Dhaka | Restaurants & Fast Food - Part 2 [Archive]

sas

June 28th, 2009, 01:07 PM

Good going :)

So what was the damage (to the wallet I mean) and based on what item?

I'm a tempura fan myself...

We had a large platter of sushi (12 pieces), shrimp tempura (7 pieces) and fried chicken (7 skewers). They also served complimentary appetizers and miso soup. The bill came down to BDT 2,500, but with an additional 20% (VAT and service charges), we ended up paying around BDT 3,200. There were two of us.

So all in all, quite an expensive meal. But then again, it's all relative, if you asked me. Considering how prices in Dhaka have sky-rocketed in recent times, I'd say it was like the average restaurant in Gulshan. This is 'probably' the only authentic restaurant of its kind in Uttara and that too, without falling within the most popular cuisine types, i.e. Chinese and Thai. Therefore, will be interesting to see how it does over the longer term.

manbil777

June 28th, 2009, 07:07 PM

We had a large platter of sushi (12 pieces), shrimp tempura (7 pieces) and fried chicken (7 skewers). They also served complimentary appetizers and miso soup. The bill came down to BDT 2,500, but with an additional 20% (VAT and service charges), we ended up paying around BDT 3,200. There were two of us.

So all in all, quite an expensive meal. But then again, it's all relative, if you asked me. Considering how prices in Dhaka have sky-rocketed in recent times, I'd say it was like the average restaurant in Gulshan. This is 'probably' the only authentic restaurant of its kind in Uttara and that too, without falling within the most popular cuisine types, i.e. Chinese and Thai. Therefore, will be interesting to see how it does over the longer term.

Thanks for the rundown.

A comparable meal in LA would definitely exceed $100 in any mid-grade sushi joint so the price seems quite reasonable.

manbil777

June 28th, 2009, 07:09 PM

A food, too bad i dont know what's the name :(

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs107.snc1/4790_94315759772_656449772_1986611_1618975_n.jpg

That's a traditional food from the old parts of Dhaka if I'm halfway right. It's called 'Bakarkhani' bread (Roti).

tanzirian

June 28th, 2009, 07:25 PM

TIslam

June 28th, 2009, 07:42 PM

We had a large platter of sushi (12 pieces), ...

The real McCoy, as in raw fish? Or were these the cooked kind? Are the typical sushi fish like tuna, mackerel, snapper, salmon (roe) available in Dhaka? Do the Japanese restaurants import these from somewhere?

manbil777

June 28th, 2009, 07:50 PM

^^ Really hard to tell whether that is Bakarkhani or Paratha just from pic. Old Dhaka parathas from near DU are my favorite...soft, fluffy, not greasy feeling at all (though they are certainly rich). Here in US I go for the "Malaysian" parathas but they are not the same.

The reason I say it is Bakarkhani is because,

1. The smaller size of the Roti (the size of a dessert plate).

2. The fact that it cracked nicely across the length -- hinting at the harder shell, and

3. Some hint of the innards which are faintly visible

But -- yes, could be mini Paratas as well.

sas

July 1st, 2009, 01:58 PM

The real McCoy, as in raw fish? Or were these the cooked kind? Are the typical sushi fish like tuna, mackerel, snapper, salmon (roe) available in Dhaka? Do the Japanese restaurants import these from somewhere?

Yes real fish (sigh). I doubt the fish is really imported, as it would probably take the prices to LA standards for sure, much to the disappointment of Manbil.

Typical sushi fish here is snapper, salmon, tuna, eel, shrimp, cuttlefish etc. Actually there are many more types, considering the amount of fish that's available in Bangladesh.

sas

July 4th, 2009, 07:27 AM

Suddenly came across this write-up in the latest edition of the Bangladesh Monitor. The restaurant's apparently been open since March this year. I was there last Friday - definitely a must try.

Nagasaki : The new Japanese Restaurant

_A Monitor Report
Dhaka : Among the Oriental foods popular in Dhaka, Chinese food is definitely an all-time favourite among all the food lovers. This is followed by Korean and Japanese food, the latter being a recent inclusion.

Since there is quite a big Japanese population residing in Dhaka, this type of restaurant is slowly be coming popular. Japanese food is less spicy compared to our food. Also, the basic cooking style and ingredients differ a lot. That is possibly the reason, why Japanese food could not top the popularity list here.

Nevertheless, in recent times, a few restaurants have opened in Dhaka, which serve only Japanese food. Nagasaki, though the name of a bomb-struck.

Japanese city, is also the name of the new Japanese restaurant in Dhaka.
It opened in March this year. The two-storied restaurant is done up in a typical Japanese style. The two different types of floor sittings. Horikotasu and Ozashki, are maintained here. In a typical Japanese fashion, one has to take off the shoes before entering the dining halls of the restaurant. Natural wood floors and screens, adorned with Japanese features adds a touch of authenticity to the place.

The restaurant can accommodate around 70 guests, wherein one can also opt for a private dining for a small crowd of 10.

It is managed by a Japanese team, which consists of a chef, along with other management staffs.

Nagasaki, is possibly the only place in Dhaka that ser-ves Japanese cuisine only.
Ranging from sushi's and tempuras to other Japanese dishes, one can even choose from their lunch boxes and set lunches - where the food is also set in a typical Japa-nese manner.

It is open seven days a week, for lunch and dinner.
Located at a convenient spot in Uttara, (House-13, Road-6, Sector -1), it is at a stone's throw from the Zia International Airport. Most of the days, their evenings are full with Japanese expats and their friend and family - who drop in to taste their very own cuisine at a foreign land.

http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/news_detail.php?nhid=341&CID=7

mirzazeehan

July 13th, 2009, 11:55 PM

Jharna Grill,Sonargoan Hotel,Kawranbazar

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/14/12/38/4426481_600x364.jpg

SpitFire,Gulshan

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/14/12/48/4426628_450x337.jpg

Dejavu Cafe,Gulshan

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/14/12/36/4426457_600x900.jpg

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/14/12/35/4426446_600x400.jpg

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/14/12/37/4426466_600x400.jpg

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/14/12/38/4426482_600x400.jpg

Nagasaki,Uttara[Japanese Cuisine]

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/14/01/02/4426794_600x495.jpg

Casa Greek,Gulshan[Greek Cuisine]

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/14/12/53/4426674_450x375.jpg

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/14/12/41/4426507_500x333.jpg

Baton Rouge,Gulshan

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/14/12/40/4426500_550x367.jpg

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/14/12/39/4426491_550x367.jpg

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/14/12/39/4426494_550x367.jpg

Western Grill Aircraft Restaurant,Gulshan[inside a real aeroplane]

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/14/12/37/4426477_600x450.jpg

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/14/12/36/4426458_600x450.jpg

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/14/12/35/4426440_600x450.jpg

Pics belong to:
Bangladesh Monitor
Hot Dhaka
Baton Rouge website
Casa Greek website
My lovely lil Camera

Manazir

July 14th, 2009, 03:55 AM

^^ bro Mirza, whats the website of Baton Rouge and Casa Greek? :P

sas

July 14th, 2009, 07:51 AM

^^ bro Mirza, whats the website of Baton Rouge and Casa Greek? :P

http://www.batonrouge-casagreek.com/

monazirus

July 14th, 2009, 09:08 AM

is the any website for banladeshi restaurants wth menu and price?

Manazir

July 14th, 2009, 09:23 AM

Thanx SAS :)

dopekhor

July 15th, 2009, 02:35 AM

is the any website for banladeshi restaurants wth menu and price?
imhungrybd.com

bracnet.net restaurants review

and hottdhaka.com

TIslam

July 15th, 2009, 03:34 AM

imhungrybd.com

bracnet.net restaurants review

and hottdhaka.com

Just a little tip. If you use the "http" prefix, the url becomes a hyperlink:

http://imhungrybd.com
http://bracnet.net
http://hottdhaka.com

:)

monazirus

July 15th, 2009, 08:46 AM

imhungrybd.com

bracnet.net restaurants review

and hottdhaka.com

thx a lot

monazirus

July 16th, 2009, 12:04 PM

chk out ths cool lounge www.h2odhaka.com

mirzazeehan

July 21st, 2009, 12:55 AM

The latest restaurant in town

Koyla : The Kabab Company

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/21/01/52/4516653_350x250.jpg

Kabab's are a universal favourite, which have different names in different parts of the world. It is much more popular in this part of the globe, where spices are one of the main ingredients of cooked food. Given the right amount of spices with the exact proportion of grilling or sauting, one gets to taste mouth watering delicious ka-babs.

Keeping this as their working principle, a new kabab house opened in Dhaka recently. Koyla, the new kabab restaurant prefers to be referred to as the Kabab Company.

It opened on July 8, 2009 the inaugural festival was graced by eminent nutritionist Prof. Siddiqua Kabir, along with a number of celebrities.

Karim's Hotel, Delhi is the outlet upon which Koyla has tried to model itself. This Delhi Hotel is famed for its kababs and Koyla intends to do so as well. The menu is carefully planned and well suited for those who have a palate for tikbas and tandooris. Starting with a variety of salads like Raita, Green Salad and Bundia Raita the menu offers a variety of rotis and naans and biryanis, as the staple item.

To accessories these, one can choose from Lamb Burra, Beef Bhupali, Aier or Rupchanda Tandoori, Beef sheek Kabab and the all times favouite Mutton Paya.

There are Biryani's of different tastes and flavours, like Hydreabad, Afghani, Kashmiri etc. Lassa Paratha, Shirmaal Roti, Rumali Roti, Garlic Naan are some of the bread varieties to choose from. For the vegetarians, there is Paneer Tikka, Gujarati Vegetable, Daal Makhani etc.

