The Tong Tong Fair (formerly known as Pasar Malam Besar ) was the largest festival in the world for Indo (European-Indonesian) culture, held annually in the Netherlands . In 2009 it was renamed to 'Tong Tong Fair'. Established in 1959 it was one of the oldest festivals and the fourth largest grand fair in the Netherlands. It was also the annual event with the highest number of paying visitors of the Dutch city of The Hague , having consistently attracted more than 100,000 visitors since 1993.
41-449: The name ‘' Pasar Malam Besar’' is derived from the Indonesian / Malay language and literally means ‘Great Night Market’. The new name was chosen to emphasise its link with the 'Tong Tong Foundation' and its cultural mission. Another reason was to distinguish oneself from the many other fairs under the name pasar malam . The fair was raised every summer on its dedicated fairground, called
82-694: A snack with coconut ice cream as a popular accompaniment. A famous banana fritter shop in Cambodia is Chek Chean Pises operating since 2000 that has two locations in Phnom Penh – at Mao Tse Tong Boulevard and Kampuchea Krom Boulevard. Vazhakkappam or pazham pori ( Malayalam : പഴം പൊരി ), also known as ethakka appam , is a fritter food with ripened banana or plantain and maida flour . A popular food item in South Indian cuisines , especially in Kerala , it
123-536: A combination of flour , either wheat , rice flour , tapioca or bread crumb . Several recipes might add coconut milk or milk and vanilla extract into the batter to add aroma. Most traditional street vendors will then sell them as is, without any additional ingredients or toppings. However, more upscale coffee shops , cafes and restaurants serve more sophisticated pisang goreng sprinkled with powdered sugar , cinnamon sugar, cheese , jam , condensed milk , chocolate or vanilla ice cream . In Indonesia , it
164-517: A fan shape. However, the most common Filipino street food dishes made from banana are banana cue and turon . Banana cue are fried bananas coated with caramelized sugar and served on skewers; while turon is a type of fried dessert lumpia unique to the Philippines and is cooked in a crepe wrapper. Kluai khaek ( Thai : กล้วยแขก , pronounced [klûa̯j kʰɛ̀ːk] ), sometimes called kluai thot ( กล้วยทอด , [klûa̯j tʰɔ̂ːt] ),
205-441: A fixed location or itinerant, offering a variety of products such as street food , snacks , desserts, produce, apparel, accessories, handmade crafts, houseware, gadgets, toys, knick-knacks, and ornaments at cheap or reasonable prices. Counterfeit goods such as fake branded wearables and pirated CDs may also be sold at a pasar malam. Pasar malam might resemble a night festival or a fairground , where fair games and kiddy rides, like
246-468: A group of outspoken and independent Indos, organized in the so-called ‘Indies Cultural Circle’, assembled around famous Indo intellectual Tjalie Robinson . One of their accomplishments was the founding of the Pasar Malam Besar in 1959. Its continued success in attracting visitors of all generations and presenting a diverse and progressive programme, while preserving the centuries-old cultural ties with
287-409: A mini carousel or mini train ride, may also be present. Several quintessential fair snacks like cotton candy , ice cream , hot dogs , and grilled sausages are also popular, next to the offerings of traditional local delicacies. A pasar malam often takes place only one to a few days of the week, as the traders rotate around different neighbourhoods on different days of the week. Haggling over prices
328-674: A nearby alun-alun square, open fields, or marketplaces. In Indonesia, pasar malam has become a weekly recreational place for local families. Other than selling a variety of goods and foods, some pasar malam also offer kiddy rides and carnival games, such as mini carousels or mini train rides. In Palembang , a popular pasar malam is located on the front of Kuto Besak Fort on the bank of the Musi River . This pasar malam sells local dishes and snacks such as pempek , lenggang, and tekwan, and also offers souvenirs and handy crafts. Pasar Malam can be found in various locations throughout Brunei. Some of
369-709: A tender bid to the People's Association for the right to host the Pasar Malam. Food hawkers are licensed by the NEA and required to pass a food hygiene course. Pasar malams are reported to face sustainability challenges due to rising rental costs. In the Netherlands , a yearly Indo-Eurasian festival was held in The Hague under the name Tong Tong Fair , formerly known as the Pasar Malam Besar ( besar meaning "big"). After 63 editions,
410-480: A variant of cucur pisang made with honey , are popular as a light afternoon meal ( minum petang ). In Khmer , banana fritters are called num chek chien ( នំចេកចៀន ). They are made by dipping flattened bananas in a thick mixture of rice flour , sesame seeds , egg whites and coconut milk seasoned with salt and sugar and deep frying them in hot oil until crispy and golden. The Cambodian banana fritters are more savoury than sweet and are often eaten as
