Welcome to the world of Bangladesh’s centuries-old culinary traditions and most popular Bangladeshi food. Are you a food enthusiast? You’ll discover a vast array of cuisines in Bangladesh. From Thai and Chinese to the renowned Bengali flavors, there’s something to tantalize every palate. Let’s explore which regions of Bangladesh are famous for their distinctive dishes.
Famous Item:
Biryani
A foodie who doesn’t like biryani or polao would probably be hard to find among Bengalis. Haji Biryani of Old Dhaka is famous in Bangladesh. This Biryani has been around for centuries. However, Biryani has become a popular dish not only in Old Dhaka, but all over Bangladesh. Among the popular Polao Biryani of Old Dhaka are Bundiya Polao, Khasir Biryani, Saada Polao with Braised Beef etc. In Old Dhaka, there are some old food establishments that still maintain the continuity of tradition such as Hajir Biryani of Kazi Alauddin Road, Nanna Biryani of Becharam Deuri, Polao of Shah Saheb of Chawkbazar etc.
As soon as you go to Old Dhaka, the smell of biryani and polao is all around, which will force you to try it. Once you eat Haji Biryani, you will never forget its taste.
Mejbani beef
Mejbani beef is a traditional Chittagong dish featuring a variety of delicious beef offerings. This celebratory table showcases a truly unique flavor profile. Cooked using a special process with distinct spices, the taste of this meat lingers in the memory of those who try it.
So, if you ever want to experience it, you’ll need to travel to the port city of Chittagong.
Mejbani beef remains a staple at weddings and other special events in Chittagong. Additionally, you can find Mejbani beef served in many quality restaurants throughout the city.
While Mejbani beef is a celebrated dish, Chittagong also boasts a variety of delicious seafood options.
Hilsa Fish
Hilsa, the king of fish, is renowned for its incomparable taste and smell. Bengali New Year is celebrated in Baisakh, Baisakh wouldn’t be complete without panta-hilsa. During the monsoon season, hilsa becomes readily available in all Bengali Bazar.
Bengalis prepare hilsa in a variety of ways. Sarse hilsa, hilsa vapa, hilsa chicken – no matter how it’s cooked, the aroma instantly reveals that hilsa is on the menu nearby.
The hilsa from the Padma River holds worldwide fame. A significant amount of hilsa is exported abroad every year.
However, for any true foodie, a life hasn’t been fully lived without experiencing hilsa fried at least once at Mawa Ferighat.
Dessert Item:
Rasmalai
Rasmalai is a popular dessert not only in Bengal but also throughout South Asia. However, Comilla is definitely the place that comes to mind when you think of Rasmalai.
It’s interesting that Comilla’s “mother’s treasure” Rasmalai is known by the same name all over the country. It has been recognized not only nationally but also internationally as a Geographical Indication (GI) product.
The demand and fame of this Rasmalai have spread across the country and abroad. As a result, the number of Rasmalai shops has increased so much that finding the real deal can be challenging.
However, to get the original and authentic Rasmalai, you need to go directly to a shop called Comilla Matribhandar located in Manoharpur of Comilla city. Only then can you experience the real juice Rasmalai with nuts.
Balish Mishti
The name Balish Mishti (meaning “pillow sweet”) evokes Netrakona. This unique sweet, shaped like a lap pillow, is a famous delicacy of Bangladesh.
Over a hundred years ago, Gayanath Ghosh created the process for making Balish Mishti. Driven by the dream of inventing a new and everlasting sweet, Gayanath’s creation proved to be just that.
The story goes that Gayanath crafted a large-sized sweet, resembling a pillow in shape. Uncertain about a name, he turned to his customers for suggestions. Following their advice, the sweet became known as Balish Mishti.
While Balish Mishti is now available in most shops throughout Netrakona, the original recipe used by Gayanath’s shop is said to create a unique and unmatched flavor.
Eurd
When you think of Bogra, yogurt immediately comes to mind. The city is renowned for its high-quality yogurt with a unique flavor
This yogurt is produced using a centuries-old method. Made in a distinct local style, the taste of this yogurt is truly unmatched.
For generations, Bogra’s yogurt has held a special place on the food tables of people across Bangladesh, even dating back to before the country’s partition.
There’s simply no substitute for Bogra yogurt when it comes to treating loved ones or guests. In fact, no Bogra festival has ever been complete without yogurt featuring prominently on the menu.
So, if you ever find yourself in Bogra, be sure to try this uniquely flavored yogurt at least once.
Beauty Lachi
Beauty Lachi is one of the names associated with Nazirabazar in Old Dhaka. For generations, it has quenched the thirst of countless people. Even today, its taste and significance remain unmatched.
Hundreds of people flock daily to Beauty Lachi. Be prepared to wait in line, as this refreshing drink is a popular choice, especially during the hot summer months.
In addition to their renowned lachchi, Beauty Lachi also offers a delicious faluda. Made with various ingredients like dates, raisins, pomegranates, apples, sabudana, and ice cream, this faluda is a true delight.
Their Beauty Lachir lemon sorbet is equally incomparable. It’s unique in that it uses sugar syrup instead of refined sugar.
Traditional Food
Bakarkhani
Bakarkhani from Old Dhaka has a well-deserved reputation throughout Bangladesh and even beyond. The name “Old Dhaka” is practically synonymous with Bakarkhani.
Legend has it that the bread is named after a wealthy landowner, Zamindar Aga Baki.
Bakarkhani comes in two varieties: sweet and salty. The main ingredients are flour, sugar, oil, and salt.
Local residents of Old Dhaka continue to include Bakarkhani in their daily meals. They enjoy it with various accompaniments, although milk tea remains the most popular pairing.
Bara Baper Polao
Bara Baper Polao is a famous and traditional Iftar dish in Old Dhaka, boasting a history of around 78 years. It’s considered one of the city’s quintessential Iftar offerings during Ramadan. This flavorful dish comprises a rich medley of ingredients: eggs, cow brain, potatoes, ghee, green and dried chilies, beef liver, chicken cutlets, chicken livers, cotton kebabs, minced meat, flattened rice (chira), lentil fritters (dubli), black gram dal (boot dal), sweet pumpkin, and 15 other food items. Seasoned with 16 types of spices, the combination of these 31 elements creates the unique taste of Bara Baper Polao.
The name “Bara Baper Polao” translates to “Twelve Fathers’ Feast.” The exact origin of the name remains unclear, but the dish itself has become a beloved tradition.
Large pots filled with Bara Baper Polao are prepared, and the mixture is traditionally sold by hand in individual servings. During Ramadan, people of all ages eagerly line up to purchase this special dish.
Over time, the popularity of Bara Baper Polao has grown, and its fame has extended to new generations.
seven color Tea
Srimangal is one of the coldest areas bordering Bangladesh. Hills and tea gardens have decorated the upazila in its own way.
A famous drink of this upazila is the tea of seven colors. That means the tea you drink will have seven layers of color. Many tourists come to Srimangal for the charm of nature and tea.
There are more such food resources scattered all over Bangladesh. Some are hundreds of years old and some are more than that.
Try our Bangladesh tour to experience some of the best Bangladeshi Food