Meals in this part of the world are incomplete without a sweet note. Thus there is Kulfi - a deadly dessert, which is rich and creamy to the last drop. There is Malai Kulfi, Orange Kulfi, Orange Kulfi, Coupled with Firnee and Ice Cream in the dessert segment of the menu.

Drinks, both hot and cold, come in different flavours. Such as- the very refreshing Jaljeera, ever popular Cappuccino and the usual soft drinks, Koyla, even offers tea, the most popular drink here, in two distinct flavours : Darjeeling and Sylhet_ named upon the two famous tea growing regions of this subcontinent.

Koyla is open from 11:30 am till 12 midnight. The large dining hall can accommodate approximately 170 guests, whose car parking is also managed efficiently at the huge parking lot, adjacent to the restaurant. A bigger number of guests can be accommodated at the Fu-Wang auditorium which is at the same vicinity. The well decorated dining hall has an open kitchen attac-hed to it. This offers a first-hand view of what is being cooked and how and when. The gleaming copper wares add a lot more attraction to the food.

Koyla plans to add breakfast in their menus soon. Also there would be a mini outlet just outside the restaurant the koyla Roll Express - which would be the key point of take aways, drive-ins and home deliveries. A set menu will be introduced too, in the near future.

Koyla is at the Tejgaon Link Road, next to Fu-Wang Bowling Club and diagonally opposite Aarong.

The management plans to make this the best Kabab House in town, for which it has already began collecting credits and earning a name.
Source:http://www.bangladeshmonitor.net/news_detail.php?nhid=403&CID=7

dopekhor

July 21st, 2009, 01:13 AM

i dont like the name no offense!

dopekhor

July 21st, 2009, 01:18 AM

hey mirza any new updates on the fast food scene?

i heard a&w reopened and how is the price? care to provide some shots and the exact location?

sas

July 21st, 2009, 04:06 AM

hey mirza any new updates on the fast food scene?

i heard a&w reopened and how is the price? care to provide some shots and the exact location?

Yes A&W re-opened. It's on the main road, roughly next to Silver Tower, as in opposite Nafi Tower. But when you're going from Gulshan 1 to 2, you just can't miss it, as it's right on the main road.

Pricing is just like before, if not a little higher. Was there yesterday in fact :p. Combos can cost up to BDT 385 (Mozza or the Double Mozza). If compared to KFC (the only other international fast food restaurant), the pricing would be slightly on the higher side. I honestly go there as I still feel they sell the best burgers that are available in town.

sas

July 21st, 2009, 04:07 AM

dopekhor

July 21st, 2009, 04:56 AM

Yes A&W re-opened. It's on the main road, roughly next to Silver Tower, as in opposite Nafi Tower. But when you're going from Gulshan 1 to 2, you just can't miss it, as it's right on the main road.

Pricing is just like before, if not a little higher. Was there yesterday in fact :p. Combos can cost up to BDT 385 (Mozza or the Double Mozza). If compared to KFC (the only other international fast food restaurant), the pricing would be slightly on the higher side. I honestly go there as I still feel they sell the best burgers that are available in town.
so is it is beside mollika? man i so miss mollika from 1998-2002

that was their golden age! why dont you post some pics i did post some pics from a&w and the interior looks really good

sas

July 21st, 2009, 06:19 AM

so is it is beside mollika? man i so miss mollika from 1998-2002

that was their golden age! why dont you post some pics i did post some pics from a&w and the interior looks really good

Yes it is roughly around that area and you just can't miss it if you're there. Quite prominent in terms of both size and signage.

Dope my camera's gone completely bust so can't take pictures. However, I'm more than definite that some pictures of the new A&W did get posted here on skyscrapercity. Pls go thru the final pages of part i of the restaurants and fast food thread.

Dude do you have updates on McDonald's and BK or any other place opening soon? RAK Group is bringing in Pizza Inn and rumor is that they're acquiring Pizza Corner here. Yet to be confirmed though.

Manazir

July 21st, 2009, 09:34 AM

^^ heard they are getting McDonald's in JFP!

anyone can tell me how are the coffee chains in Dhaka?? like Coffee World or any other local chains?? obviously I dont expect them to be as good as Costa Coffee or Starbucks!

Also, more international cafe chains should come to BD, so far weve got only 1. In Pakistan and India, they've got Costa Coffee at least! We should have one chain of tht.

Equinox2

July 21st, 2009, 03:02 PM

hey mirza any new updates on the fast food scene?

i heard a&w reopened and how is the price? care to provide some shots and the exact location?
A&W reopened next to Hotel Washington. It has a small photo shop and a fast food on the front conjoined in the same building which makes it tricky to identify immediately. Like Pizza Hut the entrance is on the side and not at the front. I ate there last month and I gotta say the taste is not the same. I had the hot dog with chilli paste (forgot the exact name), fries and root beer and it cost me 300+. I remember they used to have the best hot dog in town but not anymore. The quantity of fries was very little but the root beer is still pretty good. There were only two people other than me who were there when I went so I don't think their business is that great ATM.

mirzazeehan

July 22nd, 2009, 01:09 AM

hey mirza any new updates on the fast food scene?

i heard a&w reopened and how is the price? care to provide some shots and the exact location?

Your wish is my command Sir

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/22/01/50/4531027_1000x750.jpg

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/22/01/50/4531020_1000x750.jpg

http://www.picamatic.com/show/2009/07/22/01/50/4531035_1000x750.jpg

As for the price and quality of food...Price seems to be fine and the the Burgers are of great quality-no doubt about that.
And as you can see,its right next to the Washington Hotel and is actually opposite to Nafi Tower,that building that houses Hush puppy's showroom in Gulshan

dopekhor

July 22nd, 2009, 03:02 PM

ah thanks for the updates mirza, exterior pics nai?

Equinox2

July 22nd, 2009, 03:29 PM

sas

July 22nd, 2009, 06:53 PM

Sounds great! This will be first on my list to visit when I go to Dhaka in a few days. I'll try and get a few pics too.

BTW can you guys recommend me other places to go? Other than the regular Chinese, Thai, Fast foods and Kabab Ghors?

Sure. You must try Sura (Korean) and Samdado (Japanese). These are both authentic restaurants in Gulshan 2. Excellent food!

Equinox2

July 22nd, 2009, 07:24 PM

Sure. You must try Sura (Korean) and Samdado (Japanese). These are both authentic restaurants in Gulshan 2. Excellent food!
Thanks. Much appreciated :) Both added to my list.

I know there are quite a few steak houses in Dhaka now. Which one do you suggest?

I hear Casa-Greek is quite popular these days. I went there when it first opened in 2005. I found it ok, nothing that spectacular. Is it worth trying now?

Also two other restaurants I am looking forward to are El Toro and Le Saigon. I have got positive feedback about these from my friends. Does anyone here have any views about them?

Sorry for all the questions its just that I am going on a tight schedule and can't afford to experiment.

mirzazeehan

July 22nd, 2009, 11:33 PM

Thanks. Much appreciated :) Both added to my list.

I know there are quite a few steak houses in Dhaka now. Which one do you suggest?

I hear Casa-Greek is quite popular these days. I went there when it first opened in 2005. I found it ok, nothing that spectacular. Is it worth trying now?

Also two other restaurants I am looking forward to are El Toro and Le Saigon. I have got positive feedback about these from my friends. Does anyone here have any views about them?

Sorry for all the questions its just that I am going on a tight schedule and can't afford to experiment.

I havent been to El Toro..but Le Saigon is pretty good.I would also recommend Steak-House[Mantra] at Gulshan 1 or Spitfire at Gulshan 2 if you are a steak lover.Hope you have a great time in Dhaka bro:)

TIslam

July 23rd, 2009, 03:02 AM

I havent been to El Toro..but Le Saigon is pretty good.I would also recommend Steak-House[Mantra] at Gulshan 1 or Spitfire at Gulshan 2 if you are a steak lover.Hope you have a great time in Dhaka bro:)

What about Flambe?

sas

July 23rd, 2009, 06:47 AM

Thanks. Much appreciated :) Both added to my list.

I know there are quite a few steak houses in Dhaka now. Which one do you suggest?

I hear Casa-Greek is quite popular these days. I went there when it first opened in 2005. I found it ok, nothing that spectacular. Is it worth trying now?

Also two other restaurants I am looking forward to are El Toro and Le Saigon. I have got positive feedback about these from my friends. Does anyone here have any views about them?

Sorry for all the questions its just that I am going on a tight schedule and can't afford to experiment.

Steakhouse is really good. Both the ala carte as well as the buffet. Both El Toro and Le Saigon are also really good. Not the biggest fan of Spitfire. But if you're a fan of seafood you may try out Saltz which is on otp of Spitfire.

Dhakaiya

July 24th, 2009, 03:31 PM

Try the dish with EVERYTHING in it at Steakhouse.

Manazir

July 24th, 2009, 08:18 PM

^^ welcome back Dhakayia :) , hope u enjoyed ur Umrah and ur flight.

Dhakaiya

July 25th, 2009, 07:21 PM

^^ welcome back Dhakayia :) , hope u enjoyed ur Umrah and ur flight.

I had a wonderful Umrah, thank you. However, next time I'm taking business class in Emirates.

