The Ultimate Sylheti Food Guide for First-Time Visitors
Sylhet is best known for its scenic tea gardens, rolling green hills, and spiritual sites. But there’s another side to this vibrant region that often goes under the radar: its deeply flavourful and diverse food culture.
Sylheti food celebrates bold spices, unique citrus fruits, earthy dried fish, bamboo cooking fermented rice that packs a punch. It’s rustic, deeply satisfying, and lovingly tied to heritage and local techniques .
Whether you’re a traveller eager to discover new flavours, or someone reconnecting with their roots, Sylhet offers an unforgettable culinary journey. The city has something special for everyone, from bustling street food stalls to cosy home-style eateries and scenic tea gardens. In this guide, we’ll take you through the must-try dishes of Sylhet — from iconic curries and vibrant snacks to sweet treats and vegetarian classics
Traditional Sylheti Dish
1. Panta Bhat with Shutki Bhuna
This traditional dish is a comfort food for many Sylheti families. Panta Bhat is leftover rice soaked overnight in water, resulting in a slightly tangy, fermented flavour. It’s served cold, often with a spicy side like Shutki Bhuna — a dry curry made with pungent dried fish, onions, garlic, and mustard oil. The combination is bold, rustic, and not for the faint-hearted — but locals swear by it.
Why try it? It’s one of the most authentic ways to taste rural Sylhet on a plate — no fancy twist, just honest, old-school flavour.
2. Shatkora Beef Curry
Shatkora is a native citrus fruit grown only in Sylhet. It’s aromatic, slightly bitter, and uniquely tangy to rich meat dishes. In this curry, chunks of tender beef are slow-cooked with shatkora slices, creating a mouth-watering blend of heat, sourness, and spice.
Best enjoyed with: Plain rice or soft parathas.
3. Chunga Pitha
One of Sylhet’s most iconic traditional dishes, Chunga Pitha is made by stuffing sticky rice, coconut, and jaggery into bamboo tubes, which are then roasted over an open flame. The bamboo gives the pitha a distinct smokiness, while the sweet filling melts into a warm.
When to try it: It is Popular during winter festivals, but you can find it in local markets.
4. Seven-Layer Tea (Sat Rong Cha)
An absolute must when visiting Sylhet. This beautiful drink is carefully layered with seven distinct colours and flavours of tea — ranging from sweet, milky layers to dark, bitter ones. It’s a visual treat as much as a flavour experience.
Where to find it: Tea stalls in Jaflong, Srimangal, and sometimes near Ratargul offer the best versions.
Popular Street Foods
Street food in Sylhet is fast, flavourful, and beloved by locals. Whether you’re grabbing a bite on a busy evening or snacking during your tea break, these are the dishes you shouldn’t miss:
1. Singara and Samosa
These deep-fried triangles are crispy on the outside, with savoury fillings inside. Singara typically features spiced potatoes and peas, while samosas may include minced beef or chicken. Add some green chutney, and you’re good to go.
2. Fuchka (Pani Puri)
Crispy hollow shells filled with spicy mashed potatoes, tamarind water, and herbs. Each bite bursts with tangy, spicy, and salty flavours. It’s messy to eat — but totally worth it.
3. Egg Rolls and Paratha Wraps
A common sight on Sylhet’s evening streets, these hot wraps are made with soft parathas rolled up with fried eggs, sauteed onions, cucumber, and spicy sauces. Some versions even include meat kebabs for an extra taste.
Sweet Things to Try
Sylhet’s sweet offerings are just as varied and rich as its savouries.
1. Roshogolla and Chomchom
These Bengali classics are widely available in Sylhet sweet shops. Roshogolla are soft, spongy cheese balls soaked in sugar syrup, while Chomchom has a denser texture and is often coated in grated coconut or mawa.
Best enjoyed after lunch, or bought fresh from a local mishtir dokan (sweet shop).
2. Chanar Payesh
This creamy dessert is made with fresh chana (cottage cheese) simmered in sweetened milk. Flavoured with cardamom and garnished with nuts, it’s a luxurious treat often reserved for festivals and family celebrations.
3. Date Jilapi (Khejur Jilapi)
A Sylheti spin on jalebi. Made with date juice or date molasses, these spiral-shaped sweets are deep-fried and soaked in syrup, offering a deeper, more caramelised taste than the regular version.
Where to try: Local sweet shops, especially during winter.
Where to Eat in Sylhet
You don’t have to wander far to find good food in Sylhet. The city is full of flavourful eateries to family-style restaurants and modern cafes.