451-904: A variety of different names, ingredients and cooking techniques. In Bali for example, pisang goreng is called godoh biu , in West Java it is called cau goreng , in Java gedhang goreng , in Sibolga pisang rakit and in Pontianak pisang kipas . Pisang goreng is usually sold together with other gorengan fritters including fried tofu and tempeh. However, Pisang goreng Pontianak are widely popular in Indonesia with certain retail outlets exclusively selling only this type of banana fritters. Indonesia has many varieties of pisang goreng , including: In Malaysia and Singapore , banana fritters are commonly known in
SECTION 10
#1732872462970492-571: Is Pasar Gambir , a night market fair held in 1906 and yearly from 1921 until the outbreak of World War II in 1942, in the Koningsplein, Batavia, Dutch East Indies (now Merdeka Square , Jakarta, Indonesia) to celebrate the birthday of Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands . It has become the predecessor of the annual Jakarta Fair and Den Haag 's Tong Tong Fair which are a night market and festival held for several weeks. In Java , especially in
533-779: Is a Malay word that literally means " night market " (the word pasar comes from bazaar in Persian ). A pasar malam is a street market in Indonesia , Malaysia , Brunei and Singapore that opens in the evening, usually in residential neighbourhoods. Pasar malams are culturally very similar to night markets in Asian countries such as China (Nanluoguxiang, Shuang'an Night Markets), Thailand ( Chatuchak Market ), Taiwan ( Shilin Market ), Vietnam (Hanoi's Old Quarter), South Korea (Namdaemum Market) and India (Mangal Bazaar). The pasar malam may be held in
574-473: Is a fritter made by deep frying battered banana or plantain in hot cooking oil . It is a common dish across Southeast Asia and South India . It is commonly found in Kerala and is not served with any curry or side dishes. Banana fritters are a traditional snack in Brunei , where they are called cucur pisang . They are similar to pisang goreng in Indonesia and Malaysia . Cucur pisang madu ,
615-659: Is a common practice at such markets. "Pasar Malam" translates to "Night Market" in English. The term is derived from the Malay language, where "pasar" means "market" and "malam" means "night." In the Indonesian archipelago, markets are traditionally held on different days with locations rotating among participating villages. This traditional economic custom is known as Hari Pasaran (lit. "market days") in Javanese . After being further developed,
656-465: Is a popular Thai street snack . Kluai khaek is made from fried, floured banana commonly topped with white sesame. For the word kluai in Thai means "banana" and khaek literally means "guest" and is a colloquialism used for Indians, Muslims or Hindus. Assumed that the reason it was called, probably because it was adapted from the recipe of those people. At present, it can be considered as street food that
697-596: Is claimed to have been a favourite dish of the former royal family of Myanmar. There are numerous fried banana dishes in Philippines . They are almost always made from saba bananas , a native cooking banana that is widely used in Filipino cuisine . Pritong saging are fried saba bananas (without batter) usually served with sugar or syrup. Bananas cooked with batter are a different dish known as maruya , which are more commonly made mashed or sliced very thinly and spread into
738-670: Is considered one of the first fusion kitchens in the world and is heavily based on the kitchens of many different Indonesian areas. The classic Rijsttafel (a Dutch word meaning `Rice-table’) is a prime example of a Eurasian culinary concept that was not prevalent in pre-colonial Indonesia. The food courts present a wide range of traditional Indonesian and Asian dishes. The culinary theatre allows visitors to share and discuss recipes and make and taste dishes. The market stalls sell fresh Asian fruit such as durian or manggis and snacks such as martabak or pisang goreng . The abundance of food on offer attracts many visitors. A large section of
779-720: Is consumed as a snack to accompany tea or coffee , either in the morning or late afternoon break. Traditional warung kopi (local coffee shops) often offer pisang goreng and other snacks, including fritters and kue to accompany coffee or tea. Banana fritters along other kinds of fritters are sold on travelling carts or by street vendors throughout Indonesia. Other than pisang goreng, various kinds of ingredients are battered and deep fried such as tempeh , mendoan , tofu ( tahu goreng ), oncom , sweet potato , cassava chunk, cassava tapai , tapioca ( cireng ), vegetables ( bakwan ) and breadfruit . Every region in Indonesia has developed various recipe for pisang goreng with
820-666: Is easily found in general street stalls. Often sold with other types of snacks that have similar characteristics, such as khanom khai nok kratha , khao mao thot , fried taro, etc. An area famous for kluai khaek in Bangkok is around Lan Luang Intersection to Chakkraphatdi Phong Intersection , where it is referred to as Nang Loeng in the Pom Prap Sattru Phai District . Here, there are many kluai khaek shops. The sellers will dress with aprons different colours vary according to each shop. They will carry banana bag, walk down
