Top Street Food In Dhaka, Bangladesh
Top Street Food In Dhaka, Bangladesh
Bangladesh, or the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, is a country in Southeast Asia. It is surrounded by India, Myanmar, and the Bay of Bengal. Dhaka is the capital city of Bangladesh. It was formerly known as Dacca and is situated beside the Buriganga River. Not only is it one of the largest cities in the country, but it is also the most densely populated. It is the world’s eighth-most populated country, and it offers its visitors plenty of cultural activities to explore. And of course, there is plenty of food to enjoy in the country as well. To help you decide what to eat, we have created a list of top street food that you must try in Bangladesh;
- Shingara
We’ll start our list off with something that is small but mighty: shingara. These bite-size balls have everything we love in snack food. Crispy fried dough? Check! A yummy filling inside? Check! So delicious you will find it hard to stop at one? Definitely a check! These dough balls are similar to samosas, and their fillings depend on the region and vendor. It is common to find a mixture of vegetables and spices, but sweet variations are available as well. Their small size makes them perfect to grab and eat on-the-go while exploring an area.
- Jhalmuri
A street snack from the Bengal region, jhalmuri is made of puffed rice mixed with a variety of spices, vegetables, and bhujia. It is especially popular in Bangladesh and the eastern regions of India. Generally, chopped cucumbers and lemon juice are one of the many ingredients found in jhalmuri, which gives it a zesty and refreshing taste.
- Mughlai paratha
A type of unleavened flatbread in Bangladesh, basic parathas are typically made by rolling the dough into thin layers. Mughlai paratha is a version that is enhanced by stuffing several ingredients inside, including keema (minced meat), egg, and an assortment of vegetables. The vegetarian option just takes the meat out of the preparation. This is considered a breakfast item for Bangladeshis and can be eaten alone or paired with curry. Paratha can be found just about anywhere in Dhakar, so you don’t have to look too hard to find it.
- Fuchka
Up next we have fuchka, also called panipuri. This street food is small in size and therefore easy to eat - it is no surprise that this makes it an incredibly popular snack to enjoy. Fuchka is a round and hollow thin bread, which is then stuffed with fillings. A typical fuchka filling consists of mashed potatoes and has a tangy and spicy flavour. This spicy finger food is the perfect snack to stop for if you’re looking for a small bite to tide you over until mealtime.
- Naan
This bread is similar to a paratha such that naan also belongs in the flatbread category. While paratha involves light frying, traditional naan is unleavened flatbread that is baked in a tandoor. A plain naan has a soft and chewy texture, making it the perfect accompaniment to any saucy dish like curry or masala (a mixture of ground spices with slightly creamier texture). Naan now comes in a variety of flavours, with garlic being the most popular. Aaheli Kabab & Restaurant along Enamul Hoq Chowdhury Road has managed to make its own version of crispy garlic naan that you must try while in Dhaka.
- Chole Bhature
Next, we have a dish which is considered street food but is also often eaten for breakfast. Chola, also called chola bhature or chole bhature, is a dish made of spicy chickpeas and a fried bread called bhatura. Oftentimes, it is served with chutney and pickles, and the bread is a great way to soak up every last bit of this delicious dish. It is thought to have originated in Punjab, India where it is a common breakfast, but has since spread across India and Bangladesh. Today, you can find street vendors stirring large pots of this spicy dish.
- Aloo puri
Puri is an unleavened, deep-fried flatbread prepared with wheat flour. There are many ways to enjoy puri, and one of them is by eating it with aloo (potatoes). Typically, this is a breakfast item or eaten as a snack served with salad or curry on the side. Head out to the streets of Dhaka or stop by a local restaurant in the morning to savour some aloo puri and kick start your day.
- Rasmalai
Rasmalai, otherwise known as rossomalai in West Bengal, is a unique Bangladeshi delicacy. This dessert is prepared mainly using cheese, milk, and almonds. The base ingredient of malai being non-homogenized whole milk. Rasmalai is commonly found in almost every sweet shop in Bangladesh, the most famous store being Alibaba Sweets. They have two main outlets - one at Rajlaxmi Complex and the other at Ak Plaza. Note that other stores with the same name are franchises. Rasmalai is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.