Manazir

July 25th, 2009, 08:47 PM

^^ awesome xD

nayeem007

July 29th, 2009, 07:50 PM

Bella Italia :- Great Italaian Food in Dhaka Bangladesh

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1077/1298158073_b5db47cfd7.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1019/1298165011_46c9a8c457.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1397/1299031412_ea51095610.jpg?v=0

http://nicktay.net/2007/09/02/bella-italia-great-italaian-food-in-dhaka-bangladesh/

nayeem007

July 29th, 2009, 07:54 PM

Deja Vu Cafe

http://www.hottdhaka.com/gallery/450/785.jpg

http://www.hottdhaka.com/gallery/450/527.jpg

http://www.hottdhaka.com/gallery/450/528.jpg

http://www.hottdhaka.com/hottspots/photo.php?mode=view&photoid=528

nayeem007

July 29th, 2009, 07:55 PM

SPITFIRE,Gulshan

http://www.hottdhaka.com/gallery/450/1020.jpg

http://www.hottdhaka.com/gallery/450/20717.jpg

H20 Dhanmondi

http://www.hottdhaka.com/gallery/450/21026.jpg

nayeem007

July 29th, 2009, 11:46 PM

H20 Lounge looks nice and cosy? :)

amar11372

July 30th, 2009, 12:06 AM

Thanks for the pics nayeem.

sas

July 30th, 2009, 08:52 PM

[QUOTE=nayeem007;40486134]Bella Italia :- Great Italaian Food in Dhaka Bangladesh

Thanks for the pictures Nayeem. Bella Italia has just moved out of their earlier location. They've had disputes with the owners of the property Apex Adelchi and have been at the Shoppers World building (further north past Gulshan 1) since July 17. Glad they at least re-located and did not shut down - great food I must say.

Manazir

July 30th, 2009, 10:31 PM

Deja Vu cafe looks more like its designed for RAB personeel :P

mirzazeehan

July 30th, 2009, 11:10 PM

Thanks for sharing the pics Nayeem:cheers:

Equinox2

July 30th, 2009, 11:18 PM

Thanks for the pictures Nayeem. Bella Italia has just moved out of their earlier location. They've had disputes with the owners of the property Apex Adelchi and have been at the Shoppers World building (further north past Gulshan 1) since July 17. Glad they at least re-located and did not shut down - great food I must say.
So its in Shopper's World now? If so then its nearer to me. Won't have to take the car :)

Equinox2

August 4th, 2009, 06:31 PM

mirzazeehan

August 4th, 2009, 10:21 PM

sas

August 5th, 2009, 07:03 PM

Sorry to bother you guys again. Can anyone give me the exact location of the following restaurants?
Bella Italia
Sura
Samdado
Steakhouse

I am bad at remembering and identifying road no.s so the direction (like next to a certain building etc) will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Sura: Go towards Baridhara from Gulshan 2 (as in make a right on Gulshan 2 if you're coming from Gulshan 1). Make left at the BFC/HSBC goli (the road right before the small bridge). Reach the end of the road and the road winds towards the left. Hundred yards and you'll see Sura to your left.
Tip: Suggest you to dry the glass noodles, along with chicken, shrimp or beef bulgogi.

Samdado: When you're going from Gulshan 1 to Gulshan 2 you'll see Azad Masjid to your left. It's also the goli next to Citibank, N.A. Take that left go to the end of the road and make a right. Another hundred yards and you'll see Samdado to your left.
Tip: Suggest you to try the grilled eel, salmon or red snapper temaki.

Hope this helps. You're most welcome to ask any further questions. These are two of my most favorite restaurants in Dhaka.

monazirus

August 8th, 2009, 10:24 AM

nandos gulshan branch opens from today......

Manazir

August 8th, 2009, 10:33 AM

^^ really?? wow! any updates? wheres the location?

monazirus

August 9th, 2009, 08:59 AM

nandos is just beside pizzahut ...where etcetra gulshan brach used to be.

dopekhor

August 9th, 2009, 06:17 PM

nandos is just beside pizzahut ...where etcetra gulshan brach used to be.
pics please?

mirzazeehan

August 9th, 2009, 06:37 PM

Nando's has recently opened its second restaurant in Dhaka

Nando's,Gulshan,Dhaka

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC01209.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC01207.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC01208.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/mirzazeehan/DSC01211.jpg

tislam84

August 9th, 2009, 07:05 PM

^^ Thanks Mirza! That looks pretty good!

TIslam

August 9th, 2009, 07:11 PM

Dhaka is turning into a series of alleyways!

Manazir

August 9th, 2009, 08:11 PM

^^
thanx bro Mirza, tht was quick XD

mirzazeehan

August 10th, 2009, 12:51 AM

You are all wElcome guys:)

King Nothing

August 10th, 2009, 06:48 AM

IMHO, I think Nandos sucks.

Manazir

August 10th, 2009, 08:35 AM

^^ lol what makes u say tht? :P

King Nothing

August 10th, 2009, 09:25 AM

^^ Uhm, they're food. Then again Im not the biggest fan of chicken. Eat it rarely.

TIslam

August 10th, 2009, 09:39 PM

^^ Uhm, they're food. Then again Im not the biggest fan of chicken. Eat it rarely.

In case you never got the memo: too much red meat ain't good for you.

King Nothing

August 10th, 2009, 10:37 PM

TIslam

August 11th, 2009, 02:36 AM

^^
Im a pretty young guy. Also theres fish and sea-food. Maach e bhaat e Bangali :)

I think beef is the tastiest form of meat (then again Im half Chatgaiya :D). Sometimes I prefer going veg rather than eating chicken. Is duck considered red meat?

The current/modern medical guideline suggests that red meat should be consumed sparingly, regardless of age. Fish is excellent although one needs to be mindful of the source i.e. caught wild or farm raised. Farm raised are suspect owing to the prevalent use of anti-biotics and other chemicals. Duck is poultry (not considered red meat).

samaruf

August 11th, 2009, 05:38 AM

Nando's has recently opened its second restaurant in Dhaka

What's the deal with Nando's? Is it like Chipotle? At our local grocery store, they sell Nando's Peri Peri sauce. I bought a bottle of the hot flavor and tried it on chicken. It tasted salty and not spicy hot.

mirzazeehan

August 12th, 2009, 08:13 AM

What's the deal with Nando's? Is it like Chipotle? At our local grocery store, they sell Nando's Peri Peri sauce. I bought a bottle of the hot flavor and tried it on chicken. It tasted salty and not spicy hot.

Nando's Peri Peri sauce is also very popular here in Dhaka...but I am guessing you didn't go for the "WILD PERI PERI" since it dint taste hot to you.
Nando's is ofcourse known for its grilled chicken,which tastes best with the 3 or four Peri Peri sauce they have.I personally have always like it more than KFC...so I couldn't be happier to see their outlet open near my place :]

Skyprince

August 12th, 2009, 08:22 AM

IMHO, I think Nandos sucks.

I dont know whats so special about Nandos. Tasted the main menus ( peri-peri ) for a couple of times, they are rather bland IMO so I didn;t know why some foreign friends are so fascinated about it and insisted on Nandos restaurants for our meals.

mirzazeehan

August 12th, 2009, 08:28 AM

I dont know whats so special about Nandos. Tasted the main menus ( peri-peri ) for a couple of times, they are rather bland IMO so I didn;t know why some foreign friends are so fascinated about it and insisted on Nandos restaurants for our meals.

Chinese,Thai,Malay,Indian etc cuisine are so delicious that Nando's type of food often seem bland to many of us Asians:)

samaruf

August 12th, 2009, 05:42 PM

Chinese,Thai,Malay,Indian etc cuisine are so delicious that Nando's type of food often seem bland to many of us Asians:)

It all has to do with the level of "jhaal". I couldn't find anything hotter than their "Hot Peri Peri Sauce" and that tasted milder than Tabasco. I will look for the "Wild" sauce and will try it out.

On a side note, is it true Hajir Biryani makes their dish with vegetable oil?

manbil777

August 14th, 2009, 11:13 PM

Chinese,Thai,Malay,Indian etc cuisine are so delicious that Nando's type of food often seem bland to many of us Asians:)

Peri peri is a spice from Mozambique (if memory serves correctly). The whole Nando's chain is based on one pepper sauce -- Peri Peri this or Peri peri that. After you've been to the place once, the novelty sort of wears off.

BTW Nandos in Laguna Beach (50 miles south of LA) has now been re-named 'MozambiqueOC (http://www.mozambiqueoc.com/shebeen/shebeen_menu.html)'. I guess they must've changed owners.

TIslam

August 17th, 2009, 06:03 AM

Peri peri is a spice from Mozambique (if memory serves correctly). The whole Nando's chain is based on one pepper sauce -- Peri Peri this or Peri peri that. After you've been to the place once, the novelty sort of wears off.

BTW Nandos in Laguna Beach (50 miles south of LA) has now been re-named 'MozambiqueOC (http://www.mozambiqueoc.com/shebeen/shebeen_menu.html)'. I guess they must've changed owners.

Seems like I've come across that somewhere name (MozambiqueOC) somewhere, recently. Can't remember where, perhaps in Orlando.

monazirus

August 18th, 2009, 09:04 PM

just came back from a nandos chicken meal ntg special in my opinion.....just over priced.

dopekhor

August 19th, 2009, 08:09 AM

just came back from a nandos chicken meal ntg special in my opinion.....just over priced.
thats been the case with them since their inception, i dont know why they want to give it a five star pricing in context with the country

i say nothing beats getting your own bawarchi!

dopekhor

August 23rd, 2009, 08:19 PM

http://www.pizzahut.com.bd/images/ramdanbanner.jpg

http://www.kfc.com.bd/images/ramadam.jpg

mirzazeehan

August 23rd, 2009, 08:54 PM

Sorry to see you missing out on these Iftar offers dope:ohno::lol:

dopekhor

August 23rd, 2009, 08:55 PM

Sorry to see you missing out on these Iftar offers dope:ohno::lol:
lawl, i miss desi kfc and the zinger!

i am surprised to see that prices have come down last year it was 502 or sth like that in ph including taxes and drinks this year its 450 including taxes woah! talk about deflation

dopekhor

August 23rd, 2009, 09:02 PM

any offers from a&w/pizza corner/pizza inn (have you been there) ?

i miss b151 food a lot

monazirus

August 23rd, 2009, 09:09 PM

bing search showed chalk bazar iftar on their search wallpaer today

samaruf

August 23rd, 2009, 09:12 PM

Is it just the western franchise restaurants that have Iftar specials or do the local ones join in too?

