The city's iftar markets saw a massive turnout on the first day of Ramadan, as people flocked to purchase their favourite ready-made iftar items from both roadside stalls and high-end hotels.
Shortly after the Zohor prayers, the iconic Chawkbazar iftar market in Old Dhaka transformed into a bustling hub of activity, drawing fasting individuals from all over the city. The market was lined with makeshift stalls offering a wide variety of traditional delicacies, attracting eager buyers.
Popular items such as Chola, Piaju, Beguni, Nimki, Ghugni, Egg Chop, Haleem, various types of naan, Boro Baper Polay Khay, Shahi Paratha, assorted kababs, different kinds of Jilapi, and a variety of sharbat and desserts were in high demand. The market's vibrant decorations and the enticing aroma of freshly prepared dishes made it an irresistible stop for many shoppers.
However, customers voiced concerns over the increased prices compared to last year. Tanvir Ahmed, a visitor from Rampura, shared his excitement about the unique charm of iftar in Old Dhaka, particularly praising the distinct taste of kebabs in the area.
Md Rashed from Motijheel expressed a similar sentiment, noting that buying food from outside has become a Ramadan tradition, even though iftar is also prepared at home. He, too, pointed out the noticeable price hike this year.
Meanwhile, Khilgaon, often referred to as 'restaurant para,' also witnessed a surge of visitors. From Pallima Sangsad to Taltala Market in Malibagh Chowdhurypara, iftar stalls and restaurants drew large crowds. Known for its vibrant food scene year-round, the area becomes even more popular during Ramadan as eateries offer special discounts and diverse cuisine options.
Many rooftop restaurants in Khilgaon provide picturesque settings for iftar, offering both à la carte items and buffet packages with 40–50 dishes priced between Tk 600 and Tk 1,000. From fried rice to desserts, the buffet selections cater to a wide range of tastes.
Khalid, a university student, shared his preference for the affordability and quality of iftar items in Khilgaon. “Today we have gathered here for iftar. The restaurants in this area are quite good, and their food is reasonably priced,” he said.
During iftar time, restaurants fill up quickly while roadside stalls remain equally busy with customers buying food to take home. Many shoppers opt for a mix of home-cooked meals and ready-made iftar items to add variety to their spread.
The Khilgaon iftar market features an extensive selection, including Khasir Kachchi, Tandoori Chicken, Phirni, Keema Parota, Beef Tehari, Chicken Roast, Chicken Biryani, Ast Morog Roast, Beef Chap, Beef Roast, Khasir Roast, Beef Boti, Chicken Fry, Borhani, Jorda, Khasir Haleem, Beef Haleem, Chicken Shashlik, Chicken Lollipop, Jali Kabab, Drumstick, Tika Kebab, Bombay Jilapi, Reshmi Jilapi, Bundia, Luchi Parotta, Laccha Parotta, Naan Roti, Beef Rezala, and Khasir Rezala, among others.
Similar to Chawkbazar and Khilgaon, iftar markets across the city witnessed a massive rush as people eagerly prepared for their first iftar of Ramadan.
