Halal Food in Bangladesh: South Asia Hub Guide

Halal food in Bangladesh is universal—as a 90% Muslim nation, halal is the default. Bengali cuisine features incredible fish dishes and aromatic rice preparations. Explore Bangladesh travel for more information. Explore halal certification for more information.

How Accessible Is Halal Food?

All food halal: Muslim-majority nation
Fish central: Bangladesh’s specialty
Pork rare: Only some Chinese places

Famous Bengali Dishes

Macher jhol: Fish curry (everyday dish)
Hilsa fish: National fish, seasonal delicacy
Kacchi biriyani: Dhaka specialty
Bhuna khichuri: Spiced rice and lentils
Beef tehari: Rice with beef
Rezala: White mutton curry

Best Food Cities

Dhaka

Old Dhaka: Historic food scene
Puran Dhaka biriyani houses
Haji biriyani legendary
Street food paradise

Chittagong

Seafood from Bay of Bengal
Kala bhuna (dark beef curry)
Port city cuisine

Sylhet

Seven-color tea
Distinct Sylheti cuisine
Shatkora (citrus) dishes

Bengali Sweets

Bangladesh is famous for sweets:

Roshogolla
Mishti doi (sweet yogurt)
Sandesh
Chomchom

Street Food

Fuchka (pani puri)
Jhalmuri (spiced puffed rice)
Singara (samosa)
Beguni (fried eggplant)

Practical Tips

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is all food halal in Bangladesh?

Yes, virtually all food in Bangladesh is halal. Bangladesh is 90% Muslim and halal is the default standard. Pork is essentially unavailable except in some Chinese restaurants. All meat is slaughtered according to Islamic principles.

What is Bengali food like?

Bengali cuisine is centered on rice and fish—'macher jhol' (fish curry) is iconic. Other specialties include biriyani, hilsa fish, beef/mutton curries, and sweets like roshogolla and mishti doi. The cuisine is rich in spices and mustard oil.

What should I know before visiting restaurants in Bangladesh?

When dining out, it's helpful to learn basic food preparation terms and ask about ingredients. Many restaurants are accommodating to dietary requirements. It's recommended to use translation apps or ask hotel staff to help communicate dietary needs.