450 taka at PizzaHut seems to be a good price for all u can eat.

dopekhor

August 23rd, 2009, 09:13 PM

samaruf

August 23rd, 2009, 09:29 PM

well no its expensive for middle class folks like me, think about it they dont pay their employees $6/hr nor do they have high expenses like in north america, they are doing it in pakistan india and vietnam at way cheaper rate.

I agree with you, but compared to seeing 800 taka or even 1000 taka/person at the buffets, I thought this was cheap. These franchises intentionally maintain high prices in Bangladesh to give the allure of exoticness even though it's only fast food.

dopekhor

August 23rd, 2009, 09:32 PM

I agree with you, but compared to seeing 800 taka or even 1000 taka/person at the buffets, I thought this was cheap. These franchises intentionally maintain high prices in Bangladesh to give the allure of exoticness even though it's only fast food.
you get more variety, 100 items so its kinda worth it and those are top end restaurants not some fast food joint.

now if the westin charged something in par with its north american counterpart i wouldnt be that harsh on them

Manazir

August 24th, 2009, 12:17 PM

Is there any chain / outlet in Dhaka which specializes in juices, smoothies, shakes, icecreams, faludas, and desserts??

cuz here in Muscat, there is a chain called "Tropical Ice cream & juices" which sells freshly made juices, coolers, shakes, smoothies, faludas etc.

sas

August 24th, 2009, 03:07 PM

lawl, i miss desi kfc and the zinger!

i am surprised to see that prices have come down last year it was 502 or sth like that in ph including taxes and drinks this year its 450 including taxes woah! talk about deflation

Well it's BDT 450 just for pizza btw. Another BDT 90 for drinks.

sas

August 24th, 2009, 03:10 PM

you get more variety, 100 items so its kinda worth it and those are top end restaurants not some fast food joint.

now if the westin charged something in par with its north american counterpart i wouldnt be that harsh on them

Dude if you're referring to Baton Rouge by talking about 100 items, I have just got to oppose that. Baton Rouge sells the worst possible food, full of MSG and it's tastes like shit.

sas

August 24th, 2009, 03:12 PM

any offers from a&w/pizza corner/pizza inn (have you been there) ?

i miss b151 food a lot

Pizza Inn hasn't opened yet buddy.

dopekhor

August 24th, 2009, 09:26 PM

Well it's BDT 450 just for pizza btw. Another BDT 90 for drinks.
they include the 15% vat

dopekhor

August 24th, 2009, 09:30 PM

Dude if you're referring to Baton Rouge by talking about 100 items, I have just got to oppose that. Baton Rouge sells the worst possible food, full of MSG and it's tastes like shit.
i havent been there in a while in their early days it wasnt bad! i mean not worth the 375 taka lunch, br doesnt charge 1000, personally i dont like most of the top notch restaurants

i prefer one of my cousins bawarchi! he da bezt yo!

dopekhor

August 24th, 2009, 09:32 PM

Pizza Inn hasn't opened yet buddy.
stupid fcuks missing out on the best time of the year

Manazir

August 24th, 2009, 09:39 PM

^^ lol indeed, btw anyone please let me knw the stuff on post # 95 :)

dopekhor

August 25th, 2009, 09:46 PM

new a&w dhaka location

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs113.snc1/4951_222275775523_222271845523_7532874_3312736_n.jpg

Manazir

August 25th, 2009, 09:51 PM

^^
thanx for the pic dope bhai :)

it would look better if there were no wirings and the building next to it needs to be a bit better lookin :P

samaruf

August 25th, 2009, 10:09 PM

^^
thanx for the pic dope bhai :)

it would look better if there were no wirings and the building next to it needs to be a bit better lookin :P

The overhead wires and cables are an integral part of Dhaka's infrastructure. There's no escape from it no matter how posh of an area you go to. In fact a photo of such a tangled mass in Dhaka was used by a Motorola VP to highlight how much wireless broadband service needs to penetrate developing countries.

jessiewei

August 26th, 2009, 05:31 AM

Great.Look forward to seeing the update for part 2.

dopekhor

September 6th, 2009, 10:28 PM

http://www.kfc.com.bd/images/iftar-in-a-box-press-ad.gif

dopekhor

September 6th, 2009, 10:30 PM

http://www.etceterabd.com/events/event_images/iftar65.GIF

Manazir

September 7th, 2009, 04:09 PM

I wonder if the KFC coleslaw tastes same as here

Equinox2

September 9th, 2009, 06:01 PM

sas

September 9th, 2009, 07:38 PM

I'm disappointed that KFC haven't developed their menu and added more items by now. They have been expanding rapidly and are now probably the most popular food chain in Dhaka. I agree their food tastes great (I think better than the KFCs in UK) but jeez give us more of a choice. They should have had the barbecue chicken at least.

Nando's was a sad experience for me. Mainly owing to me being a huge Nando's fan and having very high expectations which this Nando's just could not match up to. The high point of the meal were the cocktails, I'd go there again just for the cocktails. The interior of Nando's is very well designed and decorated. I'll put up some pics later.

Well I expect KFC to further develop their menu. I know the ED of Transcom Foods and he has plans of aggressively expanding into other major metro areas, as well as constantly developing the menu. With respect to Nando's, I myself have been disappointed. It is simply the Nando's brand that is driving their business to be honest. I feel the pricing is slightly on the higher side, which is also an indication that they really won't be able to expand out of their existing two outlets - maybe one more in Uttara at the most.

Equinox2

September 9th, 2009, 08:56 PM

Nando's:
http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/Raheen/Restaurants/27082009867-1.jpg

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/Raheen/Restaurants/27082009868-1.jpg

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/Raheen/Restaurants/27082009865.jpg

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/Raheen/Restaurants/27082009866-1.jpg

Equinox2

September 9th, 2009, 09:01 PM

It's great to know about KFC's positive plans sas :)

dopekhor

September 11th, 2009, 03:20 AM

Well I expect KFC to further develop their menu. I know the ED of Transcom Foods and he has plans of aggressively expanding into other major metro areas, as well as constantly developing the menu. With respect to Nando's, I myself have been disappointed. It is simply the Nando's brand that is driving their business to be honest. I feel the pricing is slightly on the higher side, which is also an indication that they really won't be able to expand out of their existing two outlets - maybe one more in Uttara at the most.
yeah kfc can go to other metros if they can reduce their price and as far as nandos goes they think they are a five star hotel same goes for a&w and nandos claims they have to charge high because their poultry is from rsa what a joke

nandos is from the mgh stable bunch of blood suckers so i highly doubt that they'd reduce the price, these kinda people are always looking out for oppertunities to charge you an arm and a leg they will never let an opportunity slip

buy i am waiting for micky ds to come to bd only then will the real competition start

dopekhor

September 11th, 2009, 04:55 AM

http://www.kfcpakistan.com/images/compain.jpg

sas

September 11th, 2009, 07:07 AM

http://www.kfcpakistan.com/images/compain.jpg

My my! I cannot imagine how food is still relatively so cheap there, taking into consideration the recent devaluation of the Pakistani rupee. USD-PKR is between 82-83 range. A simple iftar package with two pieces of chicken, a couple of sides and a coke cost BDT 255 here in Dhaka! Ridiculous!

dopekhor

September 11th, 2009, 07:11 AM

My my! I cannot imagine how food is still relatively so cheap there, taking into consideration the recent devaluation of the Pakistani rupee. USD-PKR is between 82-83 range. A simple iftar package with two pieces of chicken, a couple of sides and a coke cost BDT 255 here in Dhaka! Ridiculous!
because bengali businessmen are short sighted they dont know about volume based business they rather earn 5 taka from selling a 7 taka cake rather then earning 2 taka from selling 7 4 taka cakes

dopekhor

September 18th, 2009, 04:51 AM

http://www.edailystar.com/contents/2009/2009_09_18/content_zoom/2009_09_18_3_6_b.jpg

dopekhor

September 18th, 2009, 05:02 AM

http://www.edailystar.com/contents/2009/2009_09_18/content_zoom/2009_09_18_3_7_b.jpg

samaruf

September 18th, 2009, 05:43 AM

because bengali businessmen are short sighted they dont know about volume based business they rather earn 5 taka from selling a 7 taka cake rather then earning 2 taka from selling 7 4 taka cakes

How true what you say! Short sightedness, very low or almost no risk and quick profit are the mantra of our businessmen/women. This is also the reason for lack of customer service because repeat business is still a dormant concept in our country.

dopekhor

September 18th, 2009, 05:58 AM

How true what you say! Short sightedness, very low or almost no risk and quick profit are the mantra of our businessmen/women. This is also the reason for lack of customer service because repeat business is still a dormant concept in our country.
tell me about it no wonder you see the bengali company in dire straits and they have to resort too dhokabazi to earn their mullah
there is a lot of money to be made in bd, just look at the telecom companies arent they making money, kfc n pizza hut r making more money then any khabar dukan

Manazir

September 18th, 2009, 01:17 PM

Pizza Hut is offering "Tuscani PASTA" here in the Middle East, do they have it in BD yet?

dopekhor

September 18th, 2009, 10:18 PM

i dont think so!

meghnarmajhi

September 19th, 2009, 09:22 PM

http://www.edailystar.com/contents/2009/2009_09_18/content_zoom/2009_09_18_3_6_b.jpg

oops... how did i miss this one? Sheikh Col Harland Sanders is looking good.

