National Classics

• Hilsa with Mustard Sauce (shorshe ilish): Bangladesh’s most iconic fish dish, hilsa steamed with mustard sauce, a seasonal delicacy in the rainy season with a pungent, spicy flavor.
• Biryani: Dhaka-style biryani is the most famous, featuring long-grain rice cooked with lamb or chicken and a rich mix of spices. A typical serving costs around $2–$5.
• Curry Fish and Dried Fish: Various curries served with rice are everyday staples. River fish and dried fish are especially common in riverine and coastal areas, with adjustable spice levels.
• Kebabs and Wraps: Popular street foods like kebabs, grilled chicken, and wraps, often served with onions and chutney, are very affordable.
• Rice and Lentil Stew (dal): The simplest national combination, typically served with fried snacks and vegetables, is a daily staple for locals.

Sweets and Drinks

• Assorted Milk-Based Sweets: A wide variety of sweets made with curd, syrup, and milk, generally very sweet, best enjoyed with tea.
• Sugar Balls and Festival Sweets: Common sweets for celebrations and hosting guests, widely available at street dessert shops at low prices.
• Tea: Tea with milk and sugar is a daily social drink. A cup at a roadside stall costs just a few taka and is a great spot to take a break.
• Tropical Fruits: Mangoes, lychees, and jackfruit are in season in summer, offering intense flavors—worth trying at local markets.

Where to Eat and Price Ranges

The top spots to eat in Old Dhaka are renowned biryani restaurants and traditional sweet shops. Near the fish markets in Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar, you can try freshly caught seafood. Average meals at basic restaurants cost around $2–$6 per person, while mid- to high-end restaurants range from $8–$21. Cash is the main form of payment, so carry small denominations of taka for change.

Practical Tips

• Drink only bottled or boiled water, avoid raw or unrefrigerated street food, and be cautious of intestinal illnesses.
• Local dishes are generally spicy. You can request less chili or opt for stewed dishes when ordering.
• During Ramadan, daytime dining options are limited. Plan ahead and respect local customs.
• Tipping is not mandatory, but leaving a small amount of taka for good service at restaurants and hotels is appreciated.

Bangladeshi cuisine centers on rice and fish, with freshwater fish especially abundant in the delta region. Street kebabs and sweets offer everyday delights. Travelers with sensitive stomachs may want to start with milder rice-based dishes before trying more heavily spiced local fare.