Dhaka’s booming restaurant culture drives rising monthly expenses, often Tk 10,000–15,000 for couples. While dining out feels recreational, mindful spending, saving, or investing in travel or hobbies offers better long-term satisfaction and financial balance.

House Café in Dhanmondi offers a calm, minimalist space for relaxation and conversation, focusing on comfort over trends. With a simple yet thoughtful menu, it serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes and quality drinks, fostering slow-paced enjoyment.

When Sheuly Akhter and her friend entered a branch of Star Kabab in Dhanmondi on Thursday last week, marking their return to the establishment for the first time in nearly four months, they were surprised by the lack of customers.

Discover Dhakaiya Chapkhana, a new aesthetic cafe in town serving authentic Dhaka cuisine. Admire the colourful wall depicting Dhaka's historic monuments as you indulge in flavourful dishes.

Alfresco's menu is a treasure trove of different flavours and surprisingly enough, you can enjoy it without breaking the bank. You cannot go wrong with a comforting bowl of their ''Pasta Basta.” On the other hand, their pizza Bolognese or pizza Delicia are perfect for sharing with friends. Also, if you have not tried it already, their pizza sandwiches are a must-have!

`From a wide selection of street food to exotic dining experiences, the city has a wide taste palate.

Zephyr, meaning a gentle breeze, is a restaurant that culminates the three things that Dhaka city lacks tremendously — a marvellous view of the big blue sky, rejuvenating fresh air, and lush greenery everywhere the eye can see.

Turkish cuisine is popular worldwide and has cemented itself as one of the best. They have a wide variety of savoury and sweet dishes that tantalise the senses immeasurably. Its profound effect has now reached the shores of Chattogram with the help of Lezzetli, a restaurant serving up the most delectable and mouth-watering Turkish dishes. From kebabs to shawarmas to maqlubas, Lezzetli has got you covered on your quest to find great Turkish food.

I would, however, discuss the vegetarian dishes that played a supporting role in the series.

Capawcino Cat Cafe is genuinely one of the happiest places you can visit. Located above Mehedi Mart in Bashundhara, it’s the first ever cat cafe in Dhaka. You are immediately greeted with a burst of life upon entering the cafe with its rooftop setup, refreshing decor and paw shaped stepping stones that lead you to the main attraction of the cafe: a cat zone with around 20 cats! Much like some of the rescued felines the cafe cares for, their story to better days too is filled with highs and lows and we caught up with Rahat Rahmam, the founder, to uncover it.

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

Mochi, a traditional rice cake, has been a huge part of Japan’s food culture for centuries. Although it has always been a staple snack in the country, mochi ice cream is the one whose popularity surpassed international borders. The pounded glutinous rice wrapped around delectable premium ice cream has been the cause of much hype in many countries in recent years. And thanks to M’OISHÎ Bangladesh, we now know why.

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.

The newest food sensation, located in the lively neighborhood of Uttara, Yatai offers a variety of Japanese, Pan Asian and Korean cuisine — all under one roof! Commencing their venture from 17 June, 2022, Yatai has made its mark significantly in the food scene in only three months.

Zephyr, a fine-dine restaurant and lounge, has started its journey in Dhaka.

Have you ever had one of those days when you just craved ‘biye bari food’? You just want the familiar food, but in the particular taste that can only be found at weddings. As unlikely as it sounds, one does not have to wait for a wedding anymore for such a treat. BiyeBari Restaurant now offers those dishes whenever you want them.

Food, stories, love and bonds — that is what Bengali people are made of. From macher jhol or shutki bhorta, every dish carries a different emotion. Although people have been introduced to food from different countries, the love towards our home cuisine remains unmatched. Keeping that in mind, Utshob began its journey in October last year with the aim of celebrating the beauty of Bengali food and it is everything a Bengali heart craves.

The city of Dhaka caters to different palates, providing a wide range of choices for everyone. However, despite the flurry of foreign options, a Bengali heart sometimes craves the taste of deshi cuisine. Thus, we took a tour around the city in search of the best places offering Bangali food, and here are our top 7 picks.

High tea parties have always looked fun and fascinating from the outside; I have been longing to experience one as such for ages. This is where ‘Mumbai Express’ came to my rescue, with not just any ordinary ‘high tea’ delicacy, but a full-fledged three course snack meal with a unique twist — ‘The Deshi High Tea!’

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