Winter in Bangladesh signifies three things; travelling across the country, badminton tournaments in every neighbourhood, and of course mouth-watering pithas to suit just about every palate. There are at least hundreds of different varieties of pithas. Some are associated with the harvest (Nabanna) in winter while some others are prepared on any grand occasions like weddings, Eid or Puja. Some are crunchy, some steamed and others delightfully soaked in sugar, molasses, milk or date palm syrup. Most of them are sweet, though there are some savoury pithas too for those of you who likes things spicy.

If you’re having a bad day and you need a pick-me-up, Waffle Up is definitely a place you should visit.

Jaggery is a type of unrefined sugar made from palm or sugar cane. It is used extensively in both sweet and savoury dishes across India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. A dash of jaggery when added to vegetables like bitter gourd reduces the bitterness to a great extent. Jaggery is also used in the preparation of cakes, pithas, kheer, etc.

A typical Chakma luncheon is simple but nutritious. Traditionally, from blanched boiled vegetable dishes to herbed less-oily fish, and meat served with a plate of jhum cultivated steamed rice, the food choice of indigenous people of Chittagong Hill Tracts changes every season. We have more than a hundred varieties of seasonal vegetables and fruits that grow around the year all over the hills. From sweet fruits to sour veggies and bitter herbs to spicy chillies, all of the distinctive flavours of the different ingredients are found on our lunch platter.

Mediterranean culture is known for its exquisitely vibrant cuisines that give you a delicious blend of foods made with finely sourced ingredients while making sure the food will be wholesome and healthy. With a view to promoting Italy's food production and gastronomic traditions abroad, an annual themed event called ‘The Week of Italian Cuisine in the World,’ was created in 2016 by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation's Directorate General for Country Promotion.

While of course, you can always enjoy the FIFA Football World Cup matches in the comfort of your own home, there is something to be said about coming together as a community and watching them on screens across restaurants, burger joints, lounges, etc. across Dhaka City. As a rule of thumb, it is safe to assume that almost everywhere with a TV screen will stream matches, however, if you want someplace specific, here are some starting points as well as deals and offers to look out for!

Dissecting the dynamic between dosing off and your favourite dishes.

Kavan, a popular name among multi-cuisine restaurants of Khilgaon, is all set to welcome the foodies of Dhanmondi to its new outlet, Kavan Signature. Located on the 11th floor of Gawsia Twin Peak at Satmasjid Road, Dhanmondi, Kavan Signature has the perfect blend of amazing food, a beautiful interior, and a cosy environment that provides a relaxing experience for its guests.

Each street popular for its food has a story to tell. From the narrow lanes of Old Dhaka, the bustling Taltola or Banani 11, to Uttara — they all have their flavour for us to relish. Each experience is richer than the next one but hands down, it's time to re-discover Mohammadpur's street food this winter, for its warmth and vivacity.

You are what you eat – how true is this statement? Well, whether or not it reflects on us ordinary individuals, for athletes, this directly reflects on their performance. So, what are the top players in the world eating for such power-packed performance on the field?

In the crowd of burgers, pizza, and fried chicken, are we slowly forgetting our traditional Bengali comfort snacks? Let’s bring them back in our lives, no matter what part of the world you live in. After all, Bengali comfort snacks are the most appetizing, most flavourful hands down! We have drawn up a list of the most beloved Bengali comfort snacks. While these snacks are available on the street and in restaurants, they can be quite easily prepared at home, too.

To keep your stomach cool and mind clear here are our few cool recipes. These recipes are not only healthy and will keep your tummy cool for the entirety of the afternoon but will also take literally 10 to 15 minutes to prepare. You can have them on the go or have them at the office. Did we mention that they are pocket-friendly as well?

Teas are a joy, be it chamomile, Earl Grey, Makaibari or just good old deshi milk tea. A light sip of hot black tea with a slight squeeze of lemon or brewed heavily in cardamoms and cloves, or frothy milk tea; it makes you happy and keeps you going. So, with the advent of chilly evenings and misty midnights, go for your favourite warm fuzzy brew to add a little liveliness to your day’s itinerary.

In today’s world, you have to be nothing short of a maverick to create your flavours. Chef Dominic Chapman is one such person who has travelled the world, gaining knowledge and experience to create something magical. Star Lifestyle had a chance to sit down with the Michelin-starred chef and discuss his method and love for preparing food at the British Curry Festival, held at the five-star hotel, InterContinental Dhaka between 21 and 26 October.

The newest food sensation, located in the lively neighborhood of Uttara, Yatai offers a variety of Japanese, Pan Asian and Korean cuisine — all under one roof! Commencing their venture from 17 June, 2022, Yatai has made its mark significantly in the food scene in only three months.

Consuming a balanced diet throughout one's life helps to prevent malnutrition in all of its manifestations, as well as a variety of diseases, illnesses, and other health problems. However, increased processed food production, rising urbanisation, and changing lifestyles have resulted in a shift in dietary trends.

When food videos leave you hungry.

Office lunches are a chore, the novelty of the canteen food dies down when you have the same insipid chicken curry and beef tehari every day. There is no getting around it, and packing your own lunch is the only way to stay on track with your health goals. You can also opt for ready-to-eat box meals, which are now available in Dhaka, but it is preferable if you can pack simple lunches for work. You need a well-balanced meal even for lunch, and it should include lean protein, fibre-rich carbohydrates and vegetables, and healthy fats. Try these simple recipes for next week’s work lunches.

My saudade-home is anchored in the memories of my teenager-into-early-twenties life in Dhaka. Spending my free time sitting with a hot cup of coffee in North End on winter nights, having hour-long addas with friends, playing cards and ludo, or sharing stories with cousins in our drawing room in Old Dhaka.

Food holds a special place in Bengali culture. While we do have our grand dishes, it is the simpler dishes that really steal the show. Not everyone has mastered Bengali cuisine, be it for lack of interest or practice or complexity. And so, the following recipes are just some of the popular dishes that are not only easy to make but also easy on the stomach. Try them out; they will most certainly not disappoint.