Rokshana Akhtar and her son, Fuad Al-Fida, from Narayanganj, made a trip to Chawkbazar to savor the traditional iftar delicacies offered at the renowned market. Despite the distance from their home, the duo decided to explore the market, influenced by recommendations from friends and social media.
Expressing her son’s long-standing desire to experience iftar at the market, Rokshana shared their plan to return home after acquiring all the desired items. Their purchases included Shahi Jalebi, quail roast, Suti Kebab, Boro Baper Polay Khay, goat leg roast, apples, and dates, with intentions to buy more before leaving.
When asked about revisiting, Rokshana mentioned that their return would depend on the food’s quality and taste, indicating a potential comeback later in the year. Similarly, Md Rejuanul Islam, a Dhanmondi resident, visited the market for the first time and planned to share his purchased items with his family.
The historic Chawkbazar iftar market, a centuries-old tradition and the largest in the capital, draws crowds of visitors nationwide during Ramadan. The vibrant market hosts numerous temporary stalls offering a diverse range of delicacies featuring meat, vegetables, sweets, milk, and spices, some recipes tracing back to the Mughal era.
A standout favorite among visitors is the iconic Boro Baper Polay Khay, a delectable blend of various ingredients. Amir Hossain Juwell, a market trader, highlighted the popularity of this dish, drawing patrons from far and wide each year.
Apart from the signature dish, the market offers an array of culinary delights such as beef and chicken roasts, mutton and chicken cutlets, keema rolls, keema parathas, assorted kebabs, and an assortment of sweet treats and beverages.
Notably, the market continues to attract diverse visitors like siblings Makbul Hossain and Rani Akhtar from Khilgaon, who expressed their interest in exploring more offerings. The market holds a special place for residents like Md Ruhul Amin from Lalbagh, who uphold the tradition of purchasing iftar items daily from the market.