Online Desk: Winters in Bangladesh bring a unique and delightful experience for food enthusiasts. The cool, crisp air sets the stage for a diverse array of delectable street foods exclusively available during this season. Blending the flavours of tradition and innovation, various winter-special street foods appear on the bustling streets of Dhaka to the serene corners of small towns. Let’s explore 10 winter street foods that tantalise the taste buds of Bangladeshis.

10 Delicious Winter Street Foods in Bangladesh

Chitoi Pitha (Bengali Rice Cake)

Chitoi Pitha, also known as Bengali Rice Cake, is a traditional delicacy of rural Bangladesh. Made from rice flour, it boasts a subtle and aromatic flavour. The history of chitoi pitha is quite old. This dish traces its origins back to ancient Bengal, with documented mentions dating back to the 6th century BC.

These spongy cakes are often enjoyed with spicy chutney and bhorta. Chitoi Pitha captures the essence of Bangladeshi tradition in every bite and represents the rich culinary heritage of the region.

Bhutta (Corn on the Cob)

Spicy Corn or bhutta is a cherished street food in Bangladesh. This delectable treat involves grilling or roasting corn on the cob and then seasoning it with a blend of spices and tangy condiments.

Bhutta’s popularity in the Indian subcontinent dates back to the British colonial period when the British introduced new corn varieties and encouraged its cultivation as a food crop. This delicious snack quickly gained popularity and remains a cherished part of street food culture in India, Bangladesh, and elsewhere in South Asia. It is known for its smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavours.

Khejurer Rosh (Date Palm Juice)

Khejurer rosh, or date juice, is a beloved beverage in Bangladesh. It is made from the sweet nectar of date palm trees, providing a naturally refreshing taste.

Fresh date juice is collected by shaving some sections of a date palm tree, and collecting the juice in a clay pot overnight.

Date palm juice was introduced to the Indian subcontinent by the Arabs in the Middle Ages and swiftly gained popularity.

Even today, it remains a sought-after winter drink. This drink is deeply rooted in tradition and continues to be a favourite. It offers a sweet respite to all who savour its cooling embrace.

Bhapa Pitha (Steamed Rice Cake)

Steamed rice cake is locally known as Bhapa Pitha. While the history of Bhapa Pitha lacks extensive documentation, it has roots in the Bengal region of the Indian subcontinent. References to this rice cake are traced back to the early 19th century through Bengali cookbooks.

This classic Bengali delicacy is made from rice flour, molasses, shredded coconut, and water. This popular snack or dessert is savoured in both the rural and urban areas of Bangladesh during the winter months. Bhapa Pitha is one of the most common winter street foods available during evening to night hours.

Pakora (Fritters)

Pakora, also known as fritters, is a beloved snack enjoyed widely in various cuisines. This crispy treat hails from ancient India, with early variations mentioned in Sanskrit and Tamil Sangam literature, although the exact recipes remain elusive.

Today, pakora has transcended borders and become a popular snack and appetiser, particularly in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. It can be crafted from an array of ingredients, including vegetables, meat, and seafood. It offers a versatile and tantalising addition to culinary traditions across the region.

Patishapta (Bangladeshi rice crêpe), Haleem, Mughlai Paratha, Gurer Sandesh, and Chicken Seekh Burger.

Patishapta (Bangladeshi rice crêpe)

Patishapta or Bangladeshi rice crêpe is a beloved dish with roots in Bengal’s culinary heritage. According to history, Patishapta Pitha originated in the early 19th century and gained wider popularity during the 20th century. This delicacy reflects the growing appreciation of Bengali cuisine.

Patishapta is one of the most popular street foods available during the winter months in Bangladesh. These delectable crêpes are made from rice flour and often filled with sweet fillings like coconut and jaggery, presenting a delightful fusion of flavours.

Haleem

Haleem was introduced to the Indian subcontinent by Arabs in the 8th century. Haleem got appreciation in the Mughal court and became a staple for special occasions. Today, it is a beloved dish not only in Bangladesh but also in many parts of India, Pakistan, and beyond, reflecting its enduring popularity.

This sumptuous spicy dish is made from wheat, barley, and meat (typically beef or chicken). Usually, haleem is flavoured with a variety of spices and garnished with a multitude of toppings like fine cucumber shreds, fried onion shreds, chopped coriander, thinly sliced ginger, green chilli, etc. Though haleem is a slow-cooked dish, it is offered by many local street food shops in Bangladesh. A bowl of warm, smoky haleem makes the winter days more enjoyable.

Mughlai Paratha

Mughlai Paratha presents a culinary puzzle with a delectable outcome. While its exact history remains somewhat obscure, it is believed to have emerged during the Mughal rule in the Indian subcontinent. Another theory suggests it may have evolved from the ubiquitous paratha.

Regardless of its origin, Mughlai paratha swiftly gained popularity in India and Bangladesh. It is made of bread, minced meat, egg and different spices. This delicious creation is now a quintessential Bangladeshi street food widely available during the winter months.

Gurer Sandesh

Gurer Sandesh, a treasured dessert in Bengali cuisine, is renowned for its simplicity and delightful taste.

The history of Gurer Sandesh can be traced back to the Mughal Empire’s reign over the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to the 18th centuries. This dessert reflects a timeless tradition, cherished for its timeless appeal and its sweet connection to the Mughal culinary heritage.

This sweet treat primarily consists of chhana and jaggery (gur), adding a luscious sweetness to the dish. It is one of the most popular sweet flavoured winter street foods in Bangladesh.

Chicken Seekh Burger

The Chicken Seekh Burger is a soft burger bun generously filled with tender chicken, crisp cucumber, and a drizzle of tangy tamarind sauce. This delectable snack has garnered fame for its mouthwatering appeal and widespread popularity in its region.

Chicken Seekh Burger is a contemporary winter street food in Bangladesh. It is most celebrated for its harmonious blend of flavours and convenience. It continues to be a cherished choice among food enthusiasts.

Closing Lines

Bangladeshi winter street foods are a testament to the country’s rich culinary heritage. Each dish carries with it a piece of tradition and history, making the experience of enjoying these delicacies even more special. From sweet Bhapa Pitha to spicy Haleem, and from juicy delights like Khejurer Rosh to meaty Chicken Seekh Burger, the winter street food of Bangladesh offers a tantalising journey for your taste buds.

So, this winter, do not miss the chance to explore these unique and delicious treats that the streets of Bangladesh have to offer.