Manazir

September 19th, 2009, 09:30 PM

^^
:lol: Sheikh Col Sanders

dopekhor

September 20th, 2009, 03:16 AM

oops... how did i miss this one? Sheikh Col Harland Sanders is looking good.
u better watch out for the bnp attacks since u didnt include zia in it! :D

Equinox2

September 20th, 2009, 10:16 PM

Movenpick:
http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/Raheen/15082009742.jpg

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/Raheen/15082009741.jpg

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/Raheen/15082009737.jpg

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/Raheen/15082009740.jpg

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/Raheen/15082009739.jpg

Equinox2

September 20th, 2009, 10:19 PM

Baskin Robbin's:
http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/Raheen/22082009853-1.jpg

Equinox2

September 20th, 2009, 10:21 PM

Captain's:
http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/Raheen/30082009874.jpg

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/Raheen/30082009873-1.jpg

Manazir

September 20th, 2009, 10:27 PM

^^
hmm seems like uve been visiting ice cream parlours lately, whats "Captain" btw??

I wish there was "Cold Stone Creamery" in BD.

Equinox2

September 20th, 2009, 10:39 PM

^^
hmm seems like uve been visiting ice cream parlours lately, whats "Captain" btw??

I wish there was "Cold Stone Creamery" in BD.
Lol yeh I never miss an opportunity to have ice-cream. I like both Movenpick and Baskin's. I like Movenpick for their specials and Baskin's for their flavours. Movenpick is sophisticated whilst Baskin's is for the child within you. Unfortunately Club Gelato does not suite my taste. I am a big fan of Ben & Jerry's and Haagen Dazs as well I hope they venture into Bangladesh in the near future.

And Captain's is a coffee/dessert shop. Their soft ice-creams are pretty good. Coffees not so much. They have decent pastries as well. But my favourite pastry in Dhaka is California's rich chocolate fudge:nuts:.

Manazir

September 20th, 2009, 11:03 PM

^^
does CAPTAIN's serve milkshakes, faluda, smoothies and stuff??

I thought there was Ben & Jerry's products in dhaka's superstores lol.

samaruf

September 21st, 2009, 06:42 PM

^^

I wish there was "Cold Stone Creamery" in BD.

I'm not much of an ice cream connoisseur, but Cold Stone Creamery has got to be the best ice cream I have ever had. We have one a mile from my house and it's always packed.

TIslam

September 21st, 2009, 10:58 PM

Lol yeh I never miss an opportunity to have ice-cream. I like both Movenpick and Baskin's. I like Movenpick for their specials and Baskin's for their flavours. Movenpick is sophisticated whilst Baskin's is for the child within you. Unfortunately Club Gelato does not suite my taste. I am a big fan of Ben & Jerry's and Haagen Dazs as well I hope they venture into Bangladesh in the near future.

And Captain's is a coffee/dessert shop. Their soft ice-creams are pretty good. Coffees not so much. They have decent pastries as well. But my favourite pastry in Dhaka is California's rich chocolate fudge:nuts:.

California/California's is an establishment in Dhaka?

dopekhor

September 22nd, 2009, 01:17 AM

California/California's is an establishment in Dhaka?
i think he meant the name of an ice cream

TIslam

September 22nd, 2009, 03:41 AM

i think he meant the name of an ice cream
Oh. I wasn't aware of any such flavor of ice cream.

Dhakaiya

September 22nd, 2009, 03:37 PM

i think he meant the name of an ice cream

Or maybe he is referring to to California Cake Shop.

Equinox2

September 22nd, 2009, 06:49 PM

Yeah I meant California Fast food and pastry shop. They have a Chocolate Fudge pastry which is simply amazing.

King Nothing

September 27th, 2009, 07:51 PM

Has anyone eaten at Korai Gosht or Baburchi in Dhanmondi? Personally I think Dhanmondi has better eateries then the Gulshan area.

meghnarmajhi

September 27th, 2009, 08:33 PM

^^i believe that. as you move towards the older part of dhaka, food gets better and better... at least to my liking.

nayeem007

September 27th, 2009, 09:12 PM

http://www.newagebd.com/2009/sep/15/sep15/01-d.jpg

mirzazeehan

September 28th, 2009, 12:59 AM

^^i believe that. as you move towards the older part of dhaka, food gets better and better... at least to my liking.

I have believed that for a long time.

According to this theory,old dhaka should have the most delicious food,and if you ask me,it does,lol

TIslam

September 28th, 2009, 04:27 AM

^^
What about the hygiene factor?

HereWeGo

September 28th, 2009, 05:01 AM

^^
What about the hygiene factor?

what do u think makes it taste so good???
:lol:

King Nothing

September 28th, 2009, 05:06 AM

^^
What about the hygiene factor?

I've never gotten sick from Old Dhaka food if that means anything

Manazir

September 28th, 2009, 07:50 AM

^^
What about the hygiene factor?

who cares about that in Dhaka :P

Manazir

September 28th, 2009, 07:51 AM

http://www.newagebd.com/2009/sep/15/sep15/01-d.jpg

nice shot, the guy inside looks like a foreigner lol

mirzazeehan

September 28th, 2009, 09:15 AM

what do u think makes it taste so good???
:lol:

good point:lol:

TIslam

September 28th, 2009, 07:24 PM

I've never gotten sick from Old Dhaka food if that means anything

You must have iron (or lead) coated stomach. :)

sas

October 3rd, 2009, 06:17 AM

Work seems to be going on full swing. The place should be ready by month end. Opposite the Navana Bailey Star mall.

sas

October 3rd, 2009, 06:23 AM

Was formally opened very recently at Platinum Suites in Banani. Any got any reviews?

dopekhor

October 3rd, 2009, 09:07 AM

Isn't it from the square group? It shouldn't be good!

hec2r-hec2r-activa8

October 3rd, 2009, 09:51 AM

Does your foods in Bangladesh spicy?
Some of those looks delicious! :okay:

sas

October 3rd, 2009, 10:43 AM

Isn't it from the square group? It shouldn't be good!

Not exactly Square, but Sheltech. Shouldn't be good? Why's that?

sas

October 3rd, 2009, 03:04 PM

Work seems to be going on full swing. The place should be ready by month end. Opposite the Navana Bailey Star mall.

Guys this KFC/Pizza Hut's opening sooner than I thought. Was just again today (after 24 hours) and they've put on the main KFC sign already and work seems to be going on full swing already.

King Nothing

October 3rd, 2009, 05:50 PM

You must have iron (or lead) coated stomach. :)

We Bangladeshis are pretty resilient yo.

Manazir

October 3rd, 2009, 07:55 PM

Does your foods in Bangladesh spicy?
Some of those looks delicious! :okay:

yup they are spicy but not tooo much, its quite delicious indeed :)

dopekhor

October 3rd, 2009, 07:58 PM

Same thing Samson miahs son owns it, I don't know why but I hate companies with ugly logos common names, kinda gives me the hint how much they care about their own image.

dopekhor

October 3rd, 2009, 07:59 PM

Any pictures sas?

Equinox2

October 3rd, 2009, 10:10 PM

Le Saigon:

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/Raheen/Restaurants/16082009750-1.jpg

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/Raheen/Restaurants/16082009757-1.jpg

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/Raheen/Restaurants/16082009756-1.jpg

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/Raheen/Restaurants/16082009755-1.jpg

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/Raheen/Restaurants/16082009754-1.jpg

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/Raheen/Restaurants/16082009759-1.jpg

Equinox2

October 3rd, 2009, 10:17 PM

Dhaba:
http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/Raheen/Restaurants/17082009762-1.jpg

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/Raheen/Restaurants/17082009766-1.jpg

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/Raheen/Restaurants/17082009764-1.jpg

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu210/Raheen/Restaurants/17082009765-1.jpg

mirzazeehan

October 3rd, 2009, 11:55 PM

Great shots bro

King Nothing

October 4th, 2009, 06:07 AM

yup they are spicy but not tooo much, its quite delicious indeed :)

I would say they are pretty spicy indeed would give many a westerner gas.

dopekhor

October 4th, 2009, 08:25 AM

how are the prices in bd fast foods now have they gone up or down (very unlikely)?

i hear another kfc is opening up in chittagong n eskaton

nayeem007

October 4th, 2009, 09:27 AM

Was formally opened very recently at Platinum Suites in Banani. Any got any reviews?

No review, but posted some pics at:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=515708&page=12

Looks pretty decent..

sas

October 4th, 2009, 06:26 PM

how are the prices in bd fast foods now have they gone up or down (very unlikely)?

i hear another kfc is opening up in chittagong n eskaton

Chittagong is the next outlet after Bailey Road according to Akku Chowdhury.

I doubt Eskaton will be as feasible, particularly with one at Bailey Road. In my opinion, a second outlet at Gulshan (North), Dhanmondi (Mirpur Road), or Uttara would be far more profitable.

dopekhor

October 4th, 2009, 08:34 PM

Chittagong is the next outlet after Bailey Road according to Akku Chowdhury.

