Iftar at shopping break
Over the last decade there has been a drift in Dhaka's iftar scene. As the city has expanded northward, so has its culinary geography. Nowadays, people are spoilt for choice with a wide assortment of international cuisines on offer. With healthier options there for taking, the traditional 'fried' food frenzy has reached an all time low.
While almost all food shops in the capital have iftar offers, some areas have become renowned iftar hubs. Among them, the food courts at all major shopping centres cater, of course, to shoppers' needs.
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THE LEGEND OF BAILEY ROAD
An important link between the heritage of old and rapid modern expansion, this important avenue has been the core of the arts and cultural movement in Dhaka for a long time, and simultaneously showcases a thriving food scene; it only gets more vibrant as Ramadan rolls in.
A stroll along the road will let you absorb the buzz at the time just before iftar. Some prefer to buy the scrumptious items from the classic Baily Hut, while others favour the neighbourhood as a place to hang out with friends, breaking their fast at one of the many newer restaurants.
The chargrilled delight of sheek kebabs from Nawabi Voj restaurant or the aroma of fresh French fries from the small Mama Piyaju can only add to the luxurious feel of a mouth-watering, signature Baily iftar.
Right before the adhan, last minute iftar shoppers scurry about; while others try to find a spot at any of the restaurants.
TALTOLA -- THE NEW 'KID' IN TOWN
This new addition to the food scene is already shaking Baily Road's decade long reign as the supreme iftar market. Many of the teenagers once seen ambling about and chatting on the sidewalks of Baily Road have switched allegiances to Taltola, which took food lovers of the city by storm, especially for its delectable budget offerings.
The momentum is still strong, with big names like KFC and BFC setting up shops in the vicinity, alongside the local restaurants. Add to that the month of Ramadan and it becomes one of the places in the city to visit.
The comfortable Café Cherry Drops, or the rooftop restaurant Al Fresco, or the mouth-watering sizzle of beef chaap as it fries at Petuk: make your pick and you simply cannot go wrong.
The clientele are just as varied as the food: families, friends fresh from classes or young couples. After the meal is done, they can head for the ever popular Apon's Cold Coffee to avoid succumbing to the lethargy that follows a heavy meal.
BASHUNDHARA CITY -- THE MEGA FOOD COURT
On the other side of the city meanwhile, one of the most popular and ever-crowded spots for iftar is the food court at Bashundhara City Shopping Mall on Panthapath. Right before the call for evening prayer is made it becomes difficult to even step into the food court without trampling someone's foot.
Shoppers say they like the variety and affordability. Almost all the stores have iftar packages ready on the counters so people can actually see what they are ordering.
According to the store owners, it feels very festive during iftar as a vast number of people break the fast together. There are numerous cuisines to choose from: Korean, Chinese, seafood, Mexican, Indian, and Bangladeshi, along with ice-cream and coffee stalls aplenty.
SHIMANTO SQUARE -- WHERE FOOD KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES
This is one of the rare food courts in Dhaka where you get an 'alfresco' dining experience. Although considerably smaller in size than most of its counterparts, Shimanto Square belittles the giants in terms of diversity: Italian, Japanese, Korean, Indian, and Thai, to name a few.
And if you feel you need to gulp down that delicious iftar with a cold or hot beverage, there are plenty of stalls offering fresh fruit juices, coffee, and tea.
Remember these spots for a quick and accessible iftar that is easy on the pocket, especially if getting home in time seems to be difficult, given Dhaka's legendary traffic jams.
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