Bangladeshi food is one of the best reasons to visit, and one of the least known. Expect fish and rice at the heart of most meals, slow-cooked Mughal biryanis in Old Dhaka, mashed vegetable bhortas, street snacks and some of the sweetest desserts in South Asia.
Dishes to try
- Kacchi biryani: mutton and fragrant rice cooked together in a sealed pot. Old Dhaka is famous for it.
- Morog polao: a milder chicken pilau, often served at weddings.
- Ilish (hilsa): the national fish, cooked in mustard sauce (shorshe ilish) or smoked.
- Bhorta: mashed vegetables, fish or lentils with mustard oil, chilli and onion. A typical meal includes several.
- Dal: lentil soup, served with almost everything.
- Bhuna khichuri: rice and lentils cooked with spices, perfect on a rainy day.
- Shutki: dried fish, a strong-flavoured favourite in Chattogram and Sylhet.
- Mezban beef: the spicy beef curry of Chattogram feasts.
- Fuchka and chotpoti: crisp shells filled with spiced chickpeas and tamarind water. The essential street snack.
- Bakarkhani: a flaky Old Dhaka bread, best with tea.
- Mishti doi: sweet, set yoghurt, famously from Bogura.
- Roshogolla and chomchom: syrupy milk sweets.
- Pitha: rice cakes made in winter, steamed or fried, often with date-palm jaggery.
- Seven-layer tea: a curiosity from Sreemangal, poured in colourful layers.
- Cha: sweet milky tea, drunk at roadside stalls all day.
Where to eat
Old Dhaka is the best place for a food walk, especially around Nazira Bazar, Chawkbazar and Shakhari Bazar. Each region has its own specialities, so ask your guide what to try. Our Dhaka City Day Tour includes stops at local favourites.
Vegetarians and vegans
Vegetarians do well: dal, bhortas, vegetable curries, khichuri and many snacks are meat-free. Hindu restaurants are fully vegetarian. Vegans should ask about ghee and milk in sweets and tea.
Eating safely
- Drink bottled or filtered water, and avoid ice unless you know its source.
- Choose busy stalls where food is cooked fresh in front of you.
- Peel fruit yourself.
- Bring rehydration salts in case of an upset stomach.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bangladeshi food spicy?
It is flavourful rather than extremely hot, though fresh green chillies are served on the side. Tell your guide if you prefer mild food.
Can you drink alcohol in Bangladesh?
Alcohol is restricted. Foreigners can drink in some international hotels and licensed bars, but it is not served in ordinary restaurants.
