Food History of Himchari National Park, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
The food culture in the region surrounding Himchari National Park is heavily influenced by the coastal and traditional Bengali cuisine. Being a prominent tourist destination in Bangladesh, Cox's Bazar, including the Himchari area, incorporates a blend of fresh seafood obtained directly from the Bay of Bengal. Over time, local chefs have perfected recipes that fuse both Bengali spices with the distinct tastes of fish and seafood. Rice remains a staple, accompanied by an array of spiced dishes featuring fish, vegetables, and lentils. Vegetarian cuisine, while somewhat less predominant, is influenced by Hindu traditions and the diverse range of vegetables and pulses available in the region.
Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Himchari National Park, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
- Mezban Beef (Non-Veg) - A traditional spicy beef dish that is typically served during special occasions in Chittagong, although non-cow alternatives are available.
- Panta Bhat with Hilsa Fish (Non-Veg) - Fermented rice served with fried hilsa fish, a local delicacy; however, a purely vegetarian version of Panta Bhat is available as well.
- Shutki Curry (Non-Veg) - A spicy curry made with dried fish, offering a unique and pungent flavor.
- Vegetable Khichuri (Veg) - A comforting mix of rice and lentils with assorted vegetables, often seasoned with ghee and spices.
- Chingri Malai Curry (Non-Veg) - Creamy coconut curry cooked with prawns, an all-time favorite among seafood lovers.
- Bhuna Khichuri (Veg) - A richer and spicier version of khichuri, cooked with aromatic spices and sometimes served with vegetable fritters or eggs for a non-veg take.
- Patay Pata Chicken (Non-Veg) - Chicken steamed with mustard leaves, a dish combining local greens with succulent poultry pieces.
- Narkel Diye Cholar Dal (Veg) - A fragrant lentil dish cooked with coconut shavings and various spices.
- Bhorta Platter (Veg/Non-Veg) - An assortment of mashed vegetable and seafood preparations, each variant spiced to perfection.
- Sweet Yogurt from Bogura (Veg) - A creamy dessert made with milk and sugar, an absolute must-try for sweet lovers.
Top Famous Restaurants in Himchari National Park, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
Mermaid Cafe
Address: Pechar Dwip, Ramu 4750, Bangladesh
Famous Food: Grilled Seafood Platter (Non-Veg)
Sea Stone Cafe
Address: Sea Inn Beach, Cox's Bazar 4700, Bangladesh
Famous Food: Sea Stone Special Fried Rice (Non-Veg), Stir-Fried Vegetables (Veg)
The Cox Today
Address: Plot-7, Road-02, Hotel Motel Zone, Cox's Bazar
Famous Food: Cox's Bazar Prawn (Non-Veg)
EFC - A Live Fish Restaurant
Address: Hotel Sayeman Road, Cox's Bazar Sea Beach, Cox's Bazar
Famous Food: Fish Tikka (Non-Veg)
Koyla
Address: Plot # 65, Block # B, Kolatali, Cox's Bazar
Famous Food: Tandoori Chicken
Note that while many restaurants here are renowned for their seafood and non-vegetarian cuisine, most establishments will typically have vegetarian options as well.