Popular Street Foods in Bangladesh

Last Updated on July 10, 2023

Street Foods in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a country with a rich and diverse culinary heritage, and street food plays an important role in the food culture of this country. With a large population and a bustling capital city, Dhaka, the streets of Bangladesh are always filled with food vendors selling a variety of mouth-watering dishes.

Popular Street Foods in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a country renowned for its culinary diversity and street food culture. The streets of Bangladesh are a haven for foodies, where delicious, affordable, and authentic food can be found at every corner. From savory snacks to sweet treats, street food in Bangladesh offers something for everyone.

Here are some of the most popular street foods in Bangladesh:

Popular Street Foods in BangladeshPopular Street Foods in Bangladesh

Fuchka

Fuchka, also known as “pani puri” in other parts of South Asia, specially in India is a popular street food in Bangladesh. It consists of small, crispy, hollow balls made of flour, filled with mashed potatoes, chickpeas, tamarind sauce, chili powder, and other spices, and then dipped in a tangy, flavorful sauce made from tamarind, coriander, and chili.

Fuchka is usually sold by street vendors in busy markets, street corners, and other crowded areas. It is a popular snack among locals and tourists alike, and is often enjoyed as a light meal or a quick snack.

When you order fuchka from a street vendor, they will usually ask you how spicy you want it, and then they will fill the fuchka balls with the potato and chickpea mixture and top it with the tangy sauce. You can then pop the entire fuchka ball into your mouth for a burst of flavors and textures.

Fuchka is a beloved street food in Bangladesh, and trying it is a must-do for anyone visiting the country. However, as with any street food, it is important to make sure that the vendor’s hygiene and cleanliness practices are up to standard to avoid any risk of food-borne illness.

Jhal Muri

Jhal Muri is a popular street food snack in Bangladesh, typically made with puffed rice, chopped vegetables, spices, and a tangy tamarind sauce. It is a popular snack food that is commonly found in the streets of Dhaka and other cities in Bangladesh.

To make Jhal Muri, the puffed rice is mixed with chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and green chili peppers. A mixture of spices, such as cumin powder, coriander powder, chili powder, and turmeric, is added to the mixture. Finally, a dash of tamarind sauce and mustard oil is added to give the snack a tangy and spicy flavor.

Jhal Muri is a popular snack because it is cheap, easy to make, and can be customized to individual tastes. It is also a popular snack among students and office workers who need a quick snack to keep them going throughout the day.

Chotpoti

Chotpoti is another popular street food snack in Bangladesh. It is a spicy and tangy snack made with boiled and mashed chickpeas, chopped vegetables, spices, and a tangy tamarind sauce.

To make Chotpoti, boiled and mashed chickpeas are mixed with chopped onions, tomatoes, boiled potatoes, and green chili peppers. A mixture of spices, such as cumin powder, coriander powder, chili powder, and turmeric, is added to the mixture. Finally, a dash of tamarind sauce and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro is added to give the snack a tangy and spicy flavor.

Chotpoti is typically served with crispy fried flatbread or puri, which is used to scoop up the spicy chickpea mixture. It is a popular snack food that is commonly found in the streets of Dhaka and other cities in Bangladesh.

Chotpoti is a popular snack because it is cheap, flavorful, and filling. It is also a popular snack among students and office workers who need a quick and satisfying snack to keep them going throughout the day.

Dal Puri

Dal Puri is a popular street food snack in Bangladesh, particularly in the northern and eastern regions. It is a type of flatbread that is stuffed with a spiced lentil filling.

To make Dal Puri, a dough is made with flour, salt, and water, which is then rolled out into small circles. A mixture of spiced lentils is placed in the center of each circle, and the edges are brought together and sealed to form a ball. The stuffed ball is then rolled out again into a thin circle and cooked on a hot griddle until golden brown.

The spiced lentil filling used in Dal Puri typically includes a combination of lentils, such as yellow split peas and chola dal, mixed with spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The lentil mixture is cooked until soft and mashed into a paste, which is then used as the filling for the flatbread.

Dal Puri is often served with a side of chutney or pickle and is a popular snack food that is commonly found in the streets of Dhaka and other cities in Bangladesh. It is a popular snack because it is filling, flavorful, and can be eaten on the go.

