Whenever I walk through Hope Market, it reminds me of a personal story. I used to go there for coaching and would often get mesmerised by the street food spread across the many lanes of Mirpur 10.

From light snacks like fuchka, chotpoti, momos, and ice cream to heavier options such as chicken grill, biryani, and kebabs, the area has all the street delicacies that suit a small budget.

Arguably one of the busiest areas of Mirpur, let us take a deep dive into the food options this bustling part of Dhaka has to offer.

Firstly, the road beside Mirpur Girls’ Ideal College is known for its famous fuchka, bhelpuri, and chotpoti. Here, one can expect to spend around Tk 50 to Tk 100 per plate. The most popular item to try is doi fuchka. There are also many fast food options available. This area is predominantly crowded with students from nearby coaching centres and people shopping for the latest fashion.

Moving on to the bustling Lane 19, the streets are lined with all kinds of food stalls and shops such as Cheese Blast, Yoo Momo Mirpur, and Flavings, offering fast food and momos. Apart from these, there are informal tea stalls, all packed with students and locals enjoying lively evenings.

We had an insightful conversation with a crew member from Flavings, one of the emerging food stalls that stands out among its competitors. According to our interviewee, Flavings’ success comes from their “boldness” in introducing new categories such as meat motka and pasta meatbox.

He also added that their experiments are supported by strong social media marketing. Affordability is another factor, with their most expensive item priced at Tk 250, much lower than their premium competitors. Their unique menu, combined with aggressive pricing and a solid digital presence, has enabled them to achieve a monthly growth rate of 5 to 7 percent in a saturated area like Mirpur 10.

Opposite Flavings stands the restaurant Ahar. For those looking for a filling meal, Ahar is another affordable option. It is known for its high-quality biryani and remains quite packed in the evenings.

The menu includes kacchi, morog polao, and tehari. Prices range from Tk 120 to Tk 250, with customers mostly being shoppers in the area or people who work nearby.

Amid all the glitz and variety, the most crowded spots are always the local tongs. It is not just the tea but the time people spend together at these stalls that keeps the area lively.

Alongside traditional milk tea and black tea, flavoured options such as lemon, orange, and tamarind tea are widely available. Recently, with the growing craze for coffee, small cafés have also started to emerge. From cold coffee to premium espresso-based drinks, a variety of options can now be found in these cafés.

No discussion of Mirpur 10’s food scene would be complete without mentioning Rabbani Hotel. An institution beyond the street food culture, it is a staple for locals in Mirpur.

As one moves further towards Avenue 1, the bustling lane features multiple branches of Rabbani, each just a few metres apart. It is striking to see that almost all seats inside these restaurants remain occupied.

Rabbani is known for its tea, priced at Tk 30 per cup. A meal at Rabbani Hotel can cost anywhere between Tk 150 and Tk 400, depending on the items ordered. Customers often share the same remark: “The food was mouthwatering.” From classic Bangla dishes like daal, bhortas, and curry with rice to kebabs, grilled chicken, and its signature handi beef, the menu offers a wide range of options.

Rabbani has a dedicated fanbase that stands firmly by its taste, while some argue that it may be overhyped. Regardless of where one stands, denying Rabbani’s place in Mirpur’s food scene would be unjust.

This area is a prime example of Dhaka’s vibrant culture and a place where diverse food experiences come together. From the nostalgia of local fuchka stalls to the experimental menus of places like Flavings and the legacy dishes of Rabbani, Mirpur 10 offers something for every food enthusiast.