Ramzan is the most awaited time for the Muslims around the world. Recently we were in Dhaka, Bangladesh to witness the festive gaiety and traditions of this month-long festival. After witnessing the crazy food buying spree for Iftar at Chawk Bazaar and Nazira Bazaar, the following day we accompanied our host Adnan Faruque, who is a fellow food blogger from the city, to another celebrated content creator Nusrat Islam's house for Iftar. The purpose was to witness the traditions surrounding the feast and learn more about the much loved food items.
Before heading to her home, we went to the Shaheen College Complex to buy some treats for our hostess. First we packed a shahi jilapi and some assorted snacks from Ananda Confectionery. Next we got a pot of Mishti Doi from Sadeeq Agro. Finally we picked up a kilo of mutton haleem from the Pizzarium. Almost every food shop has erected a makeshift space for the sale of Iftar goodies in order to avoid crowding inside the small shops.
After a warm and genial welcome we joined Nusrat at her kitchen for the frying of pakoras which was the only thing left to be prepared. Everything else was ready. Finally we sat down in front of the huge spread laid out on the floor and it looked super tempting. There was was beguni, pakora, keema chop, egg chop, chicken chop chicken roll, piyaju, mughlai porota, choola boot tehari, kabab, shomucha, haleem, different kinds of shorbot, doi chira and many more things. The three classic Iftar items as per her family traditions include the chola boot, khejur and pakora. Fried items, although a not so healthy option, are much loved by everyone. And the variety of fritters just adds to the excitement. Shorbot is also a very integral Iftari thing.
Some of our favourite things were the homemade shami kabab, piyaku, aalu puri and chira doi. More than the food, it was the warmth and enthusiasm of our generous hosts that made it a memorable meal. The heartfelt conversations gave us such an insight about the festive culture over there. we are ever grateful to Nusrat, Adnan and other friends for the opportunity to witness the culture.