Are you even Bengali if you don’t have an obsession for fuchka?
Fuchka, also known as panipuri, is one of the most loved foods in Dhaka and whether you’re living here or just in town for a visit, here are some of the best places to try fuchka.
Not a fan of reading? Follow the link to watch our full vlog that covers all 10 fuchka places: We Went on a Fuchka Spree ‼ | Top 10 Fuchka Places in Dhaka
1. Dhaba – Banani
Overflowing with potato, chickpea and egg stuffing, Dhaba gives a very generous amount of fuchkas along with a runny chutney (tok). We just had to try their famous “special platter” that is a mix of different kinds of fuchkas like doi fuchka, tok fuchka and jhaal fuchka. It might get a little messy, but it’s so worth it.
2. Chaddabaaz – Dhanmondi
This cozy little shop in Dhanmondi has a very a khaati deshi feel to it. Thanks to the traditional artwork that embraces the surrounding walls and the clay pots they use to serve the doi. Their fuchkas are crunchy and has extra chanachur for taste. The sweet doi perfectly contrasts the spicy filling and makes it an easy A-star snack.
3. Dosa Express – New Bailey Road
For those of you who prefer your fuchkas semi-prepared, then Dosa Express is the place for you. They serve you fuchka shells with a side of chickpea & potato filling and a cup of chutney. This way, you can choose the exact filling-to-chutney ratio that you prefer. Their fuchkas certainly have a fresh and raw taste that really brings out the authentic flavors of fuchka.
4. Farzi Café – Gulshan 1
This upscale cafe is a MUST-VISIT. Farzi Café is an Indian restaurant that serves some of the best panipuri in town. Their unique flavors are what make them such a big hit. Their perfectly crisp shells are filled with a reasonable amount of filling that includes chickpea, chanachur, and beetroot jelly cubes. The beetroot jelly adds a very unique sweet taste to the fuchka that we have seen first of in Dhaka. This is all complemented perfectly with a very thick and rich yogurt that smells divine. They have a spicy green chutney too for those who want a stronger kick.
5. Fusion Café – Gulshan 1
If you are a street fuchka fan, the Fusion Café Gulshan is one place you cannot miss. This place has been serving fuchka for decades and is loved by many. Their fuchkas have a sweeter taste than most and are served with chopped onions and coriander leaves, with a generous amount of filling. The true DESHI way!
6. Khazana – Gulshan 2
This fine-dine restaurant does not compromise when it comes to their service and aesthetics. They serve their fuchkas as “fuchka shots” with little shot glasses of tamarind chutney and lemon chutney. Their flavorful filling combined with a crunchy shell and rich chutney makes every bite drool-worthy. Not too soggy, and not too dry- just right.
7. Mint Leaf – Bahsundara R/A
This place is a hot spot for all Bashundara residents. They are particularly famous for their doi fuchka’s that are said to be some of the BEST in Dhaka city. And we can safely say that it lives up to its expectation! Their fuchka has the perfect sweet-tok-jhal ratio and even with an overflowing shell, the shell stays crispy. Their flavors are strong and the doi does not overpower it.
8. Neelofar – Gulshan 2
Anyone who loves to shop in Pink City probably knows about this little shop that serves great fuchka! First thing you might notice is that they give an ample amount of boiled egg gratings that give the platter a really unique taste. They make sure their filling is cooked to perfection and includes spices to amp up the flavor.
9. Premium Sweets – Gulshan
The presentation of their food is quite elegant and has a special look to it because they use a clay leaf-shaped platter to serve their fuchkas on. The shells here are prepared with a sprinkle of black seeds to add more flavor, and there is a generous amount of chopped green chilis on the fuchka that any spice lover would enjoy. Their chutney is right on point with the amount of jhal-tok in it and complements the fuchkas effortlessly.
10. Robindro Shorbor – Dhanmondi
If you visit Dhaka, then Robindro Shorbor is one place you would love to see. It perfectly encapsulates the heart of Dhaka and its people. Apart from the gorgeous lake and nature that everyone comes to relish in, another attraction point here would be their famous fuchka stalls. They have all kinds of fuchka served with many different fillings that are suitable for various tastes. We tried their doi fuchka that is served with grated carrots, chopped chili, cucumber and eggs to give it an explosion of flavor. Among the many stalls, this was a terrific find!
So, that’s it folks! These are some of the most hyped fuchka places in Dhaka that are loved by the masses. Apart from the mentioned places, there are tons more fuchka joints to try out whether it be in some fancy restaurant or the good ol’ deshi why on the road side. Let us know in the comments section some of YOUR favorite places and if we missed any.