Picture this: You're seated in one of Dhaka's finest restaurants, the warm glow of ambient lighting bouncing off the cutlery, the tantalising aroma of biryani teasing your senses. As you prepare to pay the bill, instead of fumbling through your wallet, you simply tap your card or scan a QR code – and just like that, your payment is processed in seconds. But here's the best part: thanks to exclusive BOGO deals and cashback rewards, your indulgence comes with a delightful bonus – either an extra meal at no cost or a sweet refund landing back in your account.

Dhaka's dining scene has transformed, not just in flavours but in how transactions are made. As digital payments take centre stage, banks and restaurants have stepped up their game, offering unbeatable deals that make going cashless the smarter and more rewarding choice.

photo courtesy: sk enamul haq

BOGO offers: Doubling the culinary delight

For food lovers in Dhaka, the phrase "Buy-One-Get-One" is music to the ears. Imagine heading out for a weekend brunch with a friend, ordering your favourite dishes, and discovering that one of them is free – simply because you used a specific bank card. BOGO offers aren't just about saving money; they encourage people to explore new dining experiences, bringing friends and family together over gourmet spreads.

With the rise of digital transactions, banks have forged exclusive partnerships with restaurants to provide these deals, making it easier than ever to indulge in Dhaka's diverse culinary scene.

City Bank has partnered with top-tier restaurants and hotels to bring exclusive BOGO. An expert from City Bank highlights that they are offering BOGO Iftar and dinner offers at over 40 restaurants, including fine dining at 5-star hotels.

"Over the years, we have expanded our BOGO collaborations with international hotels. We now provide year-round BOGO deals in 13 international hotels in the country," the expert notes.

Likewise, Dhaka Bank, for example, has partnered with some of the most renowned hotels and restaurants to bring its cardholders exceptional BOGO offers. Signature and World cardholders can enjoy Pay 1, Eat 2 at Sheraton Dhaka, The Westin Dhaka, Radisson Blu Dhaka, Le Méridien Dhaka, and more. Some hotels, such as Pan Pacific Sonargaon and Beyond Buffet, offer Pay 1, Eat 3, while Hotel Sarina even extends a Pay 1, Eat 5 option.

Additionally, BRAC Bank, as per an expert from the bank, is offering a Buy-1-Get-4 free (B1G4) Iftar and Sehri buffet at Six Seasons Hotel during the first week of Ramadan, followed by Buy-1-Get-3 for the rest of the month. Other luxury hotels, such as Hotel Bengal Blueberry, Amari Dhaka, Crowne Plaza Gulshan, and Golden Tulip, have similar B1G3 and B1G2 offers throughout Ramadan, ensuring diners get the most out of their dining experiences.

Cashback offers: Dining that pays you back

If BOGO deals weren't enticing enough, cashback offers add an extra layer of excitement to cashless dining. Who wouldn't love the idea of getting back a portion of what they've spent on a sumptuous meal?

Cashback rewards can be particularly beneficial for frequent diners, as the savings accumulate over time. Since many banks provide automatic cashback, diners don't have to worry about redeeming points or applying for discounts manually – the savings happen seamlessly in the background.

Dhaka Bank offers attractive cashback deals across multiple platforms, making dining and shopping more rewarding. Cardholders can enjoy 20% cashback (up to Tk. 1,000) at popular online platforms such as Foodpanda, Pathao, and Chaldal, helping them save on meals and groceries during Ramadan. Additionally, the bank has partnered with several top-tier travel and hospitality brands, offering discounts of up to 60% at Ramada, 35% at Sayeman Beach Resort, and 10% at Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Air Astra, making travel more affordable and enjoyable.

An expert from City Bank highlights that during Ramadan 2025, the bank is offering up to 15% cashback at leading lifestyle and grocery outlets, up to 30% savings at over 100 restaurants, and up to 25% savings on online merchants and food delivery services. "With more than 500 merchant partners and 3,300 outlets, our cashback program has never been bigger," the expert shares.

Similarly, an expert from BRAC Bank states that the bank is offering 10% cashback for credit cardholders on lifestyle shopping, food delivery platforms such as Foodpanda and Foodi, and travel bookings through Shohoz, Paribahan.com, and BD Tickets. Online shoppers can also take advantage of 10% cashback at Aarong, Bata, and Illiyeen, further enhancing their shopping experience.

Why cashless dining is the future

The transition to cashless dining isn't just about convenience – it's about transforming the entire dining experience. Digital transactions provide a level of security and hygiene that cash simply cannot match.

Handling physical currency carries risks, from germ transmission to potential fraud, making digital payments a safer alternative. Whether you're paying via credit card, mobile wallet, or QR code, these methods ensure that your transactions are secure and traceable, reducing the likelihood of theft or counterfeit money issues.

Beyond security, cashless transactions significantly improve efficiency and speed. No more waiting for the server to bring back change, no more delays due to cash shortages – just a simple tap, swipe, or scan, and you're done. This streamlined process enhances the overall dining experience, allowing restaurants to serve customers more quickly and diners to enjoy their meals without unnecessary interruptions.

Moreover, cashless transactions contribute to budget-friendly dining. Many banks offer cashback deals that automatically return a portion of your spending, effectively reducing meal costs over time. Savvy diners who strategically use these offers can significantly cut down on their dining expenses while still enjoying premium meals at top-tier restaurants.

As Dhaka's dining culture continues to evolve, the shift towards cashless payments is becoming an undeniable reality. More restaurants are adapting to digital transactions, and more customers are recognising the numerous benefits. Whether for security, speed, rewards, or savings, cashless dining is the future – and those who embrace it are set to enjoy a smarter, more rewarding culinary journey.