I doubt Eskaton will be as feasible, particularly with one at Bailey Road. In my opinion, a second outlet at Gulshan (North), Dhanmondi (Mirpur Road), or Uttara would be far more profitable.
when do you think these outlets will open?

i dont know but it was on some article in a paper, uttara(2), mirpur(2), bashundora or anywhere on bishoroad, old dhaka, parts of chitagong, sylhet r definitely n option

Manazir

October 4th, 2009, 09:06 PM

Great shots bro

aree bhai, tomar shot koi gelo?? :P aar tomar baksho dekho :P

dopekhor

October 7th, 2009, 04:17 AM

http://www.kfcbd.com/images/KFC-Press-ad.jpg

sas

October 7th, 2009, 11:28 AM

http://www.kfcbd.com/images/KFC-Press-ad.jpg

What? Open already?

dopekhor

October 7th, 2009, 03:52 PM

What? Open already?
i guess so! post some pics man!:P

dopekhor

October 8th, 2009, 08:05 AM

KFC Dhanmondi (Sat-Masjid Road)

http://www.kfcbd.com/Picture/big/DSC_0009.JPG
http://www.kfcbd.com/Picture/big/DSC_0139.JPG
http://www.kfcbd.com/Picture/big/DSC_0166.JPG
http://www.kfcbd.com/Picture/big/DSC_0147.JPG

KFC Banani (Kamal Ataturk Avenue)

http://www.kfcbd.com/picture/big/(011).JPG

King Nothing

October 8th, 2009, 08:16 AM

Man Bangalis eat so much fried chicken and pijja these days.

dopekhor

October 8th, 2009, 08:32 AM

Man Bangalis eat so much fried chicken and pijja these days.
its the in thing mayne! n tiz a status symbol too :D

dopekhor

October 8th, 2009, 08:33 AM

come to think of it obesity is knocking in the doors!

meghnarmajhi

October 8th, 2009, 10:22 AM

i see how much bengali brothas and sistas are crazy about fried chicken.....

however, i hate those bundles of electric wires hanging from the poles. they are UGLY

mirzazeehan

October 8th, 2009, 04:05 PM

i see how much bengali brothas and sistas are crazy about fried chicken.....

however, i hate those bundles of electric wires hanging from the poles. they are UGLY

I hate them too....cant wait for the day they are taken underground.

dizzydoooo

October 8th, 2009, 04:08 PM

Man Bangalis eat so much fried chicken and pijja these days.

even greator people resort to chicken corutesy of delicious KFC

Manazir

October 8th, 2009, 09:36 PM

^^
I am waiting for the day we will get McDonalds, STARBUX, Costa Coffeee in BD

TIslam

October 9th, 2009, 01:49 AM

I hate them too....cant wait for the day they are taken underground.
May not happen in your lifetime! :)

TIslam

October 9th, 2009, 01:52 AM

even greator people resort to chicken corutesy of delicious KFC

Delicious? Really? I'll take a Murgh Polau or Biryani over them, anytime. And I've lived outside of Bangladesh most of my life.

dopekhor

October 9th, 2009, 04:15 AM

Delicious? Really? I'll take a Murgh Polau or Biryani over them, anytime. And I've lived outside of Bangladesh most of my life.
kfc in the subcontinent is much much better then kfc in other parts of the world, i'll give u that!

TIslam

October 9th, 2009, 04:39 AM

kfc in the subcontinent is much much better then kfc in other parts of the world, i'll give u that!
Gotta try it when I'm there, I suppose.

nayeem007

October 9th, 2009, 05:16 AM

Delicious? Really? I'll take a Murgh Polau or Biryani over them, anytime. And I've lived outside of Bangladesh most of my life.

Probably that's the reason...my love for deshi food (be it kachi Biriyani or chicken Korma) has increased many folds in the last 10 years. When I was in Dhaka, I would always go for fast food, chinese or thai food.

TIslam

October 9th, 2009, 05:39 AM

Probably that's the reason...my love for deshi foods (be it kachi Biriyani or chicke Korma) has increased many folds in the last 10 years. When I was in Dhaka, I would always go for fast food, chinese or thai food.
Yeah, probably it. I have had my fill of fast food as well as the gourmet kind (lobster bisque, filet mignon, you name it).

dopekhor

October 10th, 2009, 06:57 AM

http://www.eprothomalo.com/contents/2009/2009_10_10/content_zoom/2009_10_10_5_4_b.jpg

King Nothing

October 10th, 2009, 01:21 PM

^^
I am waiting for the day we will get McDonalds, STARBUX, Costa Coffeee in BD

McDonalds is just nasty. I dont think the KFC in BD is that great. Then again Im not a big fan of chicken.

meghnarmajhi

October 10th, 2009, 07:33 PM

sas

October 10th, 2009, 07:45 PM

dopekhor, your post of 186 is an ad for a natok i believe. i haven't been to a natok in a long time. i miss them. i remember going to performances of "Payer Awaz Paowa Jae", "Shaaray Shaatsho Shingho", "Muntasir Fantasy", "Dewan Ghazir Kissa", etc in 70s and 80s

Lol it's Transcom's ad for KFC opening in Baily Road, a place traditionally renowned for its natoks. In fact, there was a full ad in The Daily Star today (Saturday). They're actually opening the first KFC and Pizza Hut together there and they're referring to the Pizza Hut as an enhanced dine-in. Wonder what that means. I think their menu is slightly different from the existing ones in Dhaka.

dopekhor

October 10th, 2009, 09:40 PM

http://www.pizzahut.com.bd/images/bailyroad.jpg

dopekhor

October 10th, 2009, 10:19 PM

Sunday, October 11, 2009 Pizza Hut, KFC open new outlets

http://www.thedailystar.net/photo/2009/10/11/2009-10-11__b04.jpg (http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/photo_gallery.php?pid=109184)Akku Choudhury, executive director of Transcom Foods, theatre personalities Aly Zaker and Sara Zaker and actress Tomalika Karmakar cut a cake to inaugurate new KFC and Pizza Hut outlets on Baily Road in Dhaka yesterday.Photo: STARStar Business Report
Transcom Foods Ltd launched KFC and Pizza Hut outlets on Baily Road in Dhaka yesterday.
Akku Choudhury, executive director of Transcom Foods, led the launching ceremony. Theatre personalities Aly Zaker and Sara Zaker and actress Tomalika Karmakar were also present at the launch.
Transcom Foods is the franchisee of international restaurant chains Pizza Hut and KFC in Bangladesh.
The Pizza Hut outlet comes in a new flavour for its customers with new enhanced dine-in experience that includes upgraded décor, expanded menu and a new logo and tagline.
“Young Bangladeshis are not looking for just fast food or fine dining options. They are looking for places that will be an extension of their own comfort zones and homes, where they can get together with friends and families and have relaxed talk and fun over good food that does not pinch their wallet,” Choudhury said.
The Pizza Hut outlet also comes with a specialised menu, new appetisers and pizza toppings.
On the launch of the KFC outlet, Choudhury said: “Food lovers will enjoy our 11 secret spices recipe, first rated service and over al outstanding dining experience.”
Transcom Foods, a sister concern of Transcom Group, introduced Pizza Hut in 2003 and KFC in 2006 in Bangladesh.
Both KFC and Pizza Hut are subsidiaries of the world's largest international restaurant company 'Yum!'

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=109184

preea

October 10th, 2009, 11:12 PM

cn any1 tell where i cn i get best hydrabadi biriyani in dhaka??

King Nothing

October 11th, 2009, 07:12 AM

cn any1 tell where i cn i get best hydrabadi biriyani in dhaka??

You can get Dhakaiya Biriyani in old Dhaka.

meghnarmajhi

October 11th, 2009, 07:27 AM

TIslam once mentioned that Dhaka's popular kachhi biryani originated in Hydrabad. Maybe Haydrabadi biryani is same as our kachhi biryani.

tislam84

October 11th, 2009, 07:30 AM

cn any1 tell where i cn i get best hydrabadi biriyani in dhaka??

I don't know now, but back in the day, Santoor in Dhanmondi and Bukhara in Kamal Ataturk Avenue had very good Hyderabadi Biryani. Sajna in Gulshan 1 has some good biryani too. Now, I guess there are some new restaurants (which I have not tried) that may have some good Hyderabadi biryani.

You should also try some Dhakaiya Biryani as King Nothing has suggested. I personally think Dhakaiya Biryani (especially Kacchi Biryani) is better than Hyderabadi Biryani. Teheri is great too! Even the small stores in Dhanmondi sell some good teheri (like Teheri Ghor in Sobhanbagh back in the day!).

Equinox2

October 11th, 2009, 12:13 PM

cn any1 tell where i cn i get best hydrabadi biriyani in dhaka??
Korai Gosht - Opposite the KFC in Dhanmondi

Koyla - Gulshan-Tejgaon link road

Both serve great Hyderabadi biryani.

sas

October 12th, 2009, 03:40 AM

TIslam

October 12th, 2009, 05:32 AM

TIslam once mentioned that Dhaka's popular kachhi biryani originated in Hydrabad. Maybe Haydrabadi biryani is same as our kachhi biryani.

Supposed to be so. I'm not sure though, whether today's fancy upmarket "Indian" (as in cuisine) restaurants cook their "Hyderabadi" biryanis in the traditional manner (recipe). Probably, the restaurants in Old Dhaka offer the real stuff.

samaruf

November 7th, 2009, 04:30 AM

sas

November 7th, 2009, 05:40 AM

As some of you already know, I am going to Dhaka on Dec 15th InshaAllah and will be there for around two weeks. I am definitely going to try out a few restaurants mentioned in this thread and those of you who are in Dhaka at that time are welcome to join me.

