Blue Salt: A cosy multicuisine spot in Gulshan

Hidden away in a quiet corner of Gulshan, Blue Salt looks more like a charming home than a restaurant, and its modest sign might be easy to miss. But those who find it discover a cosy, welcoming space that feels like a breath of fresh air. The menu also offers comforting dishes inspired by flavours from around the world.

Located on Gulshan-2, Road 113/A near Shahbuddin Medical College, the restaurant opened its doors in July 2021. The setting is intentionally kept simple, cosy and laid-back, much like the food it serves.

Blue Salt's menu takes a multicuisine approach, offering a variety of dishes to suit different palates. "Most places serve similar kinds of food," said Safaat Nabil, Managing Partner of Blue Salt. "We wanted to introduce something that stands out."

The menu brings together comforting dishes from many countries, featuring favourites like pho from Vietnam, poutine from Canada, chicky bowls, and rice plates, along with nostalgic drinks like Milo.

Safaat says the goal was to design the menu in a way that would appeal to different kinds of diners. With meals priced between Tk150 and Tk500 per person, the restaurant offers value without cutting corners on flavour or portion size.

However, the location does come with its challenges. Apart from being quite literally hidden, the restaurant has limited indoor seating. To avoid waiting, it's best to make a reservation before you visit. That said, the team is already working on plans to expand and make the space more accessible to a larger crowd.

To see if the food lives up to its growing reputation, The Business Standard paid a visit and sampled a few dishes from the menu.

Poutine

This comforting dish is done right with crispy fries smothered in savoury gravy and topped with melted cheese, creating a rich and satisfying mix of flavours and textures.

Be sure to enjoy this dish as soon as it is served because if it sits too long, the fries soften and lose their crispiness under the gravy, changing the texture and overall taste. The flavours still hold up, but you miss that initial contrast that makes the dish work.

However, the portion size may feel a little underwhelming compared to the price, especially if you are expecting something more filling.

Price: Tk345

Iced Milo

This nostalgic chocolatey malt drink hits just the right spot. It is smooth, chocolatey, and refreshingly cool, perfect for cooling down on a warm day.

The malted flavour is familiar and comforting without being overpowering. What's nice is that you can ask to adjust the sweetness, so it is easy to tailor it to your taste. It is a simple yet delightful drink that pairs well with a variety of dishes from the menu and keeps you coming back for more.

Price: Tk150

Pad Thai

The Pad Thai quickly became a favourite and, in our opinion, stands out as one of the best dishes on the menu. It comes in three options—chicken, beef, and prawn, with prices adjusted accordingly. We went with the prawn, and it was served beautifully with all the usual accompaniments: crushed peanuts, chilli flakes, and a wedge of lime on the side, giving diners the chance to balance flavours to their liking.

While it may not mirror the exact taste of traditional Pad Thai, it caters well to local palates with a slightly spicy kick and bold, well-rounded flavours. The noodles were cooked just right, the prawns were fresh and juicy, and the overall balance of spicy, salty, and tangy made it an enjoyable dish. The portion is filling enough for one person, and for those looking to try something flavourful and comforting, this is easily a must-try.

Price: Tk330

Pho

We were excited to see pho on the menu, especially since it is still a rare find in most restaurants here. Naturally, we had high hopes. What arrived was a warm bowl of Vietnamese soup, light and mild, with thin rice noodles and slices of meat in a clear broth. For someone looking for a very simple, soothing meal, it might do the trick.

But for us, the flavours didn't quite come together. The broth felt a bit too salty and lacked the depth and balance that pho is known for. It leaned more toward bland than fragrant, and could have really benefited from a dash of lime or some fresh herbs to brighten things up. 

With a few tweaks, it has potential, but for now, it feels like a dish that's still finding its footing.

Price: Tk400

Lemon cream fillet

Lemon cream fillet was another dish we genuinely enjoyed from the menu. At first glance, the portion might seem a bit underwhelming, but once you start eating, you will realise it is quite filling.

The chicken fillet is tender and cooked just right, generously coated in a delicate lemon-garlic cream sauce that offers a pleasant citrus tang balanced by rich creaminess. The flavours are subtle yet well-rounded, making the dish approachable for those who prefer something light and non-spicy. 

It is an excellent option if you are not a fan of rice but still want a meal that leaves you feeling comfortably full without being heavy.

Price: Tk420