Chef's Table Courtside

   Dhaka is home to about 10.2 million people.  It is crowded and moving from a place to another place takes a minimum a hour on week days.

Adult parents are busy with their respective work but children gets bored.  There are options at home that being :

• NETFLIX Movies using Smart TV
• Cartoons on TV
• Internet

                                               Distance from Gulshan 2

    A distance of 4.9 km and takes 14 minutes from Gulshan. It is advisable to take your own transportation such that it is available throughout the time . The transport has to be booked with a return trip home. 

 Google Maps.

                

In Dhaka, there are several places where you can find a wide range of backpacks and suitcases for your travel needs. Whether you're looking for affordable options or high-quality brands, there's something for everyone in the bustling capital city of Bangladesh.

One popular destination for purchasing backpacks and suitcases is New Market, located in the heart of Dhaka. Here, you'll find a plethora of shops and stalls offering a diverse selection of travel bags in various sizes, styles, and price ranges. From budget-friendly options to premium brands, New Market has it all, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists alike.

Another excellent place to shop for travel gear is Bashundhara City Shopping Mall, one of the largest shopping complexes in South Asia. With multiple floors dedicated to fashion, accessories, and lifestyle products, Bashundhara City Mall boasts a wide range of stores selling backpacks, suitcases, and other travel essentials. You'll find well-known brands alongside local retailers, giving you plenty of options to choose from.

For those seeking high-end luggage brands and designer labels, Gulshan Avenue is the place to be. This upscale neighborhood is home to luxury boutiques and flagship stores offering premium-quality backpacks and suitcases that combine style and functionality. While prices may be higher in Gulshan, you can expect top-notch craftsmanship and durability that will last you for years to come.

If you're on a budget and looking for affordable options, Elephant Road is a must-visit destination. This bustling street is lined with countless shops and vendors selling a wide array of products, including backpacks and suitcases at unbeatable prices. While the quality may vary, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly options to suit your needs.

In conclusion, Dhaka offers a plethora of options for purchasing backpacks and suitcases for travel. Whether you prefer shopping at bustling markets, modern shopping malls, or upscale boutiques, you're sure to find the perfect travel gear to suit your style and budget in the vibrant capital city of Bangladesh.

If you are in real hurry. Try Tripmatebd

                              North End Coffee Roasters Story

 North End Coffee Roasters started in March,2011 officially.  I was working in a German -Joint venture company called Pre-Press Bangladesh. The first time I had met Rick and Monir was somewhere at end of 2010 or early January of 2011. I cannot recall, maybe if I am mistaken let me know.

I asked Monir, at that time I did not know him.  I talked to him since they are just a floor below my office. He told me it was going to be a coffee shop and owner was American.  Monir introduced me to Rick.

I was hopeful and looking forward for the coffee shop. I had my selfish reasons. The reason was that the place Shajadpur was an area known for businesses which provided services to construction work like: rod, and other related materials. This was not place where you would build a restaurant or coffee shop either. Lots of customers advised to move North End to Gulshan or some posh’ areas. But no the North End Team had their ideas.

Working above North End was a time I cherished.  At that time, I was single and lot younger.  The Company I worked for provided Photo retouching services for Ecommerce sites. Well, the beautiful pictures you see in ecommerce sites is not that the product looks really great. But also, fact is the pictures are photoshopped”.  The company from German took pictures from all over Europe. Brands Like Rolls Royce, Otto, Kaufland gave pictures. When you email these companies directly, they do not give you an answer.  Mighty proud maybe, since they want to give to German media houses. Well German media houses outsources to us and we process the pictures.

Companies like:

·         H &M

·         GAP

Are directly working with Bangladesh.    Well, the German company was huge but they did not respect much Bengali People (in my opinion).  I mean when we were doing interior design of the company., the MD told me that he asked his wife:” Can Bangladeshi designers design a kitchen like this?”

Well, he was pleased and surprised.  The MD is supposed to order Aston Martin cars for himself. But he paid extra money (I think millions) to have written on the car: “Made for MD name.”. Let’s call this company Fast M.

Around February 2011, I think.  Rick offered me coffee.  I personally that time did not like coffee. I said:” Rick, why should I drink coffee for 50 BDT? When I don’t like drinking coffee and I love drinking tea. Tea costs 5 Takas (BDT).”  He did not say anything.  Next day he told me “The whole month is free for you”. Oh boy I was working upstairs North End Coffee Roasters and was drinking cappuccino three times a day! It was FREE!  After a month the offer was gone and I paid for the coffee. That is business skills!