My sister in law keeps raving about a Pakistani restaurant called BBQ-2nite in Dhanmondi. She and her younger siblings are expecting me (as their boro dulabhai) to take them out for dinner to this place while I'm in town. Has anyone of you dined at this place? What's your honest opinion regarding the food and overall ambiance?

Haha can't quite think of a restaurant that would brand itself as Pakistani here in Dhaka. That too for obvious reasons! Well I've heard from numerous quarters that Bar-B-Q is supposedly Pakistani, but I'm unsure, as I've never been to a real Pakistani restaurant.

On a more serious note, I've been to Bar-B-Q Tonight numerous times. The food is simply brilliant. Undoubtedly one of the best kebab places in town. Since you'll be around during winter, the weather will be perfect for dining outdoors (they have the option of having the food served indoors as well). The chicken tikka and beef kerai with romali rooti is a must try and if you're fond of brain, you can try the khatakhat.

You may call 01713037041 for queries/reservations.

samaruf

November 7th, 2009, 05:47 AM

Haha can't quite think of a restaurant that would brand itself as Pakistani here in Dhaka. That too for obvious reasons! Well I've heard from numerous quarters that Bar-B-Q is supposedly Pakistani, but I'm unsure, as I've never been to a real Pakistani restaurant.

On a more serious note, I've been to Bar-B-Q Tonight numerous times. The food is simply brilliant. Undoubtedly one of the best kebab places in town. Since you'll be around during winter, the weather will be perfect for dining outdoors (they have the option of having the food served indoors as well). The chicken tikka and beef kerai with romali rooti is a must try and if you're fond of brain, you can try the khatakhat.

You may call 01713037041 for queries/reservations.

Thanks for the quick response. I guess it has a deserved reputation. Now the hard part is tackling the traffic from Uttara to Dhanmondi :lol:

Manazir

November 7th, 2009, 07:03 AM

^^
that will take u sometime, an hour or two I guess

sas

November 7th, 2009, 07:53 AM

Thanks for the quick response. I guess it has a deserved reputation. Now the hard part is tackling the traffic from Uttara to Dhanmondi :lol:

So you'll be staying at Uttara? You should definitely try Pizza Inn and Mesquite Grill (for bar-b-q and steaks). You may also try out Nagasaki, an authentic Japanese restaurant that opened earlier this year.

mirzazeehan

November 7th, 2009, 11:04 AM

Thanks for the quick response. I guess it has a deserved reputation. Now the hard part is tackling the traffic from Uttara to Dhanmondi :lol:

Oh yes,the Rumali roti is awesome.Its one of my fav places to eat,even though the environment there is not "up to the level" of most restaurants in Dhaka in terms of ambience and sophistication.

TIslam

November 7th, 2009, 07:17 PM

Oh yes,the Rumali roti is awesome.Its one of my fav places to eat,even though the environment there is not "up to the level" of most restaurants in Dhaka in terms of ambience and sophistication.
For all you snooty Dhaka folks :) that may be a problem, but here, we are quite used to it since most of the ethnic restaurants we frequent, especially the ones with good food, have no ambiance to speak of.

Last time I was in Dhaka I wanted to try this restaurant for their Rumali roti ever since I became a fan of it. Never got around to it for all the dawats. Let's hope SAMARUF will give us a review of the restaurant once he's been there.

Manazir

November 7th, 2009, 07:29 PM

^^
Mirza, send me some by DHL parcel :D

mirzazeehan

November 7th, 2009, 11:15 PM

Last time I was in Dhaka I wanted to try this restaurant for their Rumali roti ever since I became a fan of it. Never got around to it for all the dawats. Let's hope SAMARUF will give us a review of the restaurant once he's been there.

Let me know when you come to Dhaka,we can go over there for a treat together and discuss our differences:lol:
seriously,its an invitation:)

TIslam

November 8th, 2009, 12:46 AM

Let me know when you come to Dhaka,we can go over there for a treat together and discuss our differences:lol:
seriously,its an invitation:)
I accept and will definitely call upon you, when I'm there. :cheers:

nayeem007

November 8th, 2009, 01:08 AM

I accept and will definitely call upon you, when I'm there. :cheers:

By that time we will have 2nd Padma Bridge, magnetic train,Dhaka Subway, Deep Sea Port, 2nd Nuclear power plant projects completed. And ofcourse our electricity problem will be solved long before that :lol:

TIslam

November 8th, 2009, 01:32 AM

By that time we will have 2nd Padma Bridge, magnetic train,Dhaka Subway, Deep Sea Port, 2nd Nuclear power plant projects completed. And ofcourse our electricity problem will be solved long before that :lol:
There are dreams and then there are wild dreams. If this wild dream were to turn true by next year for that is when I contemplate visiting, I will be the poster boy cheering the PM and her party forever! :lol::cheers2:

samaruf

November 8th, 2009, 02:02 AM

For all you snooty Dhaka folks :) that may be a problem, but here, we are quite used to it since most of the ethnic restaurants we frequent, especially the ones with good food, have no ambiance to speak of.

Last time I was in Dhaka I wanted to try this restaurant for their Rumali roti ever since I became a fan of it. Never got around to it for all the dawats. Let's hope SAMARUF will give us a review of the restaurant once he's been there.

I definitely will provide a review once I have had my fill there. Just like you, I dread that my extended family will usurp all my time in dawats and what not. I only have a measly 2 weeks in Dhaka and have to make the best of it.

samaruf

November 8th, 2009, 02:05 AM

Oh yes,the Rumali roti is awesome.Its one of my fav places to eat,even though the environment there is not "up to the level" of most restaurants in Dhaka in terms of ambience and sophistication.

I have eaten at Gharib Nawaz and Sabri Nihari in Chicago. Food was delicious but I don't think the owners know the "A" of Ambiance. So as TISLAM mentioned, we are very much used to eating at places that are just holes in the wall, but as long as food is good, everything else is forgiven. I was just checking to make sure BBQ2Nite wasn't an "Etalian" restaurant.

mirzazeehan

November 8th, 2009, 09:18 AM

I accept and will definitely call upon you, when I'm there. :cheers:

Great:cheers:

Manazir

November 8th, 2009, 06:16 PM

^^
Mirza, maybe I dont need to go to BD to meet u, we can meet here in the Gulf InshaAllah :)

TIslam

November 8th, 2009, 08:09 PM

^^
Mirza, maybe I dont need to go to BD to meet u, we can meet here in the Gulf InshaAllah :)
Mirza headed to Muscat?
BTW, Manazir, how easy or difficult is it for Bangladeshi expats to travel between the GCC?

mirzazeehan

November 8th, 2009, 11:31 PM

^^
Mirza, maybe I dont need to go to BD to meet u, we can meet here in the Gulf InshaAllah :)

Yep..thats the plan bro,but u should be the one coming over to visit me in Dubai-I promise to show u a tall building(2600 feet tall burj dubai) and a big mall(12 million sq feet dubai mall):lol:
And if you come in summer,I will show you a good ride too:)[takes some months to get a driving license in dubai]

Manazir

November 9th, 2009, 06:39 PM

Yep..thats the plan bro,but u should be the one coming over to visit me in Dubai-I promise to show u a tall building(2600 feet tall burj dubai) and a big mall(12 million sq feet dubai mall):lol:
And if you come in summer,I will show you a good ride too:)[takes some months to get a driving license in dubai]

hahaha InshAllah I shall try my best to visit Dubai before leaving for uni abroad! And yeah, we shall observe tall buildings with tupi on our head, so that when u see the top, our tupi falls :lol:

Manazir

November 9th, 2009, 06:48 PM

Mirza headed to Muscat?
BTW, Manazir, how easy or difficult is it for Bangladeshi expats to travel between the GCC?

He is heading for Dubai lol, from Muscat to Dubai is about 600 kms, so its quite easy to go by road.

about travelling between GCC nations (for Bangladeshis, Indians and Pakis), by road, you have to show ur ID and pay about 10 rials or something at the border to obtain entry visa which is valid for 6 months, but that applies for people over 18 years. If you are under 18, you have to obtain the visa from the embassy instead, unless there is a parent/ guardian going with u. BTW, this is just an example I am giving, well its the way u travel between Oman and UAE by road lol. I am not sure about other countries (KSA, Qatar etc) and also, not sure about air travel between these nations.

TIslam

November 9th, 2009, 07:01 PM

samaruf

November 9th, 2009, 07:19 PM

He is heading for Dubai lol, from Muscat to Dubai is about 600 kms, so its quite easy to go by road.

about travelling between GCC nations (for Bangladeshis, Indians and Pakis), by road, you have to show ur ID and pay about 10 rials or something at the border to obtain entry visa which is valid for 6 months, but that applies for people over 18 years. If you are under 18, you have to obtain the visa from the embassy instead, unless there is a parent/ guardian going with u. BTW, this is just an example I am giving, well its the way u travel between Oman and UAE by road lol. I am not sure about other countries (KSA, Qatar etc) and also, not sure about air travel between these nations.

Traveling between the GCC countries now is a lot easier then when I lived there. Now, all you need is a professional Iqama(residency) in any one of the 6 gulf countries and you will be able to enter the other 5 without any hassles. The Kuwaiti immigration will stamp a visa on arrival (land/air) for certain expatriates living in the gulf. These expatriates have to fall into one of these categories:
Pharmacists, lawyers, engineers, consultants, judges, prosecutors, professors, journalists, pilots, computer data analysts, business managers, diplomats, owners and managers of business companies and holders of university degrees.

