The Old Dhaka Food Map

Old Dhaka Food Map Logo © Goethe-Institut

Join Goethe-Institut as it navigates the narrow roads of Old Dhaka to uncover a number of legendary eateries and their mouthwatering dishes. Every turn of the bustling streets reveals the legacy of various epochs, which live on to this day in the cultural, religious and gastronomic diversity.

Why a Map?

Old Dhaka, the historical heart of the Bangladeshi capital, is a treasure trove of culture, architecture, and gastronomy. While much attention has been given to its iconic landmarks and ancient streets, the culinary heritage of Old Dhaka remains largely unexplored. The Old Dhaka Food Map offers a glimpse into the flavors of the Old Town and what they have to say about its people and history.

Where can I get my map from?

Collect your copy of the Old Dhaka Food Map from the following places:

Old Dhaka Food Map Video Series

Promo
Old Dhaka Food Map

Embark on a journey to the culinary land of the Old Dhaka legends, dishes ranging from the great Mughal Biryani to the humble street side Puri and Matha. The video series introduces you not only to Old Dhaka’s food but also its history, heritage, and people.

© Goethe-Institut

Goethe-Institut Bangladesh
Episode 1
Old Dhaka Food Map - The Mughal Experience

To unfold the magic of the culinary land of the Old Dhaka legends, we take you to the three most famous eateries serving Mughal dishes! Explore mouthwatering Biryani, Polao and Nehari, staple Mughal dishes, as we take you around Lalbagh, Chawkbazar and Narinda.

© Goethe-Institut

Goethe-Institut Bangladesh
Episode 2
Old Dhaka Food Map - In Search Of Vegetarian Goodness

Hard to find but well worth the search are the few vegetarian restaurants in Old Dhaka. Rejoice in the Bhortas, Pushpanno (Sweet Rice), Dhoka (Paneer curry) and Shama Danar Sweets (Sweets made from millet) as you learn about the literary history and the cultural diversity of the legendary vegetarian eateries.

© Goethe-Institut

Goethe-Institut Bangladesh
Episode 3
Old Dhaka Food Map - Baked With Old Dhaka Love

Become a part of the Bengali- adda as you take a sip of tea and explore the bakeries in Johnson Road and Chawkbazar, Old Dhaka and all the goodness they have to offer. There is nothing, really nothing, that beats the flaky goodness of Bakarkhani in Old Dhaka.

© Goethe-Institut

Goethe-Institut Bangladesh
Episode 4
Old Dhaka Food Map - In a Rush Care for a drink?

Experience the humdrum of the narrow lanes of Old Dhaka and how the legendary drinks and snacks around Kazi Allauddin Road, Chawkbazar and Sutrapur can be a lifesaver for the countless people living in the heart of the town. Served here are delicacies like Matha, Lassi and Puri!

© Goethe-Institut

Goethe-Institut Bangladesh
Episode 5
Old Dhaka Food Map - Nothing Sweeter Than Hospitality

Get a taste of the legendary sweetmeats of Old Dhaka as we take you around Lalbagh road and Chawkbazar. Here the hospitality and festive nature of the people of Old Dhaka go hand in hand with a generous portion of sweets like Zafran doi, Roshogolla and Shomdesh.

© Goethe-Institut

Goethe-Institut Bangladesh

Eateries of Old Dhaka

Jagannath Vojanaloy

Jagannath Vojanaloy is one of the best know vegetarian restaurants in Old Dhaka. In the mist of Tatibazar and its densely built neighborhood, Jagannath Vojanaloy sits quietly on the upper floor of a rather non descriptive corner building. The best part about this place is that they offer you all the items on the menu on your table, and you can choose whatever you wish to taste. From Pushpanno, Sada Vaat, Sagu Dana Bhuna, Chanar Rosh, to Shama Danar sweets there are enough options for multiple visits.

© Goethe-Institut / Snigdha Sultana
Madina Mistanno Bhander

Madina Mistanno Bhander attracts a hurried morning crowd on a daily basis. People gather here for a delicious breakfast of vegetable labra and freshly fried luchies. Indeed, it attracts people all the way from Banani and Gulshan, who wait for 20 minutes in front of closed shutters to be the first to take a seat on the low wooden benches. While unusual for eateries, the sitting arrangement found here is reminiscent of city dwellers’ living rooms.

© Goethe-Institut/ Snighdha Sultana
Uttam Ghosh Tea House

This tiny tea shop is run by two brothers who live upstairs. The 4-storied house’ footprint is smaller than any high society’s dinning tables. This means that every time someone wants to exit the shop, all other customers have to stand up and allow their exit. However, the tea easily makes up for the lack of comfort. May it be Rong Cha (liquored tea) or milk tea with masala, they are all delicious and will ensure your return.

© Goethe-Institut / Snigdha Sultana
Hazi Shaheber Bakarkhani

Hazi Shaheber Bakharkhani can only be found by word of mouth as there is no sign to give it away. If you know your bakharkhani, Hazi Shaheber Bakharkhani can top your expectations. Their Shukha Rooti (Savoury Bakharkhani) is the most sought after in all of the market. Just how good is it? The 250 kg of flour that go into the making of just Bakharkhani in their small shop speak for themselves.

© Goethe-Institut / Snigdha Sultana