Bangladeshi cuisines are defined by the country’s tropical geography and diverse array of influences, from Persian to Indian. Especially, the traditional foods of Bangladesh whizz with the richness of spices, versatile flavors, aromatic qualities, and mesmerizing tastes. Here are some of the best traditional Bangladeshi foods that you shouldn't miss. 

Most Popular Breakfast Dishes to Try in Bangladesh

Panta Bhaat (Water Rice)

This dish is popular in Bangladesh as well as Eastern India. Panta Bhaat or water rice is prepared from fermented rice and people eat it with mustard oil, onions, chilies, or an aloo bharta. Research has shown that panta bhaat is in micronutrients and so it keeps the body cool during the hot and humid summer months.

In rural regions of Bangladesh, the farmers eat Panta Vaat before going to work. This food gives them the energy to work throughout the day even if on hot weather days. This food is poplar in urban areas too.

The portion of ingredients depends on the individual's precise choice. The recipe can vary by region also. 

Read More: Panta Bhat: The Amazing Health Benefits of Water Rice

Luchi and Alur Dom

Generally made for puja, this dish is a favorite breakfast for a lot of Bengalis. Luchi is one type of deep-fried puri that is prepared just using flour, a pinch of salt, and oil. Alur dom is a spicy seasoning. It is made with potatoes and spices including chili powder, turmeric, and garam masala. Serve with hot luchi and every Bengalis love to enjoy this dish, especially the Hindu community. 

Moglai Porota

Moglai porota or paratha is traditionally famous. It is filled with mutton or chicken and is a wrap made with seasoning, flour, and beaten eggs. It is a perfect breakfast dish that can keep you full till your next meal. 

Nehari

The word “Nihar” comes from the Arabic word, “Nahar” meaning “morning”. The Nawabs in the Mughal Empire took this dish as a breakfast item after their morning prayers. Nihari now becomes popular in almost all Asian countries, especially in Bangladesh. The main ingredients are the paya of cow, goat, and lamb. This dish is served with paratha or roti. 

Read More: Easy Chicken, Beef and Mutton Nihari Recipes Everyone Will Love.

Best Dishes for Lunch or Dinner in Bangladesh

Ilish Curry

Bangladesh is a riverine country and so fishes are the most main items of protein. Hilsa is the national fish of Bangladesh and the country supplies around 70% of the Hilsa fish production throughout the world.

People cook Hilsa in many ways. Among those, Shorshe Ilis, vapa Ilish, dopiyazo are the most popular Ilish dishes. 

The main ingredients of shorshe Ilish are mustard, Ilish slice, oil, salt, and other spice. This dish is more flavored, and it is loved all over the country.

Read More: Hilsa Ilisha: The National Fish and Silver Pride of Bangladesh.

Biriyani 

Biriyani is one of the most important parts of South Asian cuisine. This dish is mostly famous in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. The main ingredients are basmati rice, the meat of mutton, beef, or chicken, and different types of spices. Sometimes potato is added to this dish.

For Bangladeshis, the big family programs and occasions stay incomplete without biriyani. Besides, on special occasions, the people of Bangladesh love to cook this yummy meal at home for family members. If you are visiting Bangladesh, don’t miss to grab yourself a plate.

Kala Bhuna (Beef Curry)

Different types of beef curries dominate Bengali cuisine. Among them, the Kala Bhuna is possibly the most popular. It is said that the origin of this dish is Chattogram. However, it became popular all over the country.

Read More: 10 Special Beef Recipes for Eid-ul-Adha

Kala Bhuna is special as it is cooked with a long list of traditional spices and yogurt. It also takes more time to cook than other curries. Most importantly, it tastes different than as usual beef curry. It is served with rice, pulao, khichuri, roti, or paratha. 

Bhuna Khichuri 

Bhuna Khichuri is one of the most common rainy-day recipes and is a wholesome rice dish that is popular comfort food in Bengali cuisine.

The main ingredients are rice and lentils and it is yellow in color. Other ingredients are a few spices, turmeric, and ghee.

It is a highly adaptable dish and you can eat it with omelets that are prepared with onions and green chili. You can also take fried eggplant, pickles, and with chicken or beef curries.

Read More: Khichuri Recipes: 7 varieties of yummy nutritious Khichdi to try at home

Morog Polao

This Bengali chicken rice is known as Morog Polao which is an incredible one-pot wonder and a crowd-pleaser also. The flavor of this dish is similar to Biryani, but it isn’t like chicken Biryani. Actually,  it is more gentle than Biryani and it is an aromatic dish.

