• The Malay term pasar originated from the Persian word bazar. It usually refers to a traditional marketplace, where people gather daily to trade and hang out.
• In Southeast Asia, the term pasar came to refer to small-scale peddling of wares. The term became popular among the local Chinese, and the term “巴刹” was coined.
• The wares sold at pasar or markets were not restricted to just vegetables and meat, they also sold daily essentials such as fabric, clothes and other miscellaneous items. These items can still be found in many markets in Singapore.

菜市 (Mainland China), 街市 (Hong Kong), 菜市场 (Taiwan)

Many pasar or markets are well-known historical landmarks in Singapore, such as “Iron Pa Sat”, “Lau Pa Sat” and “Xin Pa Sat”. Originally named Clyde Terrace Market, the “Iron Pa Sat” was built in the 1870s along Beach Road and was demolished in 1983. “Xin Pa Sat” (or “New Market”) referred to the Ellenborough Market, along the river near Coleman Bridge. This market was named as such to distinguish from the well-known “Lau Pa Sat” (which meant “Old Market”, built in 1825).