Bailey Road has become a go-to destination for Dhaka’s upper-middle and middle-class residents seeking a diverse range of Iftar items.

The stretch, lined with an array of restaurants and temporary food stalls, offers a unique blend of traditional and contemporary Iftar delights.

A visit to the area just before Iftar reveals a bustling marketplace with nearly a hundred permanent and temporary stalls selling various delicacies.

From street vendors to renowned restaurants, the road is packed with eager customers purchasing Iftar items ranging from Tk 10 fritters to premium dishes costing over a thousand taka.

Rohan, a resident of the Nawratna Colony on Bailey Road, said, “The restaurants here cater mainly to the middle class. Whether it's a Tk 10 onion fritter or a Tk 1,000 Baklava, the offerings match the varied preferences of the customers.”

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Habib, who has been selling Iftar from a temporary stall for the past four Ramadans, said, “Due to the proximity of several shopping malls, this area witnesses a huge crowd before Iftar. Most items sell out 10-15 minutes before the call to prayer.”

Shoppers at Bailey Road, like Mantasha, prefer this location for its quality offerings. “People living nearby opt for Iftar from Bailey Road because of the superior quality and variety. Unlike other areas, where traditional items dominate, Bailey Road offers a mix of modern and conventional delicacies, including rare treats like Shahi Tukra and Dudh Puli.”

According to Moktar, a sales assistant at an upscale restaurant on Bailey Road, the most sought-after items are Jilapi and Halim. “Unlike other areas where Halim often contains bones or fat, here we use prime cuts like beef neck and shank, making it tender and flavourful.”

Jilapi, especially the ghee-fried Bombay variety, is sold at Tk 500 per kilogram and remains a favourite among customers. Some also opt for Dal Amitty, while thin Jilapi continues to hold steady demand.

For those seeking a heavier meal, Tehari and Khichuri have become popular choices. A full plate of Tehari is priced at Tk 300, while beef Khichuri is available for Tk 250.

Apart from established restaurants, street vendors also experience a surge in sales.

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Shashlik, fritters, and Luchi are among the most sought-after street foods. Shashlik sells for Tk 70, while Luchi is available at Tk 10 apiece.

Azad, a Shashlik vendor near Viqarunnisa School, said, “I sell around Tk 15,000-20,000 worth of food every day before Iftar. Customers from five-star restaurants also buy from street vendors because taste matters more than location.”

While many purchase Iftar to take home or to their workplaces, some prefer dining in at restaurants. With Iftar gatherings becoming increasingly popular among friends and colleagues, Bailey Road has cemented itself as a prime destination for such events. Due to high demand, many restaurants require advance table bookings.

Regardless of where one chooses to eat, hygiene remains a key concern for consumers. Many prefer Bailey Road’s Iftar options due to the perceived better quality, avoiding places that use old oil, artificial colours, or stale ingredients.

As Ramadan progresses, Bailey Road continues to uphold its reputation as a reliable hub for Iftar lovers in the capital.