Once, reaching for a cup of tea after waking up in the morning was a familiar habit among Bengalis. From welcoming guests and catching up with friends to office breaks and neighborhood tea stalls, tea enjoyed an unrivalled place in everyday life.
But that familiar picture is gradually changing.
Coffee is now finding its place alongside tea. From city cafes to neighborhood shops, and even ordinary tea stalls, different varieties of coffee are becoming increasingly available.
This shift in coffee consumption is no longer limited to urban lifestyles. For the younger generation, coffee has become a companion for socializing, working, studying and spending leisure time.
It is now common to see students and young professionals working on their laptops at cafes. Meanwhile, affordable instant coffee has made it easier to prepare the beverage at home, without having to visit a cafe.
Changing habits drive market growth
Import statistics offer an indication of how rapidly coffee demand is growing in Bangladesh. According to data from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the country imported 139 tons of coffee in 2003. The figure rose to 264 tons in 2012. In 2025 alone, Bangladesh imported 1,745 tons of coffee.
This reflects a significant transformation in the coffee market over the past decade. According to a DAE review, the coffee market recorded an average growth rate of 56% over the last decade. During the same period, the tea market grew at an average rate of around 5%.
Although imports have fluctuated in some years due to changes in global coffee prices and import duties, the overall trend indicates growing consumer demand for coffee in Bangladesh.
Coffee beyond cafes
One of the biggest changes behind coffee's growing popularity is its increased accessibility. In the past, coffee often brought to mind expensive cafes or a handful of specific brands. That perception has now changed. From small sachets of instant coffee to different varieties served at local cafes, coffee is now widely available.
In particular, small packets of 3-in-1 coffee have made the beverage more accessible. Requiring only hot water and a few minutes to prepare, it has become a convenient option for busy professionals and students alike. As a result, coffee is no longer reserved for special occasions but is gradually becoming a part of everyday routines.
From social gatherings to workplaces
The growing popularity of coffee has also changed the way people consume it. People no longer visit cafes simply to catch up with friends. Some work on office assignments, others study, and many attend online meetings. For freelancers and remote professionals, many cafes have become temporary workplaces.
Coffee is also becoming increasingly common at university events and gatherings among young people. Whether it is a sporting event, a cultural program, or a casual campus gathering, coffee has become a familiar companion. The growing influence of cafe culture on social media is also playing a role in increasing young people's interest in coffee.
Domestic production is growing in the hills
Alongside the growing popularity of coffee, opportunities for domestic production are also emerging. Although coffee cultivation in Bangladesh first became more visible in the hilly regions, it is no longer limited to the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
According to recent reports citing information from the Department of Agricultural Extension, commercial coffee cultivation has begun not only in the three hill districts but also in Tangail, Rangpur, and Nilphamari.
Farmers in the hilly regions are also showing increasing interest in coffee cultivation. Growing market demand is creating new income opportunities for them. Increased domestic production could benefit local farmers while also helping reduce the country's dependence on imports to some extent.
Entrepreneurs are also showing growing interest in locally produced coffee. Several organizations are working with farmers in the hill regions, providing support for coffee cultivation and trying to introduce locally grown coffee to the market.
Coexistence with tea
Despite the growing popularity of coffee, this does not mean that it is completely replacing tea. Instead, both beverages are finding their own places in Bangladesh's drinking culture. Some people start their mornings with tea, while others choose coffee for their afternoon gatherings. Many are also adding coffee to their regular preferences alongside tea.
Overall, coffee's place in Bangladesh's beverage culture is no longer limited to urban cafes. Its growing availability, the lifestyle of the younger generation, cafe culture, and the potential for domestic production are gradually taking coffee to a wider audience.
A beverage that many once considered an occasional indulgence is now becoming a familiar part of everyday life. In a country traditionally known for its tea culture, the story of coffee is no longer a new one; rather, it has become a visible reflection of changing lifestyles.
