Bong Tong: Comfort food with a twist

Dhaka appears to be awash with Pan-Asian 'hidden gems'. With familiar menus and predictable flavours, many restaurants in the metropolis seem visibly at a loss for originality. But do not be disheartened — "Bong Tong" steps in just in time. Located in Dhanmondi, it feels like a breath of fresh air amid the city's widely known yet rather monotonous dining spots.

The charm unfolds the moment you step inside. The interior is cosy and comfortable, bathed in warm yellow lighting, with the nostalgic aroma of familiar Bangla cuisine lingering in the air. Best of all is their eclectic menu: they successfully reintroduce homely, well-loved dishes with a subtle fusion twist.

One of the most delightful touches was the sheet of paper handed to us, covered with games like tic-tac-toe, connect-the-dots and word searches. 

This transformed the usually painful waiting period into a playful, nostalgic experience — reminding us of the pastimes that brightened dull school classes. The dining experience thus became interactive, offering a much-needed break from the usual routine of picture-taking and scrolling while waiting for food.

Chicken Kathi Roll

Accompanied by a mayo dip, the kathi roll hit all the right spots. The chicken was perfectly seasoned, and the porota wrap struck the ideal balance between flaky and delightfully soft. However, the portion of mayo felt a little too small for the price, and the roll itself disappeared within the first few bites. 

With such lovely nuances of Bangla flavours, we would have loved the experience to last a little longer. The kathi rolls are also available in beef and egg.
Price: Tk180

Alu Parata (with Chatni)

Sadly, Bong Tong falls a little short here. While the first bite may evoke fond memories of your mother's cooking, the potato filling is too sparse to let you savour that moment for long. The dish, of course, is comforting, and the complementary tamarind chatni elevates the flavour, but it still fails to reach its full, hearty potential.
Price: Tk160

Chicken Parata Burger

This is, without doubt, the highlight of Bong Tong. A burger with a Bengali twist, it features a juicy chicken patty nestled between two crunchy yet soft paratas. The chef's special sauce — sweet, spicy and creamy — seeps into every layer, binding the flavours together beautifully. 

For red-meat lovers, a beef version is also available, offering the same indulgent experience. This dish manages to be both hearty and comforting while remaining uniquely Bong Tong.

Price:Tk 250

Malai Parata

Remember the sweet evenings of childhood, returning home after playing outside and being handed a plate of nasta? This dish takes you straight back. The crispy parata, drenched in malai and sprinkled with sugar, is sure to transport you to a simpler time. The portion is generous and excellent value for money.

Price: Tk150

Burnt Bun

Can you ever truly go wrong with buns? Here, the smoky, slightly burnt edges only add to their charm. The real star, however, is the malai spread within the pillow-soft interior — simply heavenly. 

The slight bitterness of the charred edges blends seamlessly with the sweetness of the malai, creating a warm, comforting balance. Served sliced in half, the buns are large, filling, and surprisingly satisfying, making them a stand-alone treat.

Price: Tk50

Dudh Cha with Bela Biscuit

Served in a large, steaming mug, the dudh cha is comfort in its purest form. Rich, milky and perfectly spiced, each sip warms you from within. The generous portion allows the aromas of cardamom and tea to linger. It is paired with a crunchy Bela biscuit which, unfortunately, does not quite meet expectations. 

Nevertheless, the dudh cha pairs beautifully with the burnt bun or any of the other snacks. Their 'All Day Snacks' and 'Fried Snacks' items come highly recommended as well — moghlais, shingaras and luchis with dudh cha would make for the perfect evening combination.

Price: Tk90

Doi Shorbot

If you are in the mood for something cooling, skipping the doi shorbot would be a mistake. Thick, creamy and refreshingly cold, it is comparable to mattha — popularly known as buttermilk. 

Made from whisked yoghurt, a touch of sugar and occasionally a hint of salt, it carries a familiar tang balanced by a gentle sweetness. It was exactly what we needed to wash everything down. Served in a large jar, the portion is generous and thoroughly satisfying.

Price: Tk120

Bong Tong's menu extends beyond snacks and desserts, offering hearty meals as well. Their Polao Chicken Korma Dim, Beef Tehari and Letka Khichuri with beef or chicken are crowd favourites — must-tries for anyone wanting to experience the full range of what the restaurant has to offer.