For over 20 years, Jatra Biroti has been taking us on a journey of all things Bangladeshi. From clothes, local crafts to food it is a celebration of Bengali culture. They support vegetarianism, sustainability, and a plastic-free environment to create a welcoming space for people and animals.
"What people value most is the freedom to be themselves here, and the reward is how people have embraced our natural, unfiltered approach," said General Manager Mrinmoyee Das.
Jatra Biroti, the restaurant, serves poetically as a "biroti" (break) from shopping at their store, Jatra.
This vegetarian establishment caters to a diverse customer base, both locally and internationally, by blending cultural heritage with global flavors. Their cheese samosas, for example, offer a unique twist on the traditional dish.
Additionally, their tehari and aloor dom platters exemplify how delicious vegetarian cuisine can be, making them perfect choices for both iftar and post-iftar dining.
Food
The mushroom tehari platter is a highlight among their vegetarian options. Every bite was flavorful and left us completely satisfied. This vegetarian version of a beloved rice and meat dish truly hits the spot, with the mushrooms serving as the perfect meat substitute and providing a rich flavour. Trust us when we say, you won’t miss the meat even for a second.
On the side, there were some impeccable mushroom koftas—perfectly cooked, succulent, and utterly delicious. The combination of these koftas with the tehari was so harmonious that after tasting the koftas, each bite felt incomplete without enjoying both the tehari and the kofta together.
The platter also came with a side of raita (thickened yogurt) and achaar (pickle). The combination of the savory koftas and rice, paired with the slightly sweet raita and the zesty kick of the achaar, was absolutely delicious. It was a flavour sensation that left us wanting more.
We then tried their second platter, which was a luchi-aloo platter. This classic dish never fails to impress. When well prepared, the combination of luchi and aloo dom promises a memorable flavor explosion, and that’s exactly what this platter delivered.
The aloor dom was subtle yet impactful, featuring a light gravy and a tangy tamarind kick. The potatoes were marinated to perfection, absorbing all the rich flavours.
The luchis were perfectly fluffy and matched the aloor dom. Each bite of the luchi-aloor dom combo was a delightful treat.
The luchi-aloor dom platter was served with a side of kashundi (mustard relish) infused with guava, adding a zesty tang and fresh sweetness that created a mouthwatering ensemble.
For a bite-sized treat, we had their mini samosas stuffed with cottage cheese. These delicate delights were crispy, cheesy, and gooey all at the same time, served with a side of thin tamarind and coriander chutney.
From start to finish, the cheese samosas charmed us completely. The aroma and flavour of the cottage cheese enveloped our senses wonderfully, while the chutney added a slight tang.
We complemented our meal with refreshing watermelon and papaya juices. The freshness in every sip was truly enjoyable and left us feeling rejuvenated.
The price range of a meal at Jatra Biroti is Tk300 to Tk600 excluding VAT.
Ambience
Jatra Biroti, located in Banani, is a culturally vibrant space that features both an indoor craft and clothing store and a restaurant with outdoor seating. The atmosphere celebrates our culture with its lively colors, making it a delightful experience whether you visit the store, Jatra, or the restaurant, Jatra Biroti.
Challenges
Jatra is a craft and clothing store that was founded in 2000. For 24 years, they have supported local artisans and craftsmanship. The store faces an ongoing challenge: balancing sustainability with the demands of fast fashion.
“Our prices often confuse customers, and we have to explain the sustainable production process, local craftsmanship, and the work that goes into our products. Unfortunately, most customers don’t have time for that explanation,” Das said.
Jatra Biroti, the restaurant, is committed to sustainability. They use cloth napkins instead of paper ones, prohibit plastic items, and offer free water to support environmentally friendly practices. “We discourage the use of paper napkins, plastic cups, and bottles,” Das stated.
Das highlights that, despite having young customers with budget constraints, many are eager to return once they understand the concept and have saved enough money.
“Even those on a tight budget save up to visit us again,” Das said.
Jatra Biroti’s long-standing success stems from its commitment to quality. “We have never cut corners; we have always worked with local craftsmen and avoided plastic, even during tough times like the pandemic,” she added.
Recently, in July 2024, the prices were increased to ensure the business’s sustainability after maintaining the same prices for several years, according to Das.
Jatra Biroti promotes a culture of freedom and respect among its staff. "We allow our staff the freedom to express their individuality, but they are always courteous unless a customer behaves inappropriately. You will surely remember their polite demeanor," Das added.
Verdict
Jatra Biroti is definitely worth a visit for the rich cultural experience it offers. While you are there, be sure to try their mushroom tehari platter and the luchi-aloor dom platter. We promise you will want to return, both for the atmosphere and the delicious food.
