Tu Do: Flavours of Asia, right in the heart of Banani

"Tu Do" means freedom, and the restaurant is all about that. The design is meant to feel open and welcoming, a space where you can truly unwind.

Located in Banani 7, Block F, Tu Do's entrance is hidden behind a heavy iron gate. Walking through it feels like entering a duplex home. But, once you step inside, the space unfolds into a warm, cosy atmosphere, with classic rattan furniture and bamboo lanterns casting a soft, inviting glow. 

The design seems intentionally crafted to make guests feel at home, offering both comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. 

"People often assume we're a fine dining restaurant because we maintain a certain standard in everything we do. However, our goal was always to create a beautiful, memorable experience that remains affordable," says Nuhayr Hafiz, owner and managing director of Tu Do. 

And that vision really comes through. With prices between Tk350 and Tk1,600, you're getting a full, satisfying meal, excellent service, and a beautiful atmosphere; all inspired by the flavours of East and Southeast Asia, without the hefty fine dining bill. 

Tu Do is spread across two levels, doubling as both a cosy café and an elegant restaurant. Downstairs is the relaxed café vibe, while a sweeping staircase takes you up to the main dining area. Each floor has its own menu and service style, giving you two unique but totally harmonious experiences in one location.

Guava Sour Martini 

This drink is a mixture of cardamom, guava, pomegranate, lime, and egg whites. 

Initially, I was a bit sceptical about the idea of egg white in a cocktail, but I was pleasantly surprised by how refreshing it turned out. There was no hint of any eggy smell or taste; just the strong, warm scent of cardamom. The guava and pomegranate gave it a nice sweet-tart balance, while the lime added a fresh, zesty kick. 

Price: Tk 350

Shiitake Mushroom Bruschetta 

I went with one of their vegetarian picks—a toasted baguette loaded with shiitake mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, onions, and a splash of namtok sauce.

On paper, it sounded like a winning combo, but the flavours didn't quite hit the mark for me as the entire balance of the dish felt a bit off.

The rich, earthy mushrooms got a bit lost under the strong punch of basil, onion, and the sauce. It's definitely a flavour-packed dish, but it could use a bit more balance to let the mushrooms take centre stage.

Price: Tk650

Fried Tuna Sushi Roll

The roll was perfectly golden and crisp on the outside, sliced into eight neat, bite-sized pieces. Each packed a tasty mix of tender tuna, smooth avocado, a hint of cream cheese, and a kick of spicy sauce that tied it all together just right. The balance of crunch and creaminess was spot on, with a gentle heat that didn't overwhelm the flavours.

Paired with pickled ginger, wasabi, and soy sauce, it had everything you'd want in a sushi roll. It's comforting, flavourful, and easy to love, even if you're not a huge fan of sushi. 

Price: Tk1600

Beef Bulgogi Bao 

We got two open-style bao buns, served hot in a box—perfectly steamed and generously filled with Korean bulgogi beef.

The buns were incredibly soft, almost melting in your mouth, while the bulgogi beef was tender and packed with just the right amount of spice. The texture of the beef was spot on; not too chewy, just perfectly balanced.

It's a must-try on the menu, and honestly, two pieces didn't quite feel like enough. It's a great combination of softness and flavour that leaves you wanting more.

Price: Tk675

Molten Lava Cake 

We wrapped up our meal on a sweet note with Tudo's lava chocolate cake, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. 

The combination, as always, was heavenly—the contrast of the cold, creamy ice cream against the warm, rich chocolate was comforting and indulgent. In terms of taste, it didn't disappoint at all. 

However, we were hoping for a more dramatic molten centre. While the cake was soft and gooey, it didn't quite deliver the signature chocolatey ooze we were expecting when we sliced into it. A little more lava in the lava cake would've taken it to the next level. 

Price: Tk550