Banglar Voj: Flavours of Bangladesh, all in one place

Banani field has been full of life this past weekend as tons of  people came together to celebrate food from different parts of Bangladesh.

The air is filled with the mouthwatering smells of sizzling kebabs, fresh pithas, and all kinds of traditional dishes, making it tough to decide what to try first from so many options. Families are seen strolling from one stall to the next, with kids eagerly tugging their parents toward the next new treat they've spotted. 

This grand celebration of Bangladesh's rich culinary heritage titled 'Banglar Voj' has been taking place from 6th February and will run till later tonight. 

On the second day, a special event called "Chef Shommelon" (Chef meet) brought together renowned chefs and distinguished guests. Among them was Farida Akter, advisor to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, who described chefs as "artistes", each infusing their unique creativity into every dish. She emphasised the need to preserve regional cuisines, warning that younger generations are losing touch with traditional flavors. 

"Every district in Bangladesh has beloved dishes passed down through generations, yet today's children are unfamiliar with them," she noted. She advocated for similar events across the country to reconnect youth with their culinary heritage. Additionally, she encouraged exposing children to both local and international foods, fostering a broader appreciation for diverse flavors.

The event also recognised eight chefs currently working at some of the most prestigious five-star restaurants in Bangladesh, celebrating their contributions to the industry. As visitors explored the festival, they were greeted with an array of food stalls showcasing specialities from different regions. From aromatic kebabs to an assortment of pithas, the stalls offered a glimpse into the country's rich culinary traditions.

Farah, a stall owner at the event selling different kinds of pithas and snacks, shared that the first day was relatively slow compared to the second day. However, she mentioned that it was still not as per her satisfaction, but she remains hopeful that it will get better as the event continues.

Several well-known stalls were featured at the festival, including 'Raja Cha.' Visitors not only enjoyed its distinctive tea but also had the chance to hear the inspiring story of its owner. 

Widely recognised as "Raja Mama," his real name is Azharuddin Raja. In 2018, he started his tea business with just Tk3,000, operating from a small van near Dhaka's airport railway station. From these modest beginnings, he has successfully expanded his venture, now employing around 72 people.

Raja Mama's tea is unique, crafted in a traditional Deshi style influenced by Turkish sand coffee, known as 'Balu Cha.' He learned this technique in Dubai, using sand to brew tea. The key to its rich flavour lies in the preparation process—milk is kept boiling throughout the day. When tea liquor is poured over it, the flavours deepen, resulting in a rich and memorable taste that captivates tea enthusiasts.

Wasiudin Al Mashud, director of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Skills Council, spoke about the vision behind the event. He said, "We wanted to create a space where people could unite over their love for food. This is an opportunity for children to learn about dishes from different districts and expand their taste preferences."

"Many traditional foods are slowly disappearing due to the popularity of international cuisines, but these dishes are part of our culture and heritage. It is our responsibility to keep them alive and introduce them to the next generation," he continued.

Alongside traditional delicacies, there were stalls selling more popular foods, particularly appealing to children, offering items such as salad bars, churros, popcorn, and other snacks. 

The festival not only showcased Bangladesh's diverse cuisine but also encouraged families to come together and appreciate the country's rich food culture. People gathered with their families and friends, and the entire place was filled with food, uniting them.