The harmony of Old Dhaka, a city of a thousand stories that thrives in the lively remains of history, set my mind to thoughtful, where food is nourished and the touch of spice smells in the air even when you are roaming outside. Over there, culinary traditions stretch beyond the culinary to cover identity, emotion, and heritage, which is what sentimentality with the Dhakaiya food comes inevitably who love calls.
A Flavorful History- Where It All Began
The history of Dhakaiya cuisine kicks off in the mid-Mughal Empire, during which Dhaka was bustling as a commercial hub. The Mughals brought modern spices, a variety of condiments, and recipes, which later gave rise to the Dhakaiya plate. Most empires had more than one way of doing things, and this, too, was not an exception. Gradually, the culinary influences of the Bengali community combined with the Moghul arm language evolved into intricate, spicy, and multi-layered cuisine.
As history must be sculpted, as the Mughals robbed Indian riches, so did zamindars and rulers build palaces and munshis, one of them, devised splendid food that brought the caste of a fraction. The main dishes are Kacchi Biryani, Morag Polao, and Mughlai Paratha. Almost all the time, Yes, these were not just food rather these were memories. One of the most beloved aspects of Dhakaiya cuisine is its connection to the community. Whether it’s the festive feasts of the Eid or Puja celebrations where Kacchi Biryani reigns supreme or the simplicity of a street-side snack of Bakorkhani paired with tea, Dhakaiya food brings people together. Food, after all, is the most universal language & it speaks of love, belonging, & shared memories. And in Dhaka, every gathering, every festival, every celebration has its special dishes that anchor it in time and place.
Heritage on a Plate
In today’s Dhaka however, that is no longer the case. International foods are now offered by trendy restaurants which are also fast-food chains. But the Dhakaiya food has weathered the storm and remains relevant today thanks to some accommodation. You might be tempted to satisfy your taste for Dhakaiya cuisine with some contemporary touches in fabulous restaurants, but the heart of this cuisine is and will remain, the shabby, narrow, bustling streets of old Dhaka. The benediction of those who sell food on the streets, whose kebabs sizzle, jali kebabs crackle, and tahari’s mustardy smell, continues to be taken here.
Top-Dhakaiya Food Outlets and Food You Should Savor
As much as Dhakaiya cuisine is loved throughout the city, there are a few places that stand out and are loved for the particular tastes and age-old practices:
Haji Biryani (Nazira Bazar)
Of course, no such talk about Dhakaiya food can ever be rounded up without mentioning Haji Biryani. Launched in the 1930s, this biryani gained popularity as a cheap and tastier tiffin. Haji Biryani specializes in a style of Kacchi Biryani which manages the meat inside the aromatic rice. This is more than food; it is a part of the Dhakaiya culture.
Beauty Lacchi (Chawkbazar)
Once one has eaten a lot of spicy and tangy food, one cannot even think about anything better than sweet and creamy lacchi from Beauty Lacchi. It is centrally located within Old Dhaka and this lacchi stall has been cooling people with plenty of drinks for ages. The lacchi is a nice thick beverage that consists of yogurt, sugar, and rose water. It provides relief from the bone-burning heat of Dhaka.
Nanna Biriyani (Bangshal)
Nanna Biriyani takes pride as another biryani spot that has special places in the hearts of Dhakaiyas. Nanna’s biryani is known for its secret spiced mix and meat cooked just the way, imagine! It is also their biryani, the Haji Biryani, which is different from their spicy and richer flavor profile.
Fakhruddin Biryani
Kacchi Biryani is widely celebrated and known for its flavor and its presence is marked across Dhaka at Fakhruddin Biryani. Their use of high-quality ingredients and unique spice blends have made them one of the most coveted places to experience the real Dhakaiya Biryani, in a most authentic way.
Kazi Alauddin Sweetmeat (Chawkbazar)
Dhaka has a dizzying choice of mouth-watering desserts for those who love sweets. Right last decades Kazi Alauddin Sweetmeat, with its Roshigolla, Chomchom, and Shondesh is a trusted name. Every winning counterpart of Dhakaiya culinary artistry, whether a food item, the choice of ingredients, or the place, has been kept alive in this shop, and it is a celebration of every bite.
Ramadan Special Chawk Bazaar Iftar Market
Iftar market in Chawk Bazaar is legendary for the month of Ramadan. Boro Baper Polay Khay (a special iftar dish prepared from a multitude of meats and spices) is one of the many traditional fares available in the market and is a busy spot for traditional iftar items. It’s Dhaka at its most alive, all in one place, food, culture, community.
A Taste of Timelessness (Old Town)
The magic of Dhakaiya food isn’t just in how good it tastes, but what emotions that food brings. I won’t ask anyone from Dhakaiya, they will tell you, that a plate of Biryani is not just about rice and meat, but about nostalgia. It brings a reminder, of a time of childhood, family gatherings. The smell of freshly fried Kebab or the sight of a hot Nihari on a chilly morning is no longer food, it’s a comfort, warmth, and home. Dhakaiya cuisine is a bridge to many things: from past to present. It is the legacy of a rich history while changing the tastes and lifestyles of today. And what doesn’t change is the emotion. The raw, gut response that the people of Dhaka feel for the food that fuels them. Food is more than just fuel, food is an expression of love, and every dish is evidence of this love and care.
As we move through the world of Dhakaiya food, it becomes evident that this isn’t just food, it is a living history, a way to the past, a celebration of the present. A lesson in patience is eating Dhakaiya food. It tells us that good things need time. Slow cooking of a Bhuna Khichuri, careful layering of a Polao, the marination that goes into that perfect Shami Kebab, all of these are messages that in an ultra-fast paced world, there is beauty in slowing down, in living in the moment. Dhakaiya food from the Mughal kitchens of another time to the bustling streets of Dhaka’s old town has stood as a shield of resilience, creativity, and, most of all, love.
So, the next time you bite into a piece of Bakorkhani with tea or indulge in it on its own, enjoy every bite of its history!
Photo – Collected