at this place too when we were there.

I think we all tried the Kuey Tiaw Soup which was a brilliant decision - it was simply delicious.

The satay was a bit bland - not like what we have back home which was marinated with spices.

sticky rice

I just loved the Teh Tarik (tea with milk) here. 

happy travelers with happy tummies

dim sum was also available

We in fact made a return trip to this restaurant the next day as we liked the food here as well as it was convenient to walk to this place which was just across the road from the hotel.

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MY HAT YAI GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE - THE NASI LEMAK OF HATYAI

2nd DECEMBER 2019 ~ So you could also get Nasi Lemak from the street of Hat Yai - which might make you feel at home already. We decided to eat out at the stall and try the street food that evening.

The Nasi Lemak came together with fried chicken, hot from the frying fan. The taste of the food was somewhat similar with what we have at home but I personally feel ours is tastier.

We also ordered the spring rolls and fried fish fritters from the stall next to where we were sitting.

It was a great experience having dinner amidst the passing vehicles on the road and people passing by at the night market. It made me feel more like a local than a tourist.

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'TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY - TRALALA LALA LALA LALA...

When someone suddenly announced (saw his photo on FB actually) that he is already back home from the UK (has been here for 2 weeks already), it was time to celebrate - the usual way. Another last minute decision was made to go and enjoy the hi-tea/lunch at Mutiara Hotel. I used to bring the Angklung Group here for the annual lunch thingy but we do not do it this year, but that is another (long) story.

It was a Christmas public holiday so the food was Christmas-themed. The main dish was the (grilled I think) turkey which was almost finished when we arrived at 1.00 p.m.

There was a special appearance by a trio band who sang and played live music from table to table. They sounded really harmonized and sang Christmas songs, oldies and even Ed Sheeran's "Perfect". I recorded a video on my tablet but could not download it here as the file is too large. I managed to find a website the enabled me to compress large video files and here is the live singing in the coffee house.

'Tis the season to be jolly. We had a jolly time eating no doubt and I am officially fat. Thanks Mr. Syazwan Shavarein [SMKTUN SPM batch 2013] for the time and company. Hope to meet up for another gastronomic adventure before you go back in January.

THE SHOPPING ACTIVITIES JUST NEVER ENDED IN HATYAI

There was no specific itinerary in Hat Yai from 2nd - 4th December 2019 - except to eat and shop. So eating and shopping we did, a lot of them.

Most of the items sold in the street and the bazaar were clothes and fashion accessories. Then there were the malls where the ladies were having the time of their lives getting items which they could not find in Malaysia from the skincare, hair care and toiletries department. Surprisingly the 7-Eleven Convenience Store could be a huge attraction to some when they were there.

When we were there on Monday, a night market was also held in the city (near Centara Hotel/Lee Gardens Plaza Hotel) so there was a huge crowd.

Most importantly, there were many mobile and permanent halal food stalls in the city so finding halal food in Hat Yai was definitely not an issue. This was one of the trips which I did not have to bring all the instant packaged food from home.

Just make sure you bring a lot money when you go to Hat Yai and be ready to spend. You can shop till you drop.

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