Street food is a delightful and integral part of many cultures, offering unique culinary experiences that are often unparalleled. Bangladesh's vibrant street food scene is a feast for the senses, featuring delicious snacks and meals at every corner, from savory fuchka to sweet jilapi. These culinary delights are a must-try for any visitor. However, it is crucial to be mindful of potential health risks associated with street food, especially for those with sensitive stomachs. Here is how you can savor street food safely in Bangladesh. Tips for Eating Street Food Safely Check Reviews In the digital age, many food bloggers and reviewers provide insights into the quality and safety of street food vendors. Before buying food from a particular roadside stall, check online reviews. These reviews often highlight the hygiene practices of the vendors and the overall quality of the food. This can be an invaluable resource for making informed decisions about where to eat. Inspect the Vendor's Cleanliness Before deciding to purchase street food, take a moment to observe the vendor's cleanliness. Check if their hands are clean and if they use gloves or tongs when handling food. A vendor who maintains personal hygiene is likely to adhere to better food safety practices, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. The way a vendor handles food is a good indicator of their overall hygiene standards. Read more: Fridge Smells Bad? Reasons and How to Get Rid of It Assess the Cleanliness of the Stall The overall cleanliness of the food stall is another critical factor. Look for vendors who keep their cooking area and utensils clean and avoid those with overflowing bins or dirty utensils. A clean environment signifies good hygiene practices. Stalls that are well-organized and tidy are more likely to follow safe food handling practices, which helps in minimizing the risk of contamination. Go for Freshly Cooked Food Whenever possible, choose food that is cooked right in front of you. Freshly prepared foods are delicious and less likely to be at risk of spoilage. Foods that are left out for long periods can harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of illness. Opting for freshly cooked items ensures that you are consuming food that is less likely to have been contaminated. Observe Cooking Practices Watch how the food is being cooked. Ensure that hot foods are served hot and cold foods are served cold. Proper cooking temperatures are crucial for killing harmful bacteria. Additionally, observe if the vendor avoids cross-contamination by handling raw and cooked foods separately. These practices are vital for maintaining food safety. Read more: Urban Agriculture: Top 10 Monsoon Vegetables to Grow in Bangladesh Choose Busy Vendors Usually, a street food stall becomes popular for serving fresh and tasty foods. Therefore, it is best to opt for stalls with a high customer turnover. A busy vendor is often a sign of good food quality and safety. High turnover means that the food is being sold quickly, reducing the chances of it sitting out and becoming contaminated. Avoid Foods Washed with Tap Water In many places, tap water is not safe for consumption. Avoid eating foods that are washed with tap water, such as salads and raw vegetables. Contaminated water can carry harmful pathogens that lead to foodborne illnesses. It is suggested to opt for foods that do not require washing or are washed with safe water.

As the month of Ramadan started, the bustling streets of Old Dhaka came alive with the aroma of spices and the sizzle of frying pans. The Iftar bazars in this ancient section of the capital are a battleground for traditional dishes vying to be crowned the ultimate feast to break one's fast. Amongst the labyrinthine lanes of Chawkbazar, Islampur, Bangla Bazar, and the roadside tong shops, vendors engage in a spirited rivalry to tantalize the taste buds of the devout. Chawkbazar stands as a bastion of tradition in the realm of Iftar markets, offering a cornucopia of culinary delights. Here, amidst the throng of eager patrons, one can find an array of Iftar staples: chickpeas, piaju, puri, chop, and juice, alongside a plethora of innovative creations. The alleys of Islampur and Bangla Bazar also boast diverse assortments of Iftar treats, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the region. Central to the charm of Chawkbazar is the legendary 'Boro Baper Polay Khay' Iftar, a concoction steeped in tradition and flavor. Comprising an eclectic mix of 15 ingredients, including chicken, minced meat, cotton kebab, and an assortment of spices, it embodies the essence of Old Dhaka's culinary heritage. Priced between Tk 800 to Tk 1200 per kilogram, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of tradition. With two more demises today, death toll from Gazipur gas cylinder blast rises to 5 However, a newcomer to the scene, 'Shob Baper Polay Khay,' poses a formidable challenge to the reigning champion. Vendors tout its credentials, proclaiming, "This is the traditional food of Dhaka, the best of Chawkbazar." They claim that their food has a 78-year-old tradition. Kebabs reign supreme in this gastronomic arena, with vendors proudly presenting an assortment of tantalizing options. From Tengri Kebab to Suti Kebab, Sheek Kebab, and Kathi Kebab, the choices are as diverse as they are delectable. Whole chicken roasts, quail roasts, and succulent leg of goat roasts vie for attention alongside savory beef haleem and fragrant biryanis. Vegetarian offerings such as vegetable naan, milk naan, and keema paratha cater to diverse palates, while vendors employ persuasive advertising tactics to attract discerning buyers.

