If you’re visiting Dhaka for the first time, you may be unfamiliar with the city’s vibrant street food culture. Perhaps you’ve heard that Dhaka is a hectic city, which has kept you from considering a visit. While many travelers explore South and Southeast Asia, Bangladesh, along with its capital, often gets overlooked. It’s a pity that Bangladesh has lingered in the shadows of its neighbor, India, for so long!
Dhaka is a must-see destination for its incredible sights and friendly locals. Once you discover the amazing street food here, you’ll find yourself wanting to return time and again for more authentic Bangladeshi flavors. Let’s get into the best street food Dhaka has to offer.
THE BEST STREET FOOD IN DHAKA, BANGLADESH
FUCHKA—BANGLADESHI STREET FOOD
Fuchka, also known as Panipuri, reigns as the top street food in Dhaka! You’ll see locals eagerly grabbing these from vendors no matter where they are. While this snack is popular across the Indian subcontinent, the Bangladeshi version is simply unbeatable. Fuchka features a crispy hollow shell filled with mashed potatoes, yogurt, tamarind syrup, chili powder, or chickpeas. It’s irresistibly delicious, but be cautious—Dhaka’s food can be incredibly spicy!
PITHA—SWEET BANGLADESHI SNACK
Pitha refers to a variety of pancake-like fritters that are especially popular in Dhaka during the winter months. Notable types include Bhapa, Chitoi, Aamdosha, and Paatishapta. Most are round and sweet; my personal favorite, Bhapa pitha, combines rice flour, coconut, salt, and molasses. Be sure to sample as many varieties as you can!
JHALMURI—A FAVORED STREET SNACK
Jhalmuri is beloved by Dhaka locals for its tantalizing flavors. This mix of peanuts, cucumbers, onions, chilies, tomatoes, rice puffs, chanachur, and lemon is shaken together to create a delicious snack. Do not leave without trying it!
BADAM AND BOOT—ROASTED SNACKS
No list of Dhaka street food would be complete without Badam and Boot—roasted peanuts, chickpeas, and assorted beans. Vendors set up shop on nearly every corner, roasting these snacks to perfection right in front of you. Enjoying freshly roasted peanuts is an experience not to be missed!
PEYAJU, BEGUNI, AND CHOP—TRADITIONAL TREATS
Bangladeshis have a love for fried food, which is evident in the street food scene. Peyaju is made from mashed lentils, while Beguni consists of brinjals coated in flour, both deep-fried to perfection. You’ll also find chop, a mixture of mashed potatoes and sliced egg, often accompanied by fried prawns.
SHEEKH KEBAB WITH LUCHI—A CLASSIC MEAL
Sheekh Kebabs are marinated beef skewered and grilled over an open flame. This savory treat is frequently served with luchi, a small, deep-fried bread, resulting in a delicious meal to remember.
FRESH ROASTED CORN—A VEGETARIAN DELIGHT
Corn in Dhaka is a unique experience. Vendors roast it over an open flame, seasoning it with salt and sauces for a sour, spicy flavor that’s truly extraordinary. It’s a standout vegetarian option among the street food choices!
BHORTA—A CUISINE SPECIALTY
When sampling Dhaka’s street food, don’t overlook bhortas, which can be made from various ingredients like eggplant or fish. These mashed dishes are mixed with different sauces and can have a deliciously sour or sweet flavor, often with a spicy kick.
MALAI CHA—BANGLADESHI TEA
Malai Cha is a must-try sweet tea made with thick cow’s milk. In Dhaka, tea stalls are ubiquitous—walk just a kilometer in any direction, and you’re likely to find one!
AMSOTTO—A SWEET TREAT
Amsotto is a dried mango snack unique to Bangladesh. It can be stored for a long time, making it an ideal treat to bring home!
HALIM—A STAPLE DISH
No discussion of Dhaka’s street food would be complete without Halim, a thick lentil soup traditionally made with local spices and meat. It’s served hot, often enjoyed with rice puffs or bread.
PAAN—A CONTROVERSIAL OPTION
Paan is often called the king of street foods in Dhaka. A betel leaf is filled with betel nut and, on occasion, tobacco, sweeteners, and spices. Typically chewed and discarded, it’s said to aid digestion.
HAWAI MITHAI—COLORFUL COTTON CANDY
Hawai Mithai or Cotton candy, also known as candy floss or fairy floss, is a spun sugar confection that resembles cotton that evoke childhood memories for many. It can be found everywhere, from carnivals and fairs to university campuses.
FRUIT JUICE & LOCAL FRUITS
After sampling all this delicious street food, you’ll likely need a drink. Fresh fruit juices—like papaya, watermelon, and pineapple—are readily available, alongside an array of seasonal local fruits.
CAUTION
If you’re from the West, you might find some of the food quite spicy. Your stomach may not be accustomed, so it’s wise to sample in moderation to avoid any discomfort.
(Source and Photos are collected)