From Kabab to Pitha: Mohammadpur’s streets tell a story in flavours

Despite the numerous discussions about Mohammadpur, your tongue cannot resist the area’s street food. Mohammadpur stands out as one of Dhaka’s most dynamic and diverse neighbourhoods for street food. It offers a rich fusion of flavours that draws food enthusiasts from all over the city and beyond the country.

From decades-old kebab houses to trendy food carts, the area, particularly around Salimullah Road, Town Hall, and the Suchona Community Centre, transforms into a busy culinary bazaar as evening sets in.

The streets come alive with the sizzle of grills, the aroma of spices, and the chatter of crowds gathered to enjoy everything from spicy, hearty snacks & meals to something sweet. As a Mohammadpur dweller, the author has tried many of the shops’ foods and shares her little experience with FE readers. Let’s walk down the alleys.

Selim Kabab Ghor 

Started in 1980, Kabab Ghor remains famous to this day. Selim Khan, an Indian Bihari, started it, and it is now run by his son, Liyakot Khan.

The actual icon of this eatery is its secret blend of spices and coal-burning flavour.

Here, you can find Beef kabab, Chicken chaap, Mogoj fry, Fluffy luchi, and a few more. How much do you love Kabab? All you will get is the quest from trying their Kabab; the tenderness and ginger will hit you differently. 

We had a conversation with Jakir Bhai, one of the oldest chefs there, who said that around 500 people come to try their kababs and chap every day. It is like a feast. So, without any further information, you should try it.

Noushad Soup

Just a short walk from the chaap and kabab joints, you’ll find a different kind of comfort at ‘Noushad Soup.’ Served steaming hot, the soup is thick, flavorful, and packed with shredded chicken, sweet corn, and a subtle blend of local spices.

Customers can customise their bowl with a dash of chilli sauce, a sprinkle of bit lobon (black salt), or a squeeze of lime. It has the perfect antidote to a fabulous evening or simply a light, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside. 

Habibi’s sweet cooling for our hearts

Bringing a touch of sweetness to this area, Habibi has an extraordinary fame. A yellow ambience in the store, combined with air-cooling fans, will keep you cool.

Their full name is Habibi: Pure Milk Centre. And you will find the authenticity of its name in their food items, such as Malai Cha, Badam Lassi, Pista Sharbat, and Doi Chira.

And in Sweets, if you try the Malai Chop and Jafran Bhog, you will find yourself licking your fingers after taking a bite, especially if you eat it with your fingers instead of a spoon. 

The range is approximately 30 to 150 TK. Sweetooth people should never miss this place.

Then we went beside the Tokyo Square. This is another bustling area for trendy street foods. There are some famous ones also, like- 

Burger Boss, Paratha Wrap Cart, Raj Kachori & Doi Fuchka Cart.

These small carts are mouthwatering and trendy, making them a popular choice for street food.

Barger Boss is a cart for making slight, spicy, and aromatic burgers. Kids and teenagers are very fond of burgers. The burger maker said it’s jam-packed in the evening.

There is another stall with no name, but their paratha wraps and tikka will have you stopping by the cart. It looks pretty oily, but the aroma of the chicken and spices makes you forget that. Also, the range is between 30 and 50 each, which is very convenient.

Raj Kachori & Doi Fuchka Cart is already known for its unique presentation of its signature dishes. There, we talked with a couple who came to try the Doi Fuchka and said it was outstanding in taste. Take a few more steps and then turn right.

Your all-year-round delight with Chitoi Pitha Ghor

While traditionally a winter delicacy, the craving for Chitoi Pitha is satisfied year-round in Mohammadpur. This Chitoi Pitha is remarkably famous beside the Suchona Community Centre. 

Almost 30 different Bhorta are served every single day at this Chitoi pitha Ghor, which caters to 200 to 400 customers from evening to night.

You will see people waiting and chatting beside the stall, enjoying their food. Craving for spicy food is the most prevalent.

You may find special Dim Chitoi there as well. Every Pitha comes hot with smoke and goes on plates in seconds. Colourful, spicy Vorta with Chitoi pitha will fill your mind and tummy.

And, of course, it won’t end without Jhalmuri and Pani Puri.

Just opposite the corner of the Chitoi Pitha Ghor, like beside the Suchona Community Centre, there are these two carts. One for Jhalmuri and another for Panipuri. 

The Jhalmuri cart

Having tasted their Jhalmuri so many times, its charm remains unchanged. Their Jhalmuri features a special spice blend with a beef rezala flavour and crispy little pakoras; they mash it if you prefer. You will give this Jhalmuri a 10/10.

The Panipuri cart

Beside the Jhalmuri, there is a cart named Esho khai pani puri. Isn’t the name interesting? They have a special presentation of Sidewaters in a metal Kolshi. Teenage girls and others also frequently visit here.

No more waiting. Head to Mohammadpur to try these amazing foods.

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