Late-night cravings? Uncle Bobo’s got you covered till 4 am

Dhaka's grab-and-go family just welcomed a new member, Uncle Bobo's!

Situated in Banani, they bring the flavours of Taiwanese-inspired, oversized fried chicken, the first of its kind in Bangladesh. Much like their seasoning, their interior is filled with bold and vibrant colours.

They proudly feature a mascot, ensuring they stand out even on busy evenings. Uncle Bobo's arrived here with an attempt to shift Dhakaites' familiarity with local flavours and inadequate sizes in their fried chicken. At the same time, the eatery offers a broad selection of meals: French fries, fried rice, chicken wings, and exciting options for drinks. The best part about them is their late-night hours.

They are open till 4 AM, transforming into a dreamland for night owls or anyone craving a delightful midnight snack. This phenomenon is all the rage globally, and Uncle Bobo's is bringing a taste of that to the country for the first time.

Want to know what's worth ordering? We've got you covered with our favourite picks from the menu!

XXL Fried Chicken

Their crunchy and juicy chicken is undeniably their magnum opus. As the name suggests, their 'extra large' size is what sets it in a league of its own. This signature item comes in four bold flavours, two of which were our favourites: Five Spices and Smokey Lime. They were highly recommended favourites by the staff.

Five Spice stays true to its name — it is generously coated with a blend of five succulent spices that perfectly complement the golden crust. However, if you want a tangier burst of flavours to your palate, Smokey Lime is just for you. The refreshing taste of lime is a rather pleasant surprise. It enhances the spicy and crunchy coating, and believe us, the taste will linger long after you have devoured it. On top of that, Herb & Spices and Chilli are also waiting to wow your taste buds.

The seasoning on these cutlets may feel a little overpowering. Hence, it is best to try them with the complimentary garlic mayo to balance the heat.

Price: Tk 290

The Bobo Bowls

Interestingly enough, Uncle Bobo's does not limit itself to fried chicken. Their menu also includes Bobo Bowls — popcorn chicken over a bed of rice or fries — available in two robust sauces. If you like a fiery explosion of flavours, then Taiwanese hot sauce is your best friend.

The Taiwanese barbecue sauce, on the other hand, is sweet and savoury, almost like a warm hug after a tiresome day. Both meals are topped with fried garlic and spring onions, and sesame seeds and peanuts, respectively, making these a mouthwatering combination. The hearty portions make these an ideal choice for lunch, too.

Price: Tk 360

Sandwich

Imagine a big, fat fried chicken stacked between bread, lightly toasted on butter, with creamy slaw and special sauce – this is Bobo's legendary sandwich. Unlike the fried chicken itself, the seasoning here is rather subtle, and the combination is a match made in heaven. It is instantly gratifying, absolutely perfect for a quick bite, and a true bargain. Needless to say, this is an underrated gem of their menu.

Price: Tk 320

Drinks

Any meal would be incomplete without something refreshing to gulp it down. Uncle Bobo's has two unique options: Mango Soda and Guava Pop. Containing a chewy surprise, nata jelly, these beverages are fruity, fizzy, and effervescent. Whether it is boldly spiced chicken or the heavy rice meals, the exotic thirst quenchers are a must-try.

Price: Tk 150

Customers can also opt for their chicken wings with their choice of signature sauce. The wings are served in sets of 4, 8, and 12 with a complimentary dip on the side, ranging from Tk280, Tk560, and Tk840, respectively. Other alternatives include fried rice, coleslaw, and much more.

As it happens, Uncle Bobo's is not the only destination for foodies — Minis Dutch Pancakes is right next door! This further solidifies the convenience for customers; they can get the best of both sweet and savoury worlds without having to travel at all. It is as if they were made for each other!

In a city full of repetitive and largely predictable street food options, Uncle Bobo's feels like a breath of fresh air. The novelty of Taiwanese street food is vicariously lived through their streamlined seating arrangement. However, it is important to note that Dhaka is visibly more comfortable with traditional sit-down restaurants.

It might, therefore, be challenging for the restaurant to lure people in. Despite that, we saw people improvise and sit on the pavement to enjoy their meals. Thus, Uncle Bobo's is a glaring example of how good food will draw people in, regardless of the restaurant's setting.

Final call: Do not miss it if you are a foodie like us!