Chawkbazar iftar market: The good, the bad and the hype

After a two-year break due to Covid restrictions, Chawkbazar iftar market is once again buzzing with people. Every Ramadan, this place is the topic of discussion because of the popular iftar items sold there. They look great in photos, but to find out what they're really like, we paid a visit to the place and checked out the available items for a first-hand experience.

ITEMS THAT STOOD OUT

Pesta badam er sharbat: while the market is mostly dominated by kebabs and meat-based items, there are a number of small stalls scattered all over the market that sell matha, badamer sharbat, firni, faluda and other desserts. Matha might not be appealing to some people, but the "pesta badam er sharbat" is highly recommended, and they are often overlooked.

Pigeon roast: if you come to Chawkbazar and don't try a meat-based item, it's not a proper iftar shopping. That being said, there are too many kebab items to choose from. Amongst all them, the pigeon roast was the one that stood out the most, not just by its colour but most definitely by its taste. The flavour is deliciously fulfilling.

Shahi jilapi: they stand out because of their size, and the taste is brilliantly sweet. Even if you don't have a sweet tooth, this item will make an impression. With the enticing colour, the crunchy pieces combined with the sweet taste, the shahi jilapi was the one popular item that actually stood true to its reputation.  

Sweet naan: unlike most naans that we are used to, instead of pale in colour, the sweet naan had a saturated hue that makes it stand out. This naan is sweet and soft, reminding you of butter naan and most definitely worth trying.

Last but not least, the pitha stalls in the iftar market offer a variety of items such as patishapta, pakan, teler pitha, ful pitha, etc. Interestingly, most of the pithas are delicious, as is the firni.

ITEMS THAT FAILED TO IMPRESS

 Every time you see news about Chawkbazar's iftar, you will see the mouth-watering pictures of a mutton leg roast. Unfortunately, this item does not live up to expectations. Because the item is a whole leg roasted, the meat is often not tender enough to be an iftar item. The spices look great on the surface, but the meat underneath lacks juice and spices. In short, it's probably a good item for a kebab party, but not iftar.

Quail roast was another item that looks appealing but was an absolute let-down. The roasted quail flavour is not one you want on your tongue after fasting for a whole day.

Beef/chicken balls and the average ball-like kebab items are not recommended either. You will find doi bora, which is inherently a difficult dish to make. There is a clever play of flavours in a properly made doi bora, but the ones found at Chawkbazar failed to deliver.

ITEMS YOU HAVE TO TRY

Boro baper polai khai: a traditional item that has gained its fame all across the country for its name and the making process. Made with items like chickpea, ox brain, liver, eggs, mutton, flattened rice and more than 40 different spices, it's one of the highlights of the Chawkbazar iftar market that you have to try.

Suti kebab: another popular item that has been sold for ages; both beef and mutton suti kebab are available. It's well suited when you mix it with other items. If you like making puffed rice based iftar with a mixture of chola, bundia, cutlets and all that, suti kebab is a must have item. Remember, kebabs will go bad soon under the scorching heat.

Keep track of time while shopping and try to explore rather than following the hype.