The iftar experience - Port city style: Chattogram’s go-to iftar destinations

Iftar has taken a different form altogether in the subcontinent. In Bangladesh, iftar accounts for not only the delicacy but also the bonds that get strengthened in the process -- be that within the close circle of family or friends or that of the community.

However, the country has its own favourites when it comes to choosing the delicacies. Though many prefer homemade iftar, locals continue to rush to different stalls for diverse delicacies such as jilapi, firni, halim, chicken tikka, kabab, pizza, roll, lassi and doi to make the ritual of breaking fast more pleasing.

Certain places or dishes have special appeals based on the city you're in. As Ramadan begins, the port city has also geared up for an iftar extravaganza.

Be it a roadside stall or upscale restaurant -- almost all the restaurants in the port city -- no matter how big or small -- have something tantalising to offer to customers, who are thronging the places to purchase iftar items.

Like the capital, Chattogram has its area-specific favourites for iftar as well, even though on a smaller scale. Starting from Enayet Bazar's Royal Sweets, Handi at Wasa intersection, GEC's Candi, Sadia's Kitchen, to Lalkhan Bazar's Highway Sweets, Halishahar's Gausia Sweets, Kazir Dewri's Royal Heart and Sakura Kebab, every corner has something to claim to be its own during the festivities of iftar.

Then again, there are some popular iftar places that have the city's heart. One such outlet is that of Rodela Bikel, a restaurant located at MA Aziz Stadium Market, which emphasises nutrition and hygiene when preparing iftar items. A good number of customers throng the shop searching for delicacies.

Another interesting iftar destination for the port city dwellers is Barcode, which offers the "biggest iftar bazar in the city". "Barcode Food Junction" is a combination of four restaurants under a single roof in Shulokbahar at Muradpur in Chattogram city, namely -- "Mezban Khaile Aiyun", "Birchattala", "Teheriwala", "Burgwich Town" and "Ometra".

Their iftar menu features swarma, various items made with meat and countless kebabs. The restaurant offers more than 170 delicious iftar items ranging from different cuisines every day. The food hub has been hosting nearly 350 people, at a time under its roof now.

People from far and wide come here to enjoy a multi-cuisine and live kitchen experience.

All these places make Chattogram's iftar scene a bit more happening every day. What could be a greater joy after a daylong fast to enjoy beautifully curated delicacies with your loved ones?