The main ingredients are rice, chicken, ghee, and spice like green cardamoms, cloves, cinnamon, mace, nutmeg, bay leaf, black pepper, and red chili. Other spices are onion, ginger, garlic, and kewra essence.

Mutton Rezala

Mutton Rezala is one of the most popular dishes served on big social occasions and family parties in Bangladesh. This delicious curry is also prepared by Bangladeshis at home for special occasions or family meals.

Read More: Special Mutton Recipes for Eid-ul-Adha

The main ingredients are bony mutton pieces, yogurt, cashew, and poppy seed paste. Mutton rezala offers a yummy and rich flavor. Spices like cardamom and nutmeg bring a subtle taste to this dish. People enjoy this traditional Bangladeshi cuisine with rice, polau, garlic naan or paratha. 

Top Traditional Bangladeshi Snacks 

Bhapa pitha

Among all the winter pitha of Bangladesh, Bhapa pitha is the most classic one. Most families prepare this delicious dish in their homes as an evening snack. Nowadays, you find this dish available on the roadside that people take as evening snacks.  Bhapa pithas are steamed rice cakes whose main ingredients are ground rice jaggery, coconut, and a pinch of salt. 

Patishapta

Patishaptas are another traditional pithas in Bengali culture which are long and thin rectangular crepe rolls. It is an ooze-out delicious puree prepared with shredded coconut, milk, and molasses or sugar. The warm, gooey, and sweet stuffing of these pithas satisfies your heart and your appetite of you. 

Read More: 5 Yummy Winter Pitha Recipes for Diabetics

Jhalmuri

Jhalmuri is a favored snack in Bangladesh prepared by simply tossing ingredients together like muri, onions, tomatoes, and green chilies. Other ingredients are roasted peanuts, potatoes, cucumbers, and various spices like chaat masala and cumin powder. Jhalmuri is one of the most popular street foods in Bangladesh adored by people of all ages.

Chotpoti and Fuchka

Chotpoti is a traditional Bengali dish prepared with chickpeas and diced potatoes and served with a tamarind-based sauce. Other ingredients are onions, boiled eggs, sliced green chili peppers, fresh mint, and for the sauce cumin and chili powder. The whole dish is topped with cucumbers, boiled eggs, and crumbled fuchka.

Like Chotpoti, Fuchka is a popular street food dish in Bangladesh. Its main ingredients are flour, semolina, and water. Fuch is known as Golgoppa, or Pani puri in South Asian countries. 

Read More: Mouth-watering Chotpoti, Fuchka, Tamarind Chatney Recipes for Home Kitchens

Traditional Bangladeshi Dessert Items

Gurer Payesh

Gurer Payesh is another variety of Bengali dessert. Though it is prepared mostly in winter, nowadays it is enjoyed all year round. Whenever you enjoy it, it is delicious. Some take it in the morning for breakfast also. The main ingredients are basmati rice, palm jaggery, raisins, nuts, milk, cardamom, and bay leaf.

Kheer

Keer is another traditional dessert of Bangladesh prepared from milk, jaggery, or sugar and rice. kheer is a bit runny in nature, while payesh has a creamy and thick consistency. 

Roshogolla

When it comes to dessert, Bangladeshi cuisine has many unique and sweet flavors to offer like roshogolla which is a simple, wholesome dish. The ingredients are cheese prepared from fresh milk and sugar.  The cheese is rolled into balls and then boiled in sugar syrup to make them fluffy and spongy. You can enjoy it hot or stored in the refrigerator to enjoy later. 

Read More: 7 Easy Diabetic-Friendly Desserts

Sweet Yogurt

After lunch or dinner, many Bangladeshis love to have some sweet yogurt. Whether it is a regular meal or a party feast sweet yogurt brings ultimate satisfaction to foodies and gourmands. 

The Bottom Line

So far, we have highlighted some of the most popular traditional Bangladeshi cuisines. Besides the above-mentioned foods, there are many other traditional dishes in different regions of Bangladesh. 

Of course, the best way to really experience Bangladeshi cuisine is to go there physically and take in the sights and smells of the food. If you wander in the streets of the cities, you can explore the teeming markets and street food stalls to really pet yourself.