Over the past four or five years, Dhaka’s food scene has witnessed a remarkable transformation with numerous restaurants opening across the city. These establishments offer an increasingly diverse range of cuisines. In the early days, the focus was primarily on Chinese, Thai and fast food.
Today, the culinary landscape has expanded to include Indian, Turkish, Korean and many other global cuisines. While some dishes retain flavors authentic to their origins, many have been adapted to suit the local palate, creating a unique fusion of tastes. This evolution reflects the growing demand for variety and the city’s vibrant food culture.
Pan-Asian food has become increasingly popular in Dhaka’s dining scene. Known for its fusion of flavors and diverse cooking techniques, Pan-Asian cuisine brings together culinary traditions from various Asian countries. Restaurants offering Pan-Asian menus often feature dishes from multiple nations.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to explore many of these Pan-Asian restaurants. You’re welcome to join me on this food exploration journey. Feel free to share your favorites and let me know which ones you’ve already tried. Together, we can uncover the best flavors and experiences in Dhaka.
Let me begin with Ginza. I’ve visited this restaurant at two different branches on separate times. The food taste was consistent across both locations which is a great sign of quality. Ginza mainly caters to families or groups, making it an excellent spot for shared dining experiences. The food quality & quantity and ambiance are all commendable and recommend it to anyone looking for a satisfying meal.
Next I recall Yum Cha, the restaurant where I first tried Pan-Asian food. If i’m not wrong, it began with a single branch in Dhanmondi and has since expanded to another location in Banani. While the food is excellent, the biggest challenge I’ve faced with Yum Cha is finding a table. It’s mostly fully booked. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to reserve a table in advance when planning to dine there.
Another great restaurant worth mentioning is Nori which is known for its delightful Pan-Asian dishes. The indoor environment is too cozy, making it an excellent choice for dining with a large group. In addition to the main dishes, Nori offers a variety of soft drinks.
Then I look back at two highly recommended restaurants that serve Pan-Asian cuisine: Hongbao and Mamagocho. While they are not connected to each other both stand out for their stunning decor and cozy, photogenic ambiance. These beautifully designed spaces offer a unique dining experience but their food prices are comparatively higher than others.
In the Mirpur area, I explored three Pan-Asian restaurants: Soya, Segreto and Sky Lounge. Soya and Segreto’s food comes highly recommended though the restaurant itself is relatively small and may not be ideal for large groups. On the other hand, Sky Lounge is a spacious establishment offering various cuisines but I was disappointed with the taste of their Pan-Asian dishes. While both have their merits, Soya stands out for its flavorful offerings.
I haven’t explored many restaurants in Uttara but I did try Dim Sum Town which serves Pan-Asian cuisine. It’s a great spot for small groups of 2 to 5 people. The food’s taste and quantity were satisfying and aligned well with the menu offerings. Additionally, they have a selection of juice varieties to complement the meal.
Lastly, I want to mention three more Pan-Asian restaurants that are particularly popular among students and groups of friends. Satiate located in the old town. The other two, Temp Asia and Kiva Han located in the new town - Banani and Gulshan.
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