BTTB and Ministry of civil aviation and tourism hosts taste of Bangladesh festival

The "Test of Bangladesh" Food Festival is a unique initiative of the Bangladesh Tourism Board and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, bringing together Bangladesh's diverse and traditional flavours on a single platform.

In 2023, the Bangladesh Tourism Board successfully organised the inaugural edition of this festival in the heart of Dhaka, Banani, with the participation of 44 establishments. The overwhelming response from food enthusiasts in Dhaka highlighted the rich culinary diversity, traditional dishes, and unique flavours of Bangladesh.

This year, the second edition of the "Test of Bangladesh" will be held from December 13-16 at the Mustafa Kamal Ataturk Park in Banani, Dhaka. The festival will feature over 62 stalls showcasing a wide range of traditional and exotic dishes from different regions of Bangladesh.

The Honourable Advisor to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Mr A F  Hasan Arif, will inaugurate the four-day event on December 13, 2024. This year's festival will offer an array of delectable dishes, including Dhaka's Beauty Lachcha, Lalbagh's Kacchi Biryani, Fajane Madina's famous Boba Biryani, Bakarkhani, Bismilah Kabab, Comilla's Rosmalai, Khulna's Chuijhal, Sherpur's Chana Payesh and Tulshimalar Chaal, the famous Raja-Cha, Choton Mama's Fire Pan, duck meat, chitraruti, Jashore's Jamtala Sadek Golla, Bogura's doi and kshirsa, Cox's Bazar's seafood, Chittagong's Mejabani, Barisal's Roschusi, dudhchiti, patisapta, poyapitha, benipitha, jamaipitha, talerpita, Bousundori, lavanga latika, hridoyhoron, ilish pitha, vapapuli, morog polao, tehari and borhani, fuchka and halim, daber pudding, Natore's kachagolla and sandesh, Moulvibazar's Manipuri haina tea and food, and Rajshahi's kalai roti and duck meat. Additionally, renowned five-star hotels like InterContinental Dhaka, Pan Pacific Sonargaon, and Sheraton Dhaka will present their unique interpretations of Bangladeshi cuisine. Moreover, the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation and SME entrepreneurs will showcase their diverse culinary offerings. A special "Gen Z Hangout" corner will feature the food preferences of the younger generation.

The festival will also host various cultural programs besides the delectable food. The four-day event will feature traditional cultural performances from different regions of Bangladesh, including Rajshahi's traditional Gambhira, Kuddos Boyati's songs, puthi path, discussions on regional cuisine, baul songs, qawwali, puppetry, hill dances, and joint performances by fishermen, snake charmers, boatmen, and other professionals. The festival will also include band performances, a raffle draw, a live cooking competition, a GI product corner, a musical instrument corner, and an interactive experience for foreign guests to explore Bangladeshi cuisine.

The "Test of Bangladesh" Food Festival, organised by the Bangladesh Tourism Board and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, is supported by Dhaka North City Corporation, WASA, DESCO, Fire Service, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Gulshan Zone, Tourist Police, SME Foundation, Bangladesh Safe Food Authority, and Dhaka Banani Society. Moreover, Spellbound Communications Limited is the event planner, Polar Ice Cream is the ice cream partner, Runner Automobile and RR Cable are the corporate partners, BYD is the EV partner, Pan Pacific Sonargaon and InterContinental Dhaka are the hospitality partners, and Cultural Classicists is the cultural partner.

This unique event aims to preserve Bangladesh's rich culinary heritage and cultural traditions. By introducing the younger generation to Bangladesh's diverse and traditional food, the festival seeks to promote sustainable culture and establish Bangladeshi cuisine as a global brand.