Inside Dhaka’s ‘Breakfast Club’

In Dhaka, a city where the appetite for new experiences never fades and monotony is always close at hand, "Breakfast Club Dhaka" has carved out a space of its own. Their early-morning coffee raves bring people out of bed to enjoy good coffee, lively DJ sets, and a bright daytime atmosphere. By keeping the energy focused and the concept consistent, they've built a niche that regulars return to for the sound, the community, and the start-of-day clarity.

What is 'Breakfast Club Dhaka'?

With its bi-weekly early morning raves, Breakfast Club wrapped up its debut season last month on a high. The series turned ordinary mornings into memorable experiences, showcasing lineups that brought together fresh talent and familiar favourites. Over seven editions so far, each running from 9am to 12pm, the club has made its signature time slot an energetic space for music and community.

"Breakfast Club Dhaka" founders Tonmoy D Gupta and Tawsif Alam Khan say the idea came from a mix of inspirations. "About two years ago, while travelling in Amsterdam, we stumbled upon a morning coffee event. People were dancing to great music before noon, latte in hand, and it completely changed the way we looked at mornings. We had also been following concepts like Daybreaker and Morning Gloryville abroad," shared Tonmoy.

However, the bigger spark was derived from a desire to create something truly unique for Dhaka. Most weekend mornings here are slow. People are either catching up on sleep, binge-watching Netflix, or heading out in the evening for a big night out or a long dinner session. "We thought, why not make weekend mornings fun? A space where music lovers, creatives, and early risers could connect in an uplifting atmosphere, every bit as exciting as a great night out — only with coffee & music," added Tawsif. 

Tonmoy, better known as OMDG, and Tawsif, known as TAK, come from very different backgrounds but share one undeniable bond: their love for music. OMDG has long been one of Dhaka's leading DJs and curators, known for hosting standout events that feature both local and international talent. TAK, meanwhile, is one of the city's most in-demand accounting teachers, but outside the classroom he's deeply involved in music—managing artists, scheduling events, and helping the scene grow. Together, they've built a reputation as an unstoppable duo. 

"At Breakfast Club, our philosophy is simple: it's about community over crowd. We want people to connect naturally over good coffee and music that builds energy through the morning," said TAK.

"Mornings set the tone for the day, so our goal is to leave everyone inspired and recharged. Partnering with different cafes and restaurants also keeps each event fresh and welcoming," he added.

Furthermore, the team is very intentional about where they host their events. Venues must feel inviting, handle both music and social flow, and offer natural light. "Our selection process begins with spending hours in the café to feel the space, observe its flow, and understand the ambience. We then speak with the owners to align on shared values. "When the fit feels right, and the collaboration flows naturally, then we close the deal," said Tonmoy.

When Season 1 began, they thought it might take a while for people to warm up to the idea. However, in reality, the energy and openness people brought from the very first episode blew them. 

"People really connected with the events. Strangers ended up talking over coffee, others danced with the same joy you'd usually see late at night, and many kept coming back. The growth felt natural, more from word of mouth than marketing. It went beyond what we expected, both in attendance and in the way people built connections," said Tonmoy.

The types of crowd to join  

When asked about who attended these events, the organisers said their crowd had been diverse, mostly young professionals in their 20s and 30s, students, artists, freelancers, and start-up enthusiasts — but also parents with children, and even guests in their 50s who blended right in.

"One of our favourite things was seeing multi-generational moments on the dance floor, from fathers and daughters to mothers and sons — and even entire families sharing the morning, something you hardly see in Dhaka," mentioned Tawsif. 

The challenges faced during the first season 

Despite its steady success, "Breakfast Club Dhaka" faced its fair share of early challenges. One of the biggest obstacles was simply introducing the concept to others. Many folks hesitated, asking questions like, "Who dances in the morning?" or dismissively saying, "Oh, this seems so wannabe," because they couldn't quite grasp the vibe. The idea was new and unfamiliar to most. To address this, the team used Instagram to share photos, short videos, and event recaps that gave people a clear sense of the vibe.

Another challenge was the logistics of working with different venues for each episode. Every space had its own quirks — from sound setup to furniture layout, which meant adapting a new plan each time. The solution was to keep the setup modular and work closely with venue staff. 

"We've also had to learn how to balance the energy curve. Not everyone is ready to dance at 9am, nor do we expect them to. "We set up the music to start easy and then build up slowly, so the flow felt natural and people could ease into it without feeling overwhelmed," said Tonmoy.

"Through it all, we've been blessed to find our core team — a group of creative young individuals who are the heart and soul behind the identity and storytelling of 'Breakfast Club Dhaka'. Their passion and talent helped shape the experience as much as the music and coffee have," added Tonmoy. 

The artists of Season 1 

Each episode of Season 1 had its own vibe. Every morning came with a carefully chosen set of music, matched to the venue, the crowd, and the mood of the day.

We had the privilege of hosting Surya Sen from London and Readhwan from Bangkok, alongside some of Dhaka's most talented local DJs — including Rii, NFS, SpacedoutAlien, Rhein, Vampbetch, Rai Soul, Hasib & Sakib from Bhai Bhai Soundsystem, Risho, Nai, Jonaki, and Munasib from Australia. 
Apart from this, the team had a unique opportunity to host a pop-up coffee event for POND'S — "Morning Made for the Girls" — which was both vibrant and empowering. They were also honoured to feature the legendary Bangladeshi band Nemesis in an intimate acoustic set that felt magical. 

The role for Breakfast Club Dhaka to play 
When asked about the role the founders have in mind for Breakfast Club in Dhaka's social and creative scene, they quickly shared that they hope it will become a "third space" — a place between home and work, where everyone can be themselves and feel a true sense of belonging. They also want to continue collaborating with artists, venues, and brands to showcase Dhaka's rich talent and diversity, all while staying true to the warmth and inclusivity that define them as a platform. 

"If we can keep being a space where strangers become friends, enjoy various genres of music, and where people leave inspired to create and connect, then we'll know we're fulfilling our purpose — helping make Dhaka more vibrant and connected," the founders said.

With Season 1 wrapped, Season 2 is all about dreaming bigger—new venues, a wider mix of music programming, and themed mornings. Beyond Season 2, Breakfast Club wants to take the events to other cities and eventually abroad.

Kicking off Season 2 on 23rd August 2025, Breakfast Club Dhaka returns with a bang — welcoming RCBD, one of the city's legendary DJs from the early 2000s, to the decks at Biancaffee Bangladesh in Gulshan.