861-547: Is generally eaten as a breakfast or a snack. It is called as balekayi bajji ( ಬಾಳೆಕಾಯಿ ಬಜ್ಜಿ ) in Kannada , vazhakkay bajji in Tamil , and aratikaya bajji ( అరటికాయ బజ్జి ) in Telugu . Pazham pori is principally made from bananas or plantain. Plantains are slit lengthwise after peeling and is dipped into a batter made from all-purpose flour, salt, turmeric powder and sugar. This
SECTION 20
#1732872462970902-535: Is often used instead of banana. Traditionally, some cultivars of banana such as pisang raja , pisang tanduk and pisang kepok are the most popular kinds of banana used for pisang goreng. These banana cultivars have a mild sweet and sour flavor and firm texture that will not crumble upon being fried. Pisang raja however, has a softer texture and a fragrant aroma. The banana is often battered and then deep fried in ample palm oil . Pisang goreng might be battered or plain deep fried. The batter most commonly uses
943-574: Is only awarded to events, which in terms of size, standing and allure, have become a real phenomenon. In 2008 the Tong Tong Foundation received the highest award of the city of the Hague (The Stadspenning by the municipality of The Hague). Notwithstanding the great number of visitors the festival attracts to this day, the greatest challenge facing it is formulating a clear vision for the future and strong strategy towards achieving its cultural mission. As
984-553: Is then deep-fried in oil until golden brown. In the other South Indian states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu , it is however prepared using besan flour. Pazham pori is served usually along with tea or chai as a snack in the evening. In some restaurants in Kerala pazham pori is served along with beef . In Indonesia , banana fritters are commonly known as pisang goreng . They are often sold by street vendors , In Indonesia pisang goreng are deep fried in ample of cooking oil; they might be coated with batter or not. Plantain
1025-684: The Javanese royal cities Yogyakarta and Surakarta , the grand week-long pasar malam is usually held annually during the Sekaten festival to celebrate Mawlid , or the birthday of Muhammad . During colonial Dutch East Indies , the annual Pasar Malam was held in Pasar Gambir (today Merdeka Square ) and became the predecessor of modern Jakarta 's annual Jakarta Fair . Today, several kecamatan (districts) in Jakarta and also other provinces in Indonesia, hold weekly pasar malam, usually every Saturday night in
1066-590: The Malay language as pisang goreng . Other names may include cekodok pisang and jemput-jemput pisang . The style of banana fritters commonly found in these countries is made by deep frying battered plantain in hot oil . It is typically consumed as a snack in the morning and afternoon. They are often sold by street vendors, although it is also offered as a product at storefronts, dining establishments as well as Singapore's hawker centres. A dish of banana fritter cooked in thick, spicy fish sause and served with rice
1107-606: The Indonesian Archipelago has gone beyond their expectations. In 2003 HM Queen Beatrix herself officially opened the 45th Pasar Malam Besar . The royal opening was repeated in 2008 for its 50th edition, which was the last time the name Pasar Malam Besar was used. Since the Indonesian National Revolution and the expulsion of all Dutch citizens from the Republic of Indonesia, the consequent fall out between
1148-505: The Netherlands and Indonesia has led to a long freeze of political, economical and even academic and cultural relations between the 2 nations. To a degree, this has lasted well into the 21st century. The Tong Tong Fair has always attempted to rekindle and foster those relations and since the 1970s consistently invited Indonesian artisans to the event. It was here that for instance the Royal princesses of Solo , daughters of Pakubuwono XII , performed
1189-592: The Netherlands and Indonesia. The other typical music form is called Indorock . It combines flamboyant showmanship and musical virtuoso, based on the American Rock and Roll idiom and has been played by Indo bands ever since the early fifties. With the participation of 3rd and 4th generation Indos, also DJ’s, Hiphoppers and urban live bands are taking their brand of Indo music to the stage at the 'Tong Tong Fair' / ‘Pasar Malam Besar’. The multi faceted Indo cuisine ( Dutch : Indische keuken , Indonesian : masakan Indo )
1230-546: The capital of the Dutch East Indies . Held three days before the Lunar New Year, this night market began in the late 1820s as an initiative of Tan Eng Goan, the 1st Majoor der Chineezen of Batavia, and became a prototype for similar night markets. After the discovery of electricity and lightbulbs , night markets were held more frequently in colonial Dutch East Indies in the early 20th century. The most notable one
