People often find themselves reminiscing about the good old days more than they care to admit. Tiffinbox is a place that invites you to relive your childhood with an endless array of Bengali snacks like shingaras, puri, and bakhorkhani, accompanied by a must-have cup of tea.
As you savour these familiar flavours, you can't help but recall what was once packed in your childhood "tiffin box" and the joy of indulging in these nostalgic treats all over again served on classic old-school steel plates and dishes.
“Tiffinbox was created to bring back the cherished memories of our youth—the things we loved but had to leave behind as we grew up,” said Mushroof Ahmed, the general manager at Tiffinbox. “What started primarily as a humble jhal muri and cha project has now expanded to include a wide range of popular Bengali street food.”
Food
We kicked off with some kolijar (liver) shingaras and daal (lentil) and aloo (potato) puris. The shingaras, warm and flaky, were stuffed with liver, delivering that signature umami punch you crave in a good shingara. Perfectly seasoned, they are a must-try if you're a fan of kolija shingaras. However, a larger size and more liver filling would have made for even more impactful, memorable bites.
Next, we sampled the daal and aloo puris. While the puris were well-seasoned, they would have been better served a bit warmer to enhance their flavor. Still, the distinct tastes of both potato and lentil came through in each bite.
Then came the bhuna khichuri paired with chicken. The khichuri’s fluffy, masterful texture was delightful, and the chicken—thoroughly cooked and well-seasoned—complemented it beautifully. Paired with the tangy achar (mango pickle), this combination was the highlight of our meal, effortlessly satisfying and comforting.
For dessert, we had the shahi jilapi (jalebi). Soaked in ghee (clarified butter), the enticing aroma filled the air as the plate was set down. Each sweet, crackling bite was a joy, although serving them slightly warmer would have made them perfect.
We ended with malai chaa (tea), made with thickened cream and heavy milk, offering a rich finish to the meal. Accompanied by bakhorkhani (spiced flatbread) drizzled with sugar, the warm tea and crumbly bakhorkhani made for a truly satisfying ending.
However, Tiffinbox’s serving style could use some sprucing up—plastic cups for lassi and worn-out dishes for khichuri detract from the experience.
Prices at Tiffinbox range from Tk49 for tea to Tk359, offering a nostalgic yet affordable experience.
Challenges
Tiffinbox started as a cloud kitchen in November 2020 and quickly gained popularity. By January 2024, it had evolved into a full-fledged restaurant, navigating challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic and recent inflation.
“We opened our flagship store in Gulshan 2 in January 2024, offering a retro-cool dine-in experience. We also have another location at Balaka in the bustling heart of Chandni Chawk,” shared Mushroof Ahmed, the general manager.
Ambience
Located in Gulshan 2, Tiffinbox has a minimalist, nostalgic vibe. The interiors feature beige walls with Bengali inscriptions, softly lit by pendant ceiling lamps. The old-school cane chairs add a touch of vintage charm, creating a cozy, laid-back atmosphere.
Verdict
The kolijar shingaras and bhuna khichuri with chicken are standout dishes that are worth a try. With an affordable price range, Tiffinbox is a great spot if you're craving comforting Bengali snacks and a bit of nostalgia. It’s perfect for a casual hangout or a quick bite, especially if you love classic shingaras and similar snacks.
However, the simplicity of their serving style leaves room for improvement, and the portion sizes, particularly for the shingaras, could be more generous. Bringing along a few friends—preferably your old school buddies—can make the experience feel even more authentic and enjoyable.