Dhaka is filled with countless food stalls and restaurants. You can see them everywhere — from makeshift tea stalls in the alleys to fine dining — this city has it all. But if you're someone on a tight budget or a gourmet who appreciates affordable street food, this article is for you. We have searched and scoured the city to bring you the top 5 inexpensive hangout spots, all under Tk 200!

Tokyo Square, Ring Road

If you're looking for a hangout that combines shopping, dining, and entertainment, Tokyo Square, located at Ring Road, in the Mohammadpur area, is the place to be. Walking along the bustling street in front of Tokyo Square, you'll encounter vendors selling various snacks — burgers, noodles, tacos, Momo and whatnot!

Photo: Silvia Mahjabin

That said, the Raj Kachori from the food cart named Shahi Doi Fuchka is worth tasting. Vendors prepare this snack to perfection, ensuring you get that perfect balance of spice and crunch with every bite, and it costs only Tk 120.

Order a cup of matka cha, priced around Tk 35, that will leave your tastebuds dancing with delight. 

Salimullah Road, Mohammadpur

Nestled in this bustling neighbourhood of Mohammadpur, Salimullah Road is a hotspot for budget-conscious foodies seeking a delightful culinary adventure. A diverse range of vendors, each specialising in their own unique dishes — soup, kebab, jilapi, fuchka — have set up food carts here.

Photo: Silvia Mahjabin

However, no visit to Salimullah Road is complete without indulging in the beef sheekh kebab from Selim Kebab Ghar, for Tk 130, and a bowl of chicken soup, costing Tk 60, from Nowshad Soup!

Salimullah Road is not just about the food, but also about the experience. The lively atmosphere, the chatter of fellow food enthusiasts, and the skilful hands of the vendors all add to the charm.

Shahjadpur Jheel Par

Surrounded by Gulshan Lake, Shahjadpur Jheel Par hosts an array of food stalls and vendors, each offering a unique culinary experience that will make you come back here time and again. Fuchka, chotpoti, shingara, dosa — the vibrant blend of spices, aromas, and textures creates a symphony of flavours that will tantalise your tastebuds.      

Photo: Silvia Mahjabin

However, among all these mouth-watering food carts, Khandani Khanapina restaurant selling masala muri bhorta (spicy puffed rice), should be at the top of your list. This special muri bhorta is served with a spicy and tangy mixture of different masalas, cucumber slices, coriander leaves and chickpeas — costing only Tk 30 — certainly worth your money!

Nilkhet

Bookworms, this one's for you! If you get tired of searching for your favourite book and looking for an inexpensive place to eat, the biryani and tehari stalls here are a must-visit.

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed

The fragrant aroma of spices fills the air as you approach these corrugated tin-roofed stalls. With options for both chicken and beef lovers, a plate of tehari or biryani offers an explosion of flavours starting from around Tk 100.

Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Manik Mia Avenue

Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban or National Parliament House, located on Manik Mia Avenue, is a budget-friendly oasis where you can rejuvenate amidst nature, without straying far from the city centre. 

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed

Crispy, crunchy, and bursting with flavour, jhalmuri and fuchka are street food classics that you can't miss and you will find them here just for Tk 60 to 120.

And to give you relief from the scorching heat, ice cream carts and lemonade stands are available for you, which you can enjoy while taking a leisurely stroll amidst the trees and flowers of Chandrima Udyan.