Dhaka| ঢাকা
Explore curated food items and tour destinations in Dhaka.
Must-Try Food
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Haji Nanna Biriyani
The Wedding Feast If Haji Biriyani is the king of the everyday Old Dhaka lunch, Nanna Biriyani is the undisputed king of the celebratory feast. Starting out as a modest kitchen back in 1962, Haji Nanna Miya built an absolute culinary empire around one specific, universally beloved dish. Instead of relying on the typical heavily spiced kacchi or mustard-oil-infused tehari, Nanna brings the rich, creamy, and deeply aromatic profile of a traditional Bengali wedding banquet straight to your casual dining table. The Plate The star of the show here isn't beef or mutton—it is chicken. Their signature Shahi Morog Polao features a massive, fall-off-the-bone piece of chicken smothered in a rich, slightly sweet, and nutty white gravy (rezala style). This is buried under a mountain of steaming, intensely fragrant Cheenigura rice. Served alongside a boiled egg, a crisp tikia (meat patty), and a cold glass of their famous sweet labang (a yogurt drink), it is an incredibly decadent and sleep-inducing meal.
Maruf Biriyani
The Local Legend Hazaribagh has long been the bustling, industrial heart of Dhaka's leather trade. Amidst the daily chaos of this hardworking neighborhood, Maruf Biriyani emerged not as a polished tourist destination, but as the ultimate fuel for the locals. It doesn't rely on century-old royal folklore to sell plates; instead, it built a fierce cult following entirely through word-of-mouth by consistently serving heavy, uncompromisingly satisfying portions to a highly demanding crowd. The Plate If you are looking for a delicate, light meal, look elsewhere. Maruf serves an unapologetically rich, heavy, and punchy biryani. The chunks of meat are massive, intensely spiced, and slow-cooked until they meld seamlessly with the fragrant, oil-glistening Cheenigura rice. You don't even need to look for a signboard—the robust, savory aroma from the giant cooking degs (cauldrons) sitting right out front will guide you there from a block away.
Hanif Biriyani
The Heritage Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other culinary giants in the legendary Nazira Bazaar, Hanif Biriyani is an absolute powerhouse in Old Dhaka's food scene. While tourists often flock straight to its famous neighbor, many hardcore local foodies will fiercely argue that Hanif serves the superior plate. It is a cornerstone of the vibrant, never-sleeping Nazira Bazaar food street and a must-visit for anyone trying to map out Dhaka's historic biryani culture. The Flavor Like its rivals, Hanif serves a traditional Pakki biryani using highly fragrant Cheenigura rice and tender pieces of chevon (goat meat). However, Hanif's version is distinctively more savory and carries a slightly bolder, richer spice profile compared to the mustard-oil-heavy lightness of Haji. The meat is incredibly succulent, and the rice is perfectly moist and greasy in the best way possible, making every bite melt in your mouth.
Haji Biriyani
The Heritage When it comes to the culinary history of Dhaka, Haji Biriyani is arguably the most famous name on the list. Established in 1939 by a caterer named Haji Golam Hossain, this legendary eatery has been serving the exact same dish, cooked with the exact same secret blend of spices, for over eight decades. It is a true Old Dhaka institution that has famously refused to open massive chain branches or alter its traditional cooking methods just to cater to modern commercial demands. The Flavor Unlike the typical heavy, spiced kacchi, Haji Biriyani serves a distinct Pakki style biryani cooked exclusively with highly aromatic Cheenigura rice, tender chunks of chevon (goat meat), and pure mustard oil instead of ghee. This gives the dish a uniquely light, peppery, and incredibly addictive flavor profile that doesn't leave you feeling overly heavy. It is famously served in a simple packet made from dried jackfruit leaves (pata), which subtly enhances the aroma.
Must-Try Tour Spots
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Dhakeshwari National Temple
Revered as the spiritual heart of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, this state-owned sanctuary carries the distinction of being the country’s designated National Temple. Local legend suggests the 12th-century Sena dynasty ruler, Ballal Sen, established the original shrine after discovering a hidden statue of the Goddess Durga in the jungle, leading many to believe that the very name of the city, "Dhaka," was derived from this "hidden goddess" (Dhakeshwari). While the original ancient structures have endured centuries of damage, repairs, and expansions, the site remains an incredibly powerful symbol of endurance, faith, and cultural identity amidst the sprawling capital. The modern temple complex is a blend of renovated concrete and older brick structures, dominated by a large, welcoming courtyard that serves as a communal gathering space. Adjacent to the main shrine, a striking row of four identical, ancient Shiva temples stand proudly in the traditional pancharatna (five-jeweled) architectural style, offering a glimpse into the region's historical craftsmanship. The grounds generally offer a quiet, contemplative atmosphere, though the landscape completely transforms into a vibrant, chaotic epicenter of color, music, and devotion during major autumn festivals like Durga Puja.
Ahsan Manzil
Standing as a striking pink beacon on the northern banks of the Buriganga River, this palatial estate served as the official residential palace and seat of the Nawabs of Dhaka. Originating from a former French factory site, it was transformed in the late 19th century into the absolute epicenter of East Bengal's political and social sphere. Today, it functions as a meticulously preserved national museum, offering a tangible connection to the aristocratic weight and colonial-era opulence that once dictated the pulse of the city. The architecture commands attention with its vibrant pink facade and a towering octagonal dome that dominates the surrounding Old Dhaka skyline. Merging European and Mughal design principles, the palace features a sweeping riverside staircase, grand porticos, and expansive galleries. Inside, the durbar hall and surrounding rooms house thousands of artifacts, including ornate European furniture, grand chandeliers, and the personal effects of the Nawab family, encapsulating a bygone era of extravagance.
Lalbagh Fort (Fort Aurangabad)
The History Started in 1678 by Mughal Prince Muhammad Azam and later taken over by Subahdar Shaista Khan, this sprawling 17th-century Mughal fort complex stands as a poignant symbol of unfulfilled dreams. The construction was abruptly halted following the tragic, premature death of Shaista Khan's beloved daughter, Pari Bibi. Today, its majestic yet incomplete structures offer a captivating glimpse into the grandeur and melancholy of Bengal's Mughal era, making it an absolute must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone wanting to understand Dhaka's rich past. The Architecture The fort is laid out around lush, symmetrical Mughal gardens and features three magnificent central monuments: the elegant three-domed Quilla Mosque, the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Audience) with its fascinating hammam (royal bathhouse), and the stunning Mausoleum of Pari Bibi. The mausoleum is incredibly unique for the region, crafted entirely from black basalt, white marble, and vibrant encaustic tiles brought all the way from Rajputana.