Must-Try Street Foods in Dhaka

Classic Bangladeshi Savory Snacks ( streets food in Dhaka )

• Fuchka (or Pani Puri): This is arguably the most popular street food. It consists of small, crispy, hollow balls (puri) filled with a mix of spiced mashed potato and chickpeas, then drizzled with a tangy-sweet tamarind water (pani). The yogurt-based version, Doi Fuchka, is also incredibly popular.

• Chotpoti: A delicious, savory, and tangy mix of boiled chickpeas, diced potatoes, onions, chillies, and hard-boiled egg, all mixed with a flavorful chaat masala and tamarind sauce.
• Jhalmuri: A quick, spicy, and crunchy snack made from puffed rice, mixed with mustard oil, chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies, and various spices and nuts. It’s often served in a paper cone.
• Singara & Samosa: These are deep-fried, triangular or pyramidal pastries. Singara is typically filled with spiced potatoes and peas, while Samosa can have a similar filling or sometimes meat. They are perfect with a cup of hot Malai Cha (a rich, sweet milk tea).

Heartier Street Food & Evening Favorites

• Mughlai Paratha: A soft, pan-fried flatbread stuffed with a savory filling of egg, onion, minced meat (keema), and spices. It’s a filling, satisfying meal often cut into squares and served with a side of chutney.
• Sheekh Kebab with Luchi/Paratha: Marinated skewers of beef or chicken (often beef in Dhaka) grilled over an open flame, served with soft, deep-fried bread (Luchi) or a flaky flatbread (Paratha).
• Halim: A thick, savory stew made from slow-cooked meat (beef or mutton) blended with a variety of lentils and cracked wheat, creating a rich and aromatic dish.

Sweet & Seasonal Treats

• Pitha: This is the general name for a category of traditional rice cakes and fritters, which are especially popular during winter.
  • Bhapa Pitha: A steamed rice cake filled with jaggery (molasses) and grated coconut.
  • Patishapta Pitha: A thin crepe rolled with a sweet filling, often of coconut or condensed milk (kheer).
• Jilapi (Jalebi): A pretzel-shaped sweet made from deep-fried batter, which is then immediately soaked in a warm sugar syrup.

Where to Find Great Street Food:

While you can find street food everywhere, certain areas are known as local hubs:

• Old Dhaka (Puran Dhaka): For the most traditional and authentic experience, especially for Mughlai items, Bakarkhani, and specific types of biryani/pilaf.
• Dhaka University (TSC area): Famous for Fuchka and a variety of teas, including unique flavors like ‘Tamarind Chili Tea’.
• Mohammadpur: A well-known area that has seen a rise in modern food carts and a great variety of food, blending traditional and newer global street foods (like momos, burgers, and kebabs).
• Bailey Road & Dhanmondi: Also popular spots with a mix of traditional and modern street food stalls.

Enjoy your culinary exploration! Just remember to look for stalls that are busy and have a high turnover for the freshest food.