I guess labor bros are still not welcome :ohno:

Manazir

November 9th, 2009, 07:35 PM

^^
I am not sure about labors though, but I think they can go.

dopekhor

November 12th, 2009, 09:44 AM

http://edailystar.com/contents/2009/2009_11_12/content_zoom/2009_11_12_5_5_b.jpg

Manazir

November 13th, 2009, 02:42 PM

^^
its finger lickin good :D

nayeem007

November 14th, 2009, 09:07 AM

Looks like Sheesha/Hookah places are getting popular in Dhaka..it's interesting that many people who don't have cigarette due to health issues actually smoke hookah since they feel that the water "filters" the harmful tobacco!

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs009.snc3/11655_177416879219_507094219_3105136_5712542_n.jpg

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs009.snc3/11655_177416884219_507094219_3105137_7725985_n.jpg

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs029.snc3/11655_177416894219_507094219_3105139_3364533_n.jpg

Hubble Bubble,photos: Apu

Manazir

November 14th, 2009, 06:22 PM

^^
LOL where is it? :P

nayeem007

November 15th, 2009, 02:46 AM

^^
LOL where is it? :P

It's in Gulshan 2 below Cafe Mango..

nayeem007

November 20th, 2009, 03:12 AM

Pizza Inn comes to Dhaka

Star Business ReportUS-based global restaurant chain Pizza Inn is all set to introduce operation in Bangladesh to grab a portion of middle and upmarket food lovers.

The first outlet, which has been set up at RAK Tower in Uttara, Dhaka, will open tomorrow.

“We believe a market is here. A trend of having alien food is growing among customers,” Nazmul Anwar Jewel, director (operations) of Mohammed Foods and Allied Pvt Ltd, the franchisee of the restaurant chain in Bangladesh, told The Daily Star yesterday.

Pizza Inn has operation in several countries with over 360 outlets.

“The market is growing. We want to open three more outlets by December next year,” he said, adding that one of the outlets will be outside Dhaka.

“We want to generate around Tk 3-4 lakh in sales a day from our first outlet,” the official said.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=114802

samaruf

November 20th, 2009, 03:48 AM

Pizza Inn comes to Dhaka

“We believe a market is here. A trend of having alien food is growing among customers,” Nazmul Anwar Jewel, director (operations) of Mohammed Foods and Allied Pvt Ltd, the franchisee of the restaurant chain in Bangladesh, told The Daily Star yesterday.

I :lol: reading this line. I wonder if he had uttered it in Bangla as "Bideshi khaddo/khawa" and the reporter translated it to alien food.

HereWeGo

November 20th, 2009, 06:46 AM

sas

November 20th, 2009, 06:54 AM

Is it that profitable :nuts:

Nothing is like restaurant business in Dhaka presently. From what I've heard, the pricing is just like Pizza Hut, so assuming the average bill be in the region of BDT 1,500, they can easily have 200 groups walk in (200*BDT 1,500 = BDT 300,000) throughout the day.

mirzazeehan

November 20th, 2009, 09:08 PM

Really looking forward to Pizza Inn,its been a long while since they announced their plans.

Manazir

November 21st, 2009, 07:26 AM

^^
we need Domino's Pizza now :)

sas

November 21st, 2009, 03:17 PM

^^
we need Domino's Pizza now :)

No Papa John's Pizza.

Manazir

November 21st, 2009, 07:07 PM

^^
personally, I hate Papa John's Pizza, the way i experienced it here in Oman!

TIslam

November 21st, 2009, 10:00 PM

^^
personally, I hate Papa John's Pizza, the way i experienced it here in Oman!

Well, most people rave about Papa John's (haven't had it myself). Domino's is good for only for a bad pizza fix when most good ones are miles away.

mirzazeehan

November 21st, 2009, 11:04 PM

Well, most people rave about Papa John's (haven't had it myself). Domino's is good for only for a bad pizza fix when most good ones are miles away.

For me,Papa John's is just a lil better than Pizza Hut--the only two chains that I badly want in Bangladesh are Mcdonald's and Dunkin Donuts.:)

TIslam

November 22nd, 2009, 12:13 AM

For me,Papa John's is just a lil better than Pizza Hut--the only two chains that I badly want in Bangladesh are Mcdonald's and Dunkin Donuts.:)

You must want a happy meal real bad! :lol:

dopekhor

November 22nd, 2009, 04:16 AM

For me,Papa John's is just a lil better than Pizza Hut--the only two chains that I badly want in Bangladesh are Mcdonald's and Dunkin Donuts.:)
bk over micky d any day i want kfc canada to carry the crispy chicken!

TIslam

November 22nd, 2009, 04:31 AM

bk over micky d any day i want kfc canada to carry the crispy chicken!

What's so special about KFC Canada?

Manazir

November 22nd, 2009, 07:48 AM

For me,Papa John's is just a lil better than Pizza Hut--the only two chains that I badly want in Bangladesh are Mcdonald's and Dunkin Donuts.:)

Same here bro. In addition to that, I would like BD to get Starbucks Coffee/ Costa Coffee or Second Cup. Pizza chains can wait for sometime now :)

King Nothing

November 22nd, 2009, 08:39 AM

You must want a happy meal real bad! :lol:

McDonalds in the US is just nasty. One of my friends stooped eating BK, Pizza Hut, McDonalds, Taco Bell and Subway after reading this one book. Forget the name.

Also KFC in BD is nothing special at all having had it a few times. I'll settle for the much cheaper BFC anyday.

dopekhor

November 22nd, 2009, 11:19 AM

What's so special about KFC Canada?
nothing about it is, i just miss the spicy chicken my friends here tell me that kfc mcd and places like that are where homeless people eat i told em in my country these are 5 star places only the super rich can eat such shit here

TIslam

November 22nd, 2009, 05:46 PM

nothing about it is, i just miss the spicy chicken my friends here tell me that kfc mcd and places like that are where homeless people eat i told em in my country these are 5 star places only the super rich can eat such shit here

Do KFCs in Canada have spicy chicken? Or is it in Dhaka KFC? I don't know whether Popeye's chain is in Canada, but they have spicy chicken.

nayeem007

November 22nd, 2009, 06:15 PM

I would like Mcdonalds,Starbucks, Subway and other international chains opening up in Bangladesh, just because of the symbolic effect. Crowding of international outlets show that the market is growing fast, with increasing middle class base. This in turns draws in more investment.. "perception is reality"!

Manazir

November 22nd, 2009, 07:21 PM

^^
agree with that :)

nayeem007

November 22nd, 2009, 09:11 PM

Chain restaurants go big
Transcom Foods, Opex Sinha Textile and MGH on expansion drive
http://www.thedailystar.net/photo/2009/11/23/2009-11-23__bus12.jpg

Sohel Parvez
Big firms are pouring investment in chain restaurant business, driven by a growing trend of eating-out among urban people.

Consumer demand for safe and hygienic food has also encouraged some local conglomerates to enter such business, operators said.

Three local giants have been on the scene for quite some time: Transcom Group, Opex Sinha Textile and MGH Group. CP Bangladesh, a fully foreign-owned agri- and food business company, prepares to grab a portion of the market.

Steady economic growth and demand for hygienic and quality foods have encouraged big businesses to pump in funds either to start franchises of global brands or build their own.

“We have seen a huge opportunity in the food industry. Here demand for safe food is high compared to supply,” said Khanthima Mongsai, general manager (food division) of CP Bangladesh, one of the leading poultry and feed industry operators in the country.

She said the first product, fried chicken, would hit the market under the brand name of 'Five Star'.

CP's move to sign up for the segment comes as some local and global chain restaurants are on an expansion drive.

Insiders said the market has been growing by around 10 percent for the last couple of years. Its size is Tk 200 crore now.

“The nation is moving forward with a vibrant economy that enables more and more people to become financially empowered and taste quality and hygienic foods,” said Akku Chowdhury, executive director of Transcom Foods Ltd.

Transcom Foods, the franchisee of one of the popular chain restaurants in the world, operates five KFC outlets in Dhaka and Chittagong. The company plans to open four more, including one in Cox's Bazar, next year.

The company, which is also the franchisee of a global chain restaurant, Pizza Hut, has four outlets in Dhaka and Chittagong and plans to open two more next year.

“If you want to offer a global brand with better quality and hygienic and better products, you will have to have large investment which is not possible for small businesses,” Chowdhury said.

He said many people find eating-out to be an entertainment as well as a means of entertaining guests.

“It's also because of a change in lifestyle as the time to prepare foods at home is shrinking for many.”

Nizamul Karim Chowdhury, executive director of local chain restaurant, BFC, a concern of Opex Sinha Textile Group, said youths and executives from local and multinational firms are the main customers of branded fast foods.

“The food habit is changing. Many people don't eat rice for lunch anymore,” said Nizamul of BFC, which will open its eighth outlet in Dhaka.

Mohit-ul-Bari, head of operation of MGH Restaurants Pvt Ltd, said the company signed up for food business considering the opportunity created by a rise in peoples' purchasing capacity.

“A lot of opportunities are there in food business,” said the official of MGH Restaurants, a franchisee of South African restaurant chain Nando's and coffee shop Barista.

However, Transcom Foods' Akku Chowdhury said the scale of operation is important to ensure good returns.

“It requires long-term investment and returns come much later,” Chowdhury said.

Meanwhile, US-based global restaurant chain Pizza Inn opened its first outlet in Uttara, Dhaka on Saturday.

“A trend of having alien foods is growing among customers,” said Nazmul Anwar Jewel, director (operations) of Mohammed Foods and Allied Pvt Ltd, the franchisee of the restaurant chain in Bangladesh.

The company plans for several outlets in major cities by next year.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=115187