Must-Try Foods In Nafakhum Waterfall (Bandarban) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Nafakhum Waterfall, Bandarban, Bangladesh

The indigenous communities of Bandarban, including Marma, Tripura, and the diverse ethnic groups of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, have long influenced the culinary history associated with Nafakhum Waterfall and its surrounding areas. Their traditional food culture is rich with local ingredients like bamboo shoots, wild herbs, freshwater fish, and rice. Cooking methods are often simple, where steaming and boiling are preferred to retain the natural flavors of the food. Due to religious and cultural preferences, a sizable amount of the local cuisine is centered around vegetarian and non-cow non-veg options, with chicken, fish, and sometimes pork incorporated into their meals. As a tourist destination, Nafakhum Waterfall reflects an amalgamation of traditional tribal and Bengali cuisines.

Top 10 Food Dishes to Try in Nafakhum Waterfall, Bandarban, Bangladesh

1. Bamboo Chicken (Non-Veg) - Chicken cooked inside a piece of green bamboo without any oil, highlighting the flavors of the chicken and the bamboo.
2. Shatkora Beef (Non-Cow Non-Veg) - A citrusy beef dish cooked with the unique tasting shatkora, a type of wild orange. While beef is commonly eaten, in this case, alternatives such as goat might be used.
3. Pachon (Veg) - A type of local rice that is grilled within bamboo segments, imbuing a distinct smoky flavor.
4. Grilled Fish (Non-Veg) - Freshwater fish marinated with spices and grilled over an open flame.
5. Bashful Vapa Pitha (Veg) - A traditional steamed rice cake often served with molasses or honey.
6. Bamboo Shoot Curry (Veg) - A spicy curry made with tender shoots of bamboo and local spices.
7. Marma Chicken Curry (Non-Veg) - A chicken curry that features the unique taste of Marma tribal spices.
8. Hill Tract Vegetables (Veg) - A dish prepared from wild-grown vegetables that are typically found in the hill tract areas.
9. Tui Pui Shaak (Veg) - A leafy green dish often served as a side, cooked with garlic and spicy seasoning.
10. Rice with Fish and Mango Chutney (Non-Veg) - A meal combining steamed rice, small freshwater fish, and tangy mango chutney.

Top Famous Restaurants in Nafakhum Waterfall, Bandarban, Bangladesh

As Nafakhum Waterfall is located in a relatively remote area, the dining options nearby are limited compared to urban locations. However, tourists can find authentic local flavors in small eateries or arrange for meals at their place of stay. Here are a few places:

Tong Ting Restaurant

- Address: Lama, Bandarban
- Famous Food: Grilled Fish (Non-Veg)

Marma Restaurant

- Address: Ruma Bazar, Ruma Upazila, Bandarban
- Famous Food: Marma Chicken Curry (Non-Veg)

Hillside Resort Restaurant

- Address: Milonchhori, Bandarban-Sadullapur Road, Bandarban
- Famous Food: Bamboo Chicken (Non-Veg) and Traditional Tribal Vegetarian Platter (Veg)

The Sangu Restaurant

- Address: Bandarban Town, Bandarban
- Famous Food: Freshwater Fish Cuisine (Non-Veg)

Roots Eco Resort Restaurant

- Address: Near Meghla, Bandarban
- Famous Food: Various Tribal Dishes (Veg and Non-Veg options available)

Please note that addresses and availabilities may change and it is advisable to check current details and make reservations before planning a visit to any of these locations. The remoteness of Nafakhum Waterfall also means that some meals and experiences may need to be pre-arranged with tour operators or accommodations.