Why cut back on public food distribution programmes when they are needed the most?

The oversaturation of subpar food chains in Dhaka has its fair share of consequences.

Every country has a host of traditional sweets that they proudly plate as a representation of their food and culture; for Bangladesh, this is undoubtedly pitha. For us, pitha is not just any other ordinary food but is also a treasure trove of great memories. Growing up, winter would mean seeing your mum making pithas of various sizes and shapes and listening to the stories of the origin of these sweets. Or, it would mean having steaming hot, warm chitoi pitha for breakfast with mangsher jhol.

Traditionally, seafood did not suit the deshi palate. We were more accustomed to having freshwater delicacies. Time, however, is changing and we now enjoy delightful, seafood dishes. The following is a recipe of a popular seafood dish, with added cheat codes that make it easier to make.

During winter, stews, soups, and broth are frequently served as everyone wants a big supper as the temperatures drop. They crave food that will not only keep them warm but also provide the nutrition needed to stave off seasonal illnesses that are so prevalent. While a broth can be compared to a thin soup, a stew has a thicker consistency as the elements — large pieces of vegetables, meat, poultry, or fish—are cooked slowly over low heat. On these chilly January evenings, you can stay warm by making one of these stew recipes below.

Established as an online bakery in 2017, Expressions – Chocolates & Cakes is a passion project that turned into a profession for Sumaiyah Abid. Since then, she and her husband, Ashiq Ferdous, have been delivering delicious boxes of happiness through their Facebook page.

Winter in Bangladesh, which occurs from December to February, is the coolest time of the year with temperatures ranging from 10-20 degrees Celsius. Many people enjoy hearty, warm breakfasts to start their day off on the right foot during this time. From savoury and sweet to dishes loaded with calories to the brim, Bangladeshis love to take full advantage of the winter season when it comes to their appetite.

We observe a drastic change in our food preferences, metabolism, and even energy levels during winter. With falling temperatures, our cravings for food also increase. However, no season justifies unhealthy eating habits, and we must maintain a balance in what we consume. Irrespective of the season, we should make a proper meal plan to fulfill our nutritional needs.

Cha is a beverage that brings people closer, effortlessly complements our ‘adda’ sessions, and adds warmth to our chilly evenings. As winter has announced its arrival, matka cha is trending once again. Its smoky and sweet flavour is a pure delight to the taste buds that would give the cinnamon latte or luxurious espresso from any 5-star hotel a run for its money!

Nothing in Bangladesh completely captures the spirit of winter like a barbecue with your closest friends! You could simply buy some burgers and hot dogs, invite some friends over, and call it a BBQ party, or you could go a little further with some essential preparation and a carefully considered menu and surprise your guests with your culinary prowess. Here are just some things you can do to up the barbecue-host game.

Here are 10 of the best comfort foods for gloomy winter days.

Winter in Bangladesh signifies three things; travelling across the country, badminton tournaments in every neighbourhood, and of course mouth-watering pithas to suit just about every palate. There are at least hundreds of different varieties of pithas. Some are associated with the harvest (Nabanna) in winter while some others are prepared on any grand occasions like weddings, Eid or Puja. Some are crunchy, some steamed and others delightfully soaked in sugar, molasses, milk or date palm syrup. Most of them are sweet, though there are some savoury pithas too for those of you who likes things spicy.

If you’re having a bad day and you need a pick-me-up, Waffle Up is definitely a place you should visit.

Jaggery is a type of unrefined sugar made from palm or sugar cane. It is used extensively in both sweet and savoury dishes across India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. A dash of jaggery when added to vegetables like bitter gourd reduces the bitterness to a great extent. Jaggery is also used in the preparation of cakes, pithas, kheer, etc.

A typical Chakma luncheon is simple but nutritious. Traditionally, from blanched boiled vegetable dishes to herbed less-oily fish, and meat served with a plate of jhum cultivated steamed rice, the food choice of indigenous people of Chittagong Hill Tracts changes every season. We have more than a hundred varieties of seasonal vegetables and fruits that grow around the year all over the hills. From sweet fruits to sour veggies and bitter herbs to spicy chillies, all of the distinctive flavours of the different ingredients are found on our lunch platter.

Mediterranean culture is known for its exquisitely vibrant cuisines that give you a delicious blend of foods made with finely sourced ingredients while making sure the food will be wholesome and healthy. With a view to promoting Italy's food production and gastronomic traditions abroad, an annual themed event called ‘The Week of Italian Cuisine in the World,’ was created in 2016 by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation's Directorate General for Country Promotion.

While of course, you can always enjoy the FIFA Football World Cup matches in the comfort of your own home, there is something to be said about coming together as a community and watching them on screens across restaurants, burger joints, lounges, etc. across Dhaka City. As a rule of thumb, it is safe to assume that almost everywhere with a TV screen will stream matches, however, if you want someplace specific, here are some starting points as well as deals and offers to look out for!

Dissecting the dynamic between dosing off and your favourite dishes.

Kavan, a popular name among multi-cuisine restaurants of Khilgaon, is all set to welcome the foodies of Dhanmondi to its new outlet, Kavan Signature. Located on the 11th floor of Gawsia Twin Peak at Satmasjid Road, Dhanmondi, Kavan Signature has the perfect blend of amazing food, a beautiful interior, and a cosy environment that provides a relaxing experience for its guests.

Each street popular for its food has a story to tell. From the narrow lanes of Old Dhaka, the bustling Taltola or Banani 11, to Uttara — they all have their flavour for us to relish. Each experience is richer than the next one but hands down, it's time to re-discover Mohammadpur's street food this winter, for its warmth and vivacity.