Iftar market in city witnesses huge crowds on first day of Ramadan

City’s iftar markets witnessed a huge rush of fasting people on the first day of Ramadan today as the city dwellers were found buying their favourite ready-made iftar items from the roadside stalls and posh 5-star hotels.

Soon after the Zohor prayers, Chawkbazar iftar market on Chawk Circular Road in Old Dhaka turned into a bustling hub of Muslim devotees who kept fasting.

Fasting people from different parts of the city flocked to the makeshift stalls to buy a wide variety of delectable delicacies for their first iftar of the holy month.

Traditional items like Chola, Piaju, Beguni, Nimki, Ghugni, Egg Chop, Haleem, different types of naans, Boro Baper Polay Khay, Shahi Paratha, different types of kabab, different types of Jilapi, Sarbat items, dessert items were being sold in the market.

Chawkbazar iftar market . Photo: BSS

The beautiful decoration and smell of the iftar items attracted the buyers to purchase the iftar items. However, customers appeared to be dissatisfied with the item prices, which were reportedly higher than the previous year.

Talking to BSS, Tanvir Ahmed, who came to Chawkbazar from Rampura, said iftar in Old Dhaka has a different charm and that’s why he came here to purchase iftar items on the first day of Ramadan.

“The taste of kebab here is different from any other area in the city,” he added.
Md Rashed, a resident of Motijheel area, said, “Even though we have arranged iftar at home, it has become a custom to buy food from outside. We strive to fill the table with as many dishes as possible, regardless of our economic status.”

However, Rashed complained that the prices of iftar items are much higher this year.
Khilgaon, also known as restaurant para, is a favourite place for foodies.

At the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, people crowd the Iftar market from Khilgaon’s Pallima Sangsad to Taltala Market at Malibagh Chowdhurypara.

Roadside shops and restaurants in the area usually attract a good crowd all the year round. But during the month of fasting, people flock to the Iftar market as restaurateurs offer different discounts by arranging numerous delicious cuisines.

There are also rooftop restaurants with the beauty of surroundings with open space and sky view. These restaurants sell separate iftar items as well as offer buffet packages. Packages of 40–50 items are sold between Tk 600 and Tk 1,000. Iftar buffet is full of everything from fried rice to desserts.

Khalid, a university student, said, “Today we have gathered here for iftar. The restaurants in this area are quite good. Their iftar items are also affordable. So, we all come here.”
A crowd of people is seen inside the restaurants during the Iftar time. Besides, buyers flock to roadside makeshift shops to buy Iftar items for their home.

Many people are buying different types of Iftar items to get a variety of tastes along with home food. “I will break my fast at home on first Ramadan today and buy some halim, chicken chop, and jillapi from here,” said a shopper.

Khilgaon Iftar Market offers 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, Khasir Rezala, onions, eggplant, potato chops etc.

Like Khilgaon and Chawkbazar, all other areas in the city witnessed huge crowed for buying iftar. (BSS)