1271-589: The companies behind the fair, Tong Tong Holding B.V. and Pasar Malam Besar B.V, shut down due to bankruptcy. Due to this, the 64th edition of the fair got canceled. Two specific forms of Indo music usually take center stage. Kroncong ( Dutch : Krontjong , Indonesian : Keroncong ) which is an age old music form, with roots in Portuguese Fado music, that developed in Indo communities around Batavia (now Jakarta ). Classic Kroncong orchestras can still be found in both
Tong Tong Fair - Misplaced Pages Continue
1312-750: The comprehensive cultural delegations from specific areas in Indonesia that are invited to participate. The Tong Tong Fair, at that time still known as the Pasar Malam Besar, won the Promotion Award of The Hague in December 2006 in the category Tourism and Economy. This was followed in June 2007 by the prestigious Grand Prix of the National Events Awards (the ‘Oscars’ of the Dutch events industry). The Grand Prix
1353-774: The daytime. Due to the hot Malaysian weather during the daytime, the Pasar Malam has become a nightlife activity that attracts the local community after working time and the tourist crowd to shop with moderate night temperatures looking for cheap hot foods, clothing, groceries, etc. The vendor licences are obtained from local authorities under the local council area. The majority of the local vendors sell plenty types of drinks, hot foods, and local delicacies from Malay, Malaysian Chinese, and Indian backgrounds which are famous and also difficult to find, fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh fish and seafood, fresh meat and poultry, toys, family range of clothes and accessories. Some local vendors also sell live pets or even phone accessories. In Singapore,
1394-624: The exclusive Serimpi dances in 1985. It was the first time in history that members of the Surakarta nobility performed these dances outside the Kraton (Royal Palace) of Solo. In 1985 the Tong Tong Fair also organised a benefit to help rebuild the Kraton of Solo, that was damaged by a fire. In 2006 the Tong Tong Fair organised a benefit to help Indonesian victims of the 2004 Tsunami . On the 14th of May 2024
1435-430: The festival closed down in 2024 due to financial difficulties Due to the high number of Indo-Eurasians and the successive success of this event since 1959, dozens of pasar malam are held each year in the Netherlands. Recently the Indonesian embassy has started sponsoring a yearly Pasar Malam Indonesia , mainly to promote Indonesian business and enhance Dutch-Indonesian relations. Pisang goreng A banana fritter
1476-545: The market was established more permanently like it is today. The night market is regarded as the continuation of this non-permanent market culture. Night markets are usually held during special occasions or festivals, such as Sekaten festival in Java, or held on Ramadhan nights, approximately a week before Lebaran . Among traditional night markets, one of the earliest and biggest was the annual Lunar New Year night market in Batavia ,
1517-460: The most important exhibition of Indo culture it will need to transform beyond an event of nostalgia for the Dutch East Indies towards a dynamic catalyst facilitating the evolution of Indo identity and culture. Other modern challenges concern its potential online and multi-lingual role in social media as well as their ability to professionally register the many unique cultural activities and performances hosted. Pasar Malam Pasar malam
1558-415: The most notable ones include: In Malaysia, Pasar Malam is normally set as a temporarily closed street for vehicles and open for pedestrians from evening until late night weekly. At certain locations due to frequency or a few times a week, narrow and busy streets also safety reasons, Pasar Malam will open at Tapak Pasar Malam at nighttime which describes an allocation space that converts a parking space during
1599-681: The pasar malams of old were phased out in 1978 due to regulation but were fractionally revived in housing estates in 1991 as a cultural selling point. Notable pasar malams of old included the Woodlands Pasar Malam which attracted crowds from Johor Bahru and the People's Park Pasar Malam in Chinatown. Present-day pasar malams are organised at specific locations on a temporary lease, usually before festive occasions such as Lunar New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, and Deepavali. The organisers are required to submit
1640-499: The ‘Malieveld’, close to the central train station of The Hague. 22.000 m² of festival terrain and many, mostly Indo, volunteers will facilitate visitors from both the Netherlands and abroad. The festival hosted three popular food courts, a culinary theatre, many large to medium stages for performance art, workshop areas, areas for lecture and interviews, market areas, as well as specific fair areas for trading merchandise. In defiance of government pressure to assimilate into Dutch society,
1681-412: The ‘Tong Tong Fair’ is reserved for amongst others Indonesian businesses selling their merchandise which includes antiques, Yogya or Bali silver, furniture, batiks, wood carvings and much more. But next to the above-mentioned eye catchers the ‘Tong Tong Fair’ also offers workshops and master classes in the arts and lecture on amongst others literature, architecture and cultural research. Notable also are