Winter in Bangladesh is a magical time marked by cool breezes and a pleasant chill in the air. The craving for warm and hearty morning meals becomes irresistible as the temperature drops. In this article, we will take a culinary journey through the popular winter breakfasts in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh. Each of these items explores the unique flavours that make this season special.

Delicious Bangladeshi Breakfasts in Winter

Chitoi Pitha with Bhorta

Chitoi Pitha with Bhorta constitutes a beloved winter recipe in Bangladesh. Chitoi Pitha, made from rice flour, and water, exudes a sweet smell. After being made, it transforms into a soft and spongy texture. 

Paired with different bhorta (mash) of tomato, eggplant, cilantro, chilli, or mustard enhances the experience. These bhorta, seasoned with spices and herbs, offer a burst of flavours from smoky to piquant. The combination of Chitoi Pitha and bhorta presents a delightful medley of textures, colours, and savours. This blend is an excellent way to kick off a cold winter day.

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Nihari and Paratha

Nihari alongside paratha emerges as an appetising breakfast in Bangladesh. Nihari is a slow-cooked stew that consists of tender meat, typically beef or mutton. It is simmered in a blend of aromatic spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, lending it a rich flavour. Its prolonged cooking process infuses the dish with a deep, savoury taste and a luscious texture. 

Paired with flaky, buttery paratha — layers of unleavened flatbread — the combination offers a delightful contrast. The crispy, golden-brown paratha complements the hearty and flavoursome Nihari. Together they create a flavourful dining experience during the chilly mornings of winter.

Read more: 5 Tasty Savoury Winter Pitha Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen

Bhapa Pitha

Bhapa Pitha stands as one of the most beloved winter pitha (rice cakes) in Bangladesh. Made from rice flour, grated coconut, and jaggery, this steamed cake radiates a beautiful smell. The preparation involves filling a small bowl with rice flour with the sweet coconut-jaggery mixture and steamed to perfection. 

Its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture offers a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the filling. The subtle aroma of jaggery enhances its appeal. Bhapa Pitha has a comforting, mildly sweet taste, blending the crunchiness of coconut and the gentle sweetness of jaggery. It can be a perfect first meal on winter days in Bangladesh.

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Patishapta Pitha

Patishapta Pitha is another tasty winter food in Bangladesh. This is made from rice flour, grated coconut, and jaggery. This delicate crepe-like dessert boasts a golden hue upon frying. The process involves spreading the batter thinly and filling it with a coconut-jaggery mixture. And then rolling it. 

Its lightly crispy exterior encases a soft, sweet filling offering a delightful contrast in textures. This treat delivers a blend of caramelised jaggery sweetness and the subtle nuttiness of coconut. They create a cherished delicacy for a winter morning.

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Roti with Vegetable Curry

Roti, an unleavened flatbread made from wheat flour, attains a warm golden-brown colour when cooked on a griddle. The process involves kneading the dough, rolling it into thin discs, and lightly frying. 

Roti is one of the most common breakfast items in Bangladesh served almost the whole year. But hot rotis served with winter vegetable curry can make the foggy mornings more special. 

Spicy vegetable curries can be prepared from the assorted winter vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, and peas simmered in aromatic spices. Soft, and chewy rotis can perfectly pair with the rich, savoury flavours of the curry. It offers a comforting and flavoursome experience with each mouthful.

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Khichuri

Bangladeshis love khichuri throughout the year. But on cold winter mornings, the mouth-watering essence of smoky khichuri has a special appeal. This hearty dish combines fragrant rice, lentils, and an array of spices into a symphony of taste and aroma. With a golden hue and a velvety texture, khichuri exudes warmth on chilly mornings. 

Cumin, turmeric, and bay leaves infuse a robust flavour, while ginger adds a subtle zing. The amalgamation of lentils and rice yields a creamy consistency, complemented by a medley of vegetables like potatoes or peas. Khichuri, adorned with fried onions and a dollop of ghee, is truly a soul food.

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Luchi with Alur Dom

The combination of luchi with alur dom makes winter mornings more enjoyable. Luchi, delicate deep-fried bread made from refined flour, flaunts a golden hue and a light, airy texture. Its companion, alur dom, features potatoes slow-cooked in a tantalising blend of spices like cumin, garam masala, and ginger, resulting in a rich, aromatic gravy. 

The vibrant colour of alur dom complements the pale elegance of luchi. The bread's crispness harmonises with the potatoes' tender consistency, creating a delightful contrast. Together, they offer a symphony of flavours – the slightly sweet luchi balances the spicy kick of alur dom, making it a quintessential winter indulgence.

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Shingara

Shingara is a savoury triangular pastry with spiced vegetables or minced meat. Its golden, crispy crust encases a savoury filling infused with onions, peas, potatoes, and aromatic spices like cumin and coriander. This deep-fried delight boasts a tantalising crunch and a burst of flavours – a delightful amalgamation of tangy, spicy, and mildly sweet notes. 

Served hot, Shingara tantalises taste buds with its addictive blend of textures and tastes. All together make it a popular street food and a comforting morning treat during chilly winters.

Summing Up

Winter breakfasts in Bangladesh showcase the culinary richness of the region. From the sweet notes of Patishapta Pitha to the savoury delights of Shingara, each food tells a story of tradition, warmth, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. As the cold winds blow, these first meal or brunch ideas can provide a comforting embrace, making winter mornings truly special.

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