The arrival of Ramadan has once again transformed Dhaka into a vibrant hub of iftar markets, with every street corner, from major thoroughfares to narrow alleyways, bustling with a variety of traditional delicacies.
Neither too cold nor too warm, the pleasant evening on the first day of fasting saw an air of excitement as vendors set up their stalls and customers thronged to buy their favourite iftar items.
From frying crispy onion fritters (piyaju) to arranging plates of eggplant fritters (beguni), potato and egg chops, the city was alive with activity.
Hotel workers could be seen stirring large cauldrons of haleem, while nearby, small vendors arranged displays of fresh coriander, mint, lemons, cucumbers and green chillies.
Regardless of the stall size, the presence of chickpeas and puffed rice was a common sight, an essential part of traditional iftar meals.
Despite a slight increase in prices compared to the previous year, the cost of staple items remained relatively stable.
At Malibagh Rail Gate, chickpea and puffed rice seller Shahjahan noted that prices had not seen any major fluctuations.
Similarly, in areas like Burinda and Ghumni, costs remained largely unchanged.
Nasir, a vendor selling beguni and piyaju, mentioned that while the rising costs had forced him to reduce the quantity of eggplant in each fritter, he continued selling them at the same price—Tk10 per piece for beguni, Tk5 for piyaju, and Tk15 for an egg chop.
Jilapi and haleem were also in high demand. Jilapi sold in restaurants ranged from Tk 600 to Tk 1,000 per kilogram, whereas street vendors offered it at Tk350 to Tk450 per kilogram.
Meanwhile, a one-kilogram serving of beef haleem varied between Tk1,800 and Tk3,000, depending on the location.
Besides, whole roasted chicken, mutton rezala, shahi tukra, jali kebab, spicy pitha, chicken shashlik, chicken chops, and vegetable rolls were among the other popular iftar choices.
Vendors reported that demand for iftar items peaked on the first day, with buyers actively engaging in transactions until the final moments before iftar.
From staple dishes to elaborate feasts, the spirit of Ramadan was evident in the lively markets across the capital.