In a remarkable achievement, Bangladeshi-born American Chef Nur-E Gulshan Rahman has been shortlisted for the Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic category by the James Beard Foundation. Chef Rahman's culinary prowess shines at Korai Kitchen, a hidden gem in Jersey City, renowned for its authentic Bangladeshi cuisine. The James Beard Foundation Awards, often dubbed the “Oscars of food,” honor excellence across America's culinary spectrum. These prestigious awards celebrate the artistry and innovation in the culinary field, recognizing the best chefs and restaurants. Despite its modest beginning, as reported by the New York Times, Korai Kitchen has carved a niche in Jersey City's vibrant culinary scene. Chef Rahman's eatery has earned accolades for its authentic Bangladeshi flavors and homestyle cooking. An emotional social media post from the restaurant celebrated this milestone: “Amma was nominated for a James Beard Award today!! Words cannot express just how proud I am of my mom and our incredible team. What a beautiful moment of recognition for Bangladeshi food and for my insanely talented mother, who has honed her craft for over FIFTY YEARS!” Read more: Kishwar wins Australians hearts with her Bangladeshi recipe on Masterchef The post added, “My mom would sometimes say she felt like an imposter because she has no formal culinary training. Amma, you've shown that it's not culinary school that makes a chef; it's passion, talent, grit, and love.” Korai Kitchen, described by the New York Times, offers an immersive experience akin to dining in a Bangladeshi home. The restaurant features a rotating buffet of dishes, including bhorta (mashes) and light curries, all prepared under the watchful eye of Chef Rahman. It's a celebration of slow food — homestyle Bangladeshi dishes crafted with care and affection. Since their inception in 1990, the James Beard Awards have set a benchmark for culinary excellence. The outstanding chef category, in particular, honors chefs who not only uphold high culinary standards but also positively influence their peers and make a significant impact on the wider community. Chef Rahman's nomination is a testament to her dedication and skill, bringing the rich flavors of Bangladesh to the American culinary landscape. Read more: AI Robot Chefs: Automated Cooking Could Redefine Food Industry

Do you have a passion for cooking? Cooking is an art that allows you to express your creativity. Numerous people from different professions fall in love with cooking so much that they choose it as their career. To learn the art of cooking and how to present it before the target audience is nothing less than a subject worth studying. A good institution or mentor can be of great help in that fact. Here are some of the most reputed culinary institutions in Dhaka city famous for teaching culinary art. Some Popular Culinary Schools in Dhaka City NIHMB National Institute of Hotel Management Bangladesh (NIHMB) provides highly recognized, certified six to twelve-month career training programs in culinary arts and culinary management to prepare Bangladeshi students to appear for the Institute of Culinary Arts and Management Examinations. Apart from these preparation classes, it also provides customized courses based on local requirements. The culinary arts programs have an average class size of ten students, while the culinary management programs have an average class size of twelve students. Read Child-friendly Winter Drinks to Keep Your Family Healthy, Warm and Cozy Bangladesh Hotel Management & Tourism Training Institution Bangladesh Hotel Management & Tourism Training Institution is the country's first and largest privately funded government-approved Institute, having been founded in 1990 A.D. Over two decades, the Institute has served the hotel, tourism, and hospitality industries. It is the first Institute of its type in the private sector that has been certified by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism under the Government of Bangladesh. The Institute has previously educated around 15000 boys and girls in preparation for careers in the sector. The majority of them have worked both in the United States and overseas. Advanced Hotel Management Institute 14 years of experience as a leader of education and operations at an academy for advanced hotel management. Md. Suzun Uddin Talukder founded the Institute in 2003 in Bangladesh. It is situated in Uttara, Dhaka. This recognized, private, co-educational culinary institution offers students with world-class instruction in a world-class environment that is rich in career and work options. The Institute of Culinary Arts' hotel management training department provides Diploma and advanced diploma programs, as well as an Australian trade certificate. In Culinary Arts and Food Preparation provides Diploma and advanced courses from London UK. Read: Yummy Milkshake Ideas, Recipes to Try at Home