Must-Try Foods In Dhaka (Bangladesh) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Dhakh, Bangladesh

The cuisine of Dhaka has a rich heritage that draws from Mughal, British, and Indian influences, among others. The culinary traditions of the region have evolved over centuries, shaped by the rivers such as the Buriganga and the culture of fishing and agriculture. The Mughals brought with them luxurious spices and aromatic foods, which local cooks adapted to the ingredients available in the fertile land of what is now Bangladesh.

Rice and fish are the staple foods of Dhaka, with rice varieties like Kalijira, Basmati, and Chinigura being particularly favored. Dhaka's cuisine is renowned for its distinctive use of spices, extensive use of fish, and lentils. Bangladeshi food also features a variety of sweets and desserts made from milk products, which are an integral part of the culinary culture. Dhaka's street food scene is vibrant, offering an array of snacks that mirror the diversity of its people and their tastes.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Dhaka, Bangladesh

1. Hilsa Fish Curry (Ilish) - Non-Veg: This is a traditional Bengali fish curry made with hilsa fish, mustard oil, and spices, typically eaten with rice.
2. Pitha - Veg: Pithas are traditional sweet or savory cakes that come in various shapes and flavors, many of which are made from rice flour.
3. Bhuna Khichuri - Veg: A seasoned rice and lentil dish that is often cooked with an array of spices and sometimes enhanced with vegetables.
4. Daal - Veg: Lentils cooked with aromatic spices and herbs, and a staple accompaniment to rice and bread.
5. Bhorta - Veg/Non-Veg: A type of mashed dish prepared with vegetables like eggplant or potatoes, and sometimes dried fish for added flavor.
6. Fuchka (Puchka) - Veg: Similar to the Indian pani puri, fuchka is a popular street food consisting of hollow dough balls filled with spicy tamarind water and chickpeas.
7. Chingri Malai Curry (Prawn Malai Curry) - Non-Veg: A creamy and aromatic curry made with prawns, coconut milk, and mild spices, beloved throughout Dhaka.
8. Biryani - Non-Veg: A fragrant rice dish made with layers of marinated chicken or mutton and long-grain Basmati rice, cooked with saffron for aroma and color.
9. Chotpoti - Veg: A spicy and tangy street food snack made from boiled chickpeas and potatoes, mixed with tamarind sauce and topped with chopped boiled eggs.
10. Misti Doi - Veg: A sweet yogurt dessert, caramelized with sugar; it is a much-loved end to many meals in Dhaka.

Top Famous Restaurants in Dhaka, Bangladesh

• Nawab Chatga (রেস্তোঁরা নবাব চাটগা)

  Address: House No-4, Road No-4/A, Sector -11, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh

  Famous Food: Bhuna Khichuri - Veg

• Hajir Biriyani

  Address: 70 Kazi Alauddin Road, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh

  Famous Food: Mutton Biryani - Non-Veg

• Star Kabab & Restaurant

  Address: 54 New Elephant Road, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh

  Famous Food: Chicken Biryani - Non-Veg

• Fakruddin

  Address: 75, Purana Paltan, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

  Famous Food: Prawn Malai Curry - Non-Veg

• Beauty Boarding

  Address: 6, 7, 8 Brojo Nath Lane, Banglabazar, Dhaka, Bangladesh

  Famous Food: Traditional Bengali Thali - Veg/Non-Veg

• Ahar

  Address: Zindabahar 2nd Lane, Dhaka, Bangladesh

  Famous Food: Assorted Bhortas - Veg

Please note that menus and the availability of specific dishes may vary, so visitors are advised to check with individual restaurants for the most current offerings.