Bangladesh Food Guide
Bangladesh is a country with a rich culinary heritage that is deeply rooted in its history, geography, and culture. From savory street food to home-cooked delicacies, Bangladeshi cuisine offers a variety of bold and aromatic flavors. This guide explores some of the must-try dishes in Bangladesh and suggests the best places to experience them.
1. Bhuna Khichuri
A comforting dish, Bhuna Khichuri is a rice and lentil porridge cooked with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves. It is often served with beef or chicken curry, fried eggplant, or a boiled egg, especially during the rainy season.
Where to Try It:
- Star Kabab, Dhaka: Famous for its rich and flavorful bhuna khichuri.
- Deshi Biryani, Chittagong: Offers a traditional take on this hearty dish.
2. Biryani
No food guide in Bangladesh is complete without mentioning Biryani. This dish, brought by the Mughal emperors, has been adapted into several regional varieties. Dhaka’s Kacchi Biryani (made with marinated mutton) is the most famous, with layers of basmati rice, tender meat, and fragrant spices.
Where to Try It:
- Hazir Biryani, Old Dhaka: Legendary for its aromatic Kacchi Biryani.
- Nanna Biryani, Dhaka: A local favorite serving one of the best biryanis in the country.
3. Fuchka
Known as Pani Puri in neighboring countries, Fuchka is a popular street food in Bangladesh. These crispy, hollow balls are filled with a tangy mixture of tamarind water, mashed potatoes, and chickpeas, offering a burst of flavors with every bite.
Where to Try It:
- Dhanmondi Lake, Dhaka: A hotspot for street food lovers, with several vendors offering authentic fuchka.
- New Market, Dhaka: A great place to try different street foods, including fuchka.
4. Ilish Bhapa (Steamed Hilsa)
Ilish Bhapa is a traditional Bengali delicacy made with Hilsa fish, the national fish of Bangladesh. The fish is marinated with mustard paste and green chilies and then steamed, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.
Where to Try It:
- Kasturi Restaurant, Dhaka: Known for its authentic Bengali food, including Hilsa preparations.
- Radhuni, Chittagong: A popular spot to enjoy Ilish Bhapa with a view of the sea.
5. Panta Bhat with Bhorta
Panta Bhat is fermented rice soaked in water overnight and served cold with an assortment of bhortas (mashed vegetables or fish with mustard oil, chili, and spices). This is a staple meal during Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) celebrations.
Where to Try It:
- Dhaka University Area, Dhaka: A vibrant spot for tasting traditional Pohela Boishakh food.
- Rangpur, a northern city known for its diverse range of bhortas.
6. Chingri Malai Curry (Prawn in Coconut Milk)
Chingri Malai Curry is a luxurious dish made with prawns cooked in a creamy coconut milk sauce, flavored with cardamom, cinnamon, and other spices. The dish is a popular offering during special occasions and festivals.
Where to Try It:
- The Grand Sultan Tea Resort, Sylhet: A fine dining spot that serves excellent seafood, including Chingri Malai Curry.
- Bhojohori Manna, Dhaka: Specializes in Bengali cuisine, with prawn dishes being a highlight.
7. Patishapta (Dessert)
Patishapta is a popular Bengali dessert, especially during Poush Parbon (the winter harvest festival). It’s a type of thin crepe filled with coconut, jaggery, and khoya (condensed milk), offering a sweet and comforting end to any meal.
Where to Try It:
- Puran Dhaka, Dhaka: Known for its traditional sweets and desserts.
- Glazed, Dhaka: A modern dessert café serving both traditional and contemporary Bengali sweets.
8. Shutki Bhorta (Dried Fish Paste)
Shutki Bhorta is a bold and flavorful dish made from mashed dried fish, mixed with mustard oil, green chilies, and onions. Though it’s an acquired taste for many, shutki lovers swear by its intense, smoky flavor.
Where to Try It:
- Chittagong, the coastal city where dried fish is a specialty.
- Handi, Dhaka: A restaurant known for serving traditional shutki bhorta alongside other regional dishes.
9. Beef Kala Bhuna
Originating from Sylhet, Kala Bhuna is a dark, spicy beef curry where the meat is slow-cooked in a mixture of spices until it turns almost black. The dish has a deep, smoky flavor and is often enjoyed with rice or paratha.
Where to Try It:
- Panshi Restaurant, Sylhet: Famous for its authentic Kala Bhuna.
- Handi, Dhaka: Known for Sylheti-style beef preparations.
10. Chotpoti
Another street food favorite, Chotpoti is made from a mixture of boiled chickpeas, potatoes, tamarind, and a variety of spices, topped with boiled eggs and sliced onions. It's tangy, spicy, and incredibly satisfying.
Where to Try It:
- Chawkbazar, Old Dhaka: A lively market known for its delicious street food offerings.
- Dhanmondi Hawkers Market, Dhaka: A popular spot for quick, flavorful bites.
Conclusion
From the flavorful biryani of Dhaka to the street food of Chittagong and the seafood delicacies of Sylhet, Bangladeshi cuisine is a journey through diverse flavors and rich culinary traditions. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack from a street vendor or a luxurious seafood meal, Bangladesh’s food scene offers something for everyone.
This article is part of WikiHotel, your go-to guide for discovering the best food and accommodations in Bangladesh.