Samosa

Samosa is a popular snack all over South Asia, and Bangladesh is no exception. The triangular-shaped pastry is filled with spiced vegetables or minced meat and deep-fried until crispy. Samosa is often served with tamarind chutney or mint chutney and are a great option for a quick snack.

In Bangladesh, samosa is widely available in street food stalls, tea shops, and bakeries. They are a popular snack and often served as an appetizer at parties and gatherings. Samosas are a versatile food item and can be eaten as a quick snack on the go or as part of a larger meal.

In addition to the traditional potato and vegetable filling, there are many variations of samosas found in Bangladesh, including chicken, beef, and shrimp

Singara

Singara is a popular snack in Bangladesh that is similar to a samosa. It is made by filling a crispy pastry shell with spiced vegetables, potatoes, onions, or meat, and then deep-frying it until it is golden brown and crispy. Singara is often served as a quick and easy snack, and it is also a popular street food item in Bangladesh.

Singara is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent and was brought to Bangladesh during the British colonial period. The snack has since become a beloved food item in Bangladesh, and it can be found in nearly every corner of the country. Singara is often served with tamarind or mint chutney, and it is a popular snack to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.

Beguni

Beguni is a popular street food in Bangladesh that is made by deep-frying slices of eggplant that have been coated in a spiced chickpea flour batter. The result is a crispy, golden brown fritter that is often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.

To make beguni, eggplant slices are first soaked in water to remove any bitterness. Then, a batter is made by mixing chickpea flour (also known as besan) with spices such as cumin, coriander, chili powder, and turmeric, along with salt and water. The eggplant slices are dipped in the batter, coated well, and then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown.

Beguni is typically served with a variety of chutneys or sauces, including tamarind, mint, or coriander chutney. It is a popular street food in Bangladesh and can be found in markets, food stalls, and street-side eateries throughout the country. Beguni is often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, but it can also be served as a side dish or part of a larger meal.

Chola Bhuna

Chola Bhuna is a popular street food in Bangladesh, particularly in the capital city of Dhaka. It is a flavorful and spicy dish made from chickpeas (chola) that are sautéed with a variety of aromatic spices and herbs.

To make chola bhuna, the chickpeas are first boiled until they are tender, then drained and set aside. In a pan, onions, garlic, ginger, and green chili are sautéed in oil until the onions are translucent. Then, a mixture of ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala is added to the pan and sautéed for a minute or two until fragrant.

The boiled chickpeas are then added to the pan, along with diced tomatoes and salt to taste. The mixture is stirred well and cooked over medium heat until the tomatoes break down and the mixture becomes thick and dry. Finally, freshly chopped coriander leaves are added to the dish, giving it a fresh and vibrant flavor.

Chola bhuna is usually served with steaming hot rice or roti, and it makes for a filling and satisfying meal. It is a delicious and affordable street food that can be found at many roadside stalls and food carts throughout Bangladesh.

Jilapi

Jilapi is a very popular street food in Bangladesh, especially during festivals, fairs, and other special occasions. It is top sell item during the month of Holy Ramadan as an Iftar food item. You can find jilapi vendors in many street corners and markets across the country. Jilapi is also known as Jalebi.

The preparation process of jilapi is quite fascinating to watch. The jilapi batter is piped through a small hole in a container, creating a spiral shape in the hot oil. The jilapi is then fried until it turns golden brown, and then it is soaked in the sugar syrup. The syrup seeps into the spiral openings, giving the jilapi its sweet taste.

Many street food vendors in Bangladesh also offer variations of jilapi, such as stuffed jilapi with khoya or coconut, or jilapi sandwiches with cream or custard fillings. Jilapi is a delicious and popular treat that is enjoyed by people of all ages in Bangladesh.

Lassi

Lassi: Lassi is a popular yogurt-based drink that is loved by people all over Bangladesh and is commonly sold as street food in Dhaka. Lassi is a yogurt-based drink that can be flavored with various fruits and spices, and it is often served cold. It is made by blending yogurt with water, sugar, and sometimes fruit or spices. Lassi is a refreshing drink that is perfect for a hot day in Bangladesh.

In Dhaka, you can find Lassi being sold by street vendors in different parts of the city. The streets of Old Dhaka are known for their rich cultural heritage and street food culture. You can find several street vendors selling Lassi in this area.

When ordering Lassi, you can choose from a variety of flavors such as mango, strawberry, banana, and plain. Some vendors may also offer spiced Lassi, which is flavored with spices such as cardamom and cinnamon.