Sehri sales drops in restaurants this Ramadan

Sehri parties, which have been gaining popularity over the past few years, are seeing a decline in sales at restaurants this Ramadan. While many restaurants have made preparations for sehri, the turnout has not matched last year's levels.

According to restaurant owners, concerns over muggings in Dhaka, along with the overall situation in the country, have led many people to avoid going out late at night for sehri.

Imran Hasan, secretary general of the Bangladesh Restaurant Owners Association, told The Business Standard, "Our sales have dropped a lot. Due to the current situation, people are not willing to go out late at night unless they really need to.

"The worsening law and order, along with financial difficulties faced by customers, has led to lower sales. At the same time, we still have to pay our employees, which is causing us losses."

He added, "Sehri used to feel like a festival, with groups of people going out together. This year, that's happening much less. Only 10% of customers have shown up compared to last year. However, wealthy individuals are an exception – they have their own cars and continue to visit five-star hotels for sehri, where sales have likely remained steady."

Star Kabab & Restaurant, a popular spot for iftar and sehri, has seen a decline in sehri customers. Mir Akter Uddin Dulal, the owner of the Dhanmondi branch, said, "The situation for Sehri is not good. Sales have dropped by almost 50% compared to last year."

However, reports from five-star hotels indicate that sehri sales have remained stable. Le Méridien Dhaka, which has organised a month-long special buffet for both iftar and sehri, has received a positive response.

A representative from Le Méridien said, "We are receiving a very good response for sehri. Many guests are coming with their families to enjoy sehri. Sales are similar to last Ramadan. On holidays, many are organising sehri parties, with advance bookings in place."

Le Méridien Dhaka is offering special discounts for their iftar and sehri events. The buffet iftar and dinner costs Tk11,500 per person, the buffet sehri costs Tk8,500 per person, and iftar boxes are priced at Tk8,500 per box. Additionally, certain bank cardholders can avail an exclusive offer—buy one, get three free.

At Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, guests can enjoy a range of traditional Egyptian and Middle Eastern iftar and sehri options.

Despite the decline in sehri sales, the iftar market remains vibrant. Business owners in areas like Kallyanpur, Dhanmondi, and Old Dhaka reported a thriving iftar market.

Mir Akter, owner of the Star Kabab Dhanmondi branch, said, "The iftar market is bustling, and our sales are doing well. This year, our sales are just as strong as last year."

Bailey Road, a well-known destination for food, has seen a lively iftar market this year. Following a fire that disrupted the market last year, stalls offering various iftar items are once again thriving.

In Chawkbazar and nearby areas, iftar stalls have been set up daily since the start of Ramadan, with special items like "Boro Baper Polay Khay" and Sutki Kebab drawing customers.

Wali Ullah, a sales employee at Muslim Hotel & Restaurant, shared, "The iftar arrangements here sell out every day."

Mohammad Fahim, a customer at the restaurant, said, "I bought potato chop and Beguni for Tk10 each. The price is the same as last year. Even though the price of potatoes has dropped, they didn't lower the price of the potato chop.