SIDE-E CHAAP!

Originally a traditional Bihari delicacy, chaap is one of the most enjoyed dishes in Dhaka. Over the years, the number of places serving this greasy, finger-licking food has increased greatly. So here's a list of places serving the tastiest chaap in the city.

Mustakim: There are hardly many people in the Dhanmondi-Lalmatia-Mohammadpur locality who have not tasted, or at least heard of Mustakim's chaap which is not a surprise when they proudly claim every dish to be special. The menu consists of beef, mutton and pigeon chaaps costing 60tk, 70tk and 150tk respectively, a range of kababs including boti, khiri and gurda each costing 70tk whether beef or mutton, and shami kabab for 50tk, beef and mutton brains for 70tk each and soup and chicken liver. Several of their customers have stated Mustakim's chaaps to be the best in the city. 'The meat melts in your mouth' – is how one fond customer described the chaap. This moderately spacious, more or less (probably less) hygienic chaap house is located in the Bihari camp in Muhammadpur

Chaap Shamlao: After initial difficulties in locating the restaurant, we reached there to find an air-conditioned room consisting of 5 tables. Chaap Shamlao is located around the university area of Banani (Road 17/A), and unlike other chaap restaurants in the city, is very hygienic and well decorated. The menu card is relatively simple, offering beef and chicken chaaps, boti kebabs and a few other items such as brains, khiri and gurda, with each item ranging between Tk.130-200. Luchis come for Tk.15 a pop, and combo meals are available. The taste certainly rivals any veteran chaap house in Dhaka, and the salad they provide steals the show. Quality considered, the prices are justified.

Kader'er chaap: To any resident in Dhanmondi, Kader'er chaap is a well-known name. Located next to Abahoni in 12/A, opposite CFC, this tiny shed-like house hosts some of Dhaka's delicious chaaps. Eating in cramped unhygienic conditions gives you the whole experience and not just good food. Even amidst all the health hazards, the chaap is worth risking possible diarrhea and stomach cramps. The menu here is quite limited: beef chaap (50tk), chicken chaap (70tk) and luchi (2tk).

The Old Town: The Old Town, famous among foodies, hosts a number of chaap shops. Café Corner is an old favorite for its mutton chaap, available at Tk.80. Likewise, on either sides of the Chankharpool road are numerous chaap-serving restaurants, of which Shohag restaurant sells the best chaap and parathas for Tk.60 and Tk.4 a-piece respectively. The chaaps in these shops are a must have for any food lover who fears not the prospects of an upset stomach within 3 hours of consumption. But jokes aside, they are good!

Kabab Karigor and Soup: Amongst the stalls situated at Rabindra Shorobor, this is one of the more popular ones for its chaaps. The stall offers beef and chicken chaaps for 55tk and 100tk, beef and chicken boti kabab for 60tk and 110tk, soup for 30tk, liver for 60tk and brain fry for 80tk. The brain fry here is a must have. Seats are arranged under the open sky with the view of the lake.