- Panshi Restaurant: Famous for their traditional dishes like shatkora beef and fish curries and vortas.
- Woondaal King Kebab: A more upscale option, offering a mix of Indian and Sylheti-style kebabs and curries.
- Kutum Bari: A popular spot for authentic meals in a family-friendly setting.
- Pach Vai Restaurant:vorta is full of bold Sylheti flavour — spicy, smoky, and perfect with rice.Don’t miss their mashed potato, shutki, or begun vorta and many more vortas.
- Grand Sylhet Hotel & Resort:
Grand Sylhet is a luxurious hotel offering elegant rooms, fine dining, and world-class hospitality in the heart of Sylhet — the perfect blend of comfort, sophistication, and local charm.
If you have anything specific you’d like to include (like a spa, conference facilities, proximity to the airport, etc.), check below.
Where to Stay in Sylhet?
If you are looking for a clean, cosy, and affordable place to stay in Sylhet, Grand Sylhet is an excellent choice. Located close to the city’s main spots, Grand Sylhet offers neat rooms, a peaceful environment, and friendly service all at prices that fit a traveller’s budget. Whether you are staying for a short city tour or planning longer trips to places like Ratargul, Jaflong, or Bisnakandi, Grand Sylhet gives you the perfect home base.
For a luxurious and comfortable stay in Sylhet, look no further than the Grand Sylhet Hotel & Resort. This premium hotel offers top-quality facilities that make it the perfect choice for both relaxation and adventure.
Rooftop Pool
Unwind at the rooftop pool and take in breathtaking views of the city. A peaceful retreat to recharge your body and mind after a busy day.
Spa & Wellness Centre
Rebalance your body and mind with our luxurious spa treatments, featuring calming massages and wellness therapies to restore your energy and tranquillity.
Fitness Centre
Stay on track with your fitness goals at our modern gym, followed by a steam or sauna session to relax your muscles.
High-Speed Internet
Stay connected effortlessly with free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, whether for work or leisure.
On-Site Dining Options
Enjoy a variety of dishes at our restaurant, offering everything from local favourites to international cuisine, with something for every taste.
24/7 Room Service
Indulge in delicious meals or snacks, available anytime with our round-the-clock room service for your convenience.
Laundry Service
Keep your clothes fresh with our reliable laundry service, perfect for guests on the go.
Concierge Assistance
Our friendly concierge team is here to help with booking tickets, arranging transport, and suggesting activities to make your stay unforgettable.
Event Spaces
With flexible meeting rooms and modern technology, we cater to both business and special events, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Movie Theater
Enjoy the latest films at our on-site movie theatre, where you can sit back and relax in comfort.
Vegetarian Options in Sylhet
While meat and fish dominate Sylheti cuisine, there’s plenty for vegetarians especially when you tap into rural and seasonal fare.
- Daal with steamed rice: A comforting lentil soup, seasoned with garlic and mustard seeds.
- Mixed vegetable curry (Shobji): Often includes pumpkin, spinach, green beans, and potatoes, cooked with turmeric and green chillies.
- Beguni: Batter-fried eggplant slices that are crispy on the outside and soft inside.
- Daler Bora: Lentil fritters, served hot with chutney or yoghurt-based dips.
- Green Papaya Curry: A mildly spiced, nutritious option available at some home-style restaurants.
Vegetarian dishes are often more common during religious or cultural festivals, and can be specially ordered in most restaurants
Tips for Foodies Visiting Sylhet
To get the most out of your culinary adventure in Sylhet, keep these tips in mind:
- Best times to explore food markets: Early mornings (6–9 AM) for fresh produce and evenings (5–9 PM) for street snacks.
- Drink water: Drink bottled water or boil tap water before use. Also avoid ice cubes from unknown sources.
- Eat locals: Busy stalls usually indicate good hygiene and tasty food.
- Don’t miss seasonal delights: Like mango pickles in summer or bamboo-cooked pitha in winter.
Ask for less spice if you’re not used to heat — Sylheti food can be fiery!
Conclusion
Sylhet is more than a place of beauty and history — it’s a land of stories told through food. From the smoky richness of bamboo-cooked pitha to the citrus punch of shatkora curry and the delicate sweetness of date jilapi, every dish has a tale to tell.
So whether you’re sitting cross-legged at a rural household enjoying panta bhat, or sipping layered tea in a misty hillside café, you’re not just enjoying a meal — you’re experiencing the heart of Sylhet.
Pack your appetite, bring an open mind, and dive fork-first into this flavourful journey. Sylhet is waiting to be tasted.