I was offered 70 percent discount of the price. The highest I paid at that time as 70 Takas (BDT) in North End.

My boss and colleague would say how would this coffee shop make any business here. I told him coffee was good taste and they might do good.  Some where in March 2011, comes Uwe. A German management official comes from company Fast M, Thailand branch. I took him to North end. I was skeptical since I was no expert in coffee. After he tasted the coffee, I asked his feedback.  He said “This is better than Star Bucks!” Then I knew, this coffee is really good and one day it will become a brand. 

There was a lady and I asked about her. I was told that is Chris, wife of Rick. I talked to and she had a very nice, smiling personality.  Chris was the expert of bakery items. Really good: cinnamon Roll, Brownie and biscuits.

At lunch sometimes getting bored from routine food offered by the company. I wanted a change so I asked Rick :” How about some sandwiches” He told me it will ruin the theme since it is a café. I had given this suggestion to the manager of North End Coffee Roasters. then too. Fast forward several years: Well yes North end menu has:

·         4C Sandwich

·         Roast Beef sandwich

·         The Charles

·         Chilli Milli

The domain registration for indicacollection.com happened whilst working above North End. I had once asked about the origins of the name. he said it was a place in Boston. I had met another gentleman from American Club. His name was George.   Rick introduced me to him, and learnt he is going to give a hotdog restaurant. Later it was known as George’s Café. I have tasted the hotdogs and took a gentleman who was visiting from USA. He loved the café and food. He was surprised Bangladesh had this quality food.

I invited Mr Adam Dawla who was working for Independent Television whom I had met earlier in BGCCI. He loved the coffee at North End Coffee Roasters,

My personal choice of food in North End Coffee Roasters:

·         Cappuccino

·         Cinnamon Roll

·         4C Sandwich

·         Date Bar

·         Moroccan Mint

I visited Tabaq in Jamuna Future Park somewhere in 2014 or something. I met one the owners called Mubarak. The sandwiches were really nice. He asked to coffee and I said why should I buy for 150..when I get a discount plus taste of coffee is really great at North End Coffee Roasters.  He offered complimentary cup of cappuccino and asked my opinion. My onion was that after North End, this was the best. I would certainly place in my list of restaurants.  Well later on I gave a food fbpage called Indica Food

What was so special about North End that it made a difference in Bangladesh?

The answer is good, honest, polite behavior with customers.  This attitude surprised me. The owner greeted all customers who waled in the café. Whether it was owner of Coffee World (who visited occasionally in 2011 to seek advice about coffee.) or it was a poor normal man who just walked in. This was the difference! In Bangladesh, quality restaurant owners rarely talked with customers, unless they were VIP or rich.

In short:

·         Good behavior

·         Good quality food

·         Good decoration

Are they to successful trait  of a restaurant in Bangladesh?

Originally appeared in

Indica Collection 

indicacollection.com

 Faridpur is a district located in Bangladesh.

 It is a  place of history. Many visitors come to Dhaka and then leave. But there is another Bangladesh' which is natural and undiscovered.

Read about the formal introduction to Faridpur.

So what is there to see?

Actually, if you want to have a fresh air and see some natural scenery , relax and want to understand people of Bangladesh and Indian Sub continent. This might be a place to visit.

Faridpur has changed and has become a semi modern city. The thing is every district has a theme  like in  WordPress or Blogger, for example. 

The people in Bangladesh are divided according to districts.  

Faridpur is grouped under Faridpur District.

The people from surroundings area have good ties and communication with each other. The cuisine is similar.

Here are some of the places :

• Gopalgonj
• Faridpur 
• Madaripur

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh is from Goplagonj and hence lot of progress has been made.

Faridpur City

Here are some of the places to visit in the city :

• Moyez Manjil

Famous visitors to Moyez Manjil:

• AK Fazlul Huq
• Netaji Sunash Chandra Bose
• Other personalities.

The land outside Dhaka is quite different ,and little more peaceful sometimes but you need to take a local guide of the area.

Visiting a landlord's Palace or house is an experience.  Earlier we blogged about Itachuna Rajbari , a Landlord's palace in West Bengal.

Here is a blogger ,channel name "Away with the Steiners". Talking about village life in Bangladesh.

(To Be Continued)

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#bangladesh travel safety

 Mahastangarh

Mahasthangarh, located in the Bogra district of Bangladesh, stands as a testament to the rich historical legacy of the region. This ancient archaeological site holds immense significance, both historically and culturally, dating back to the 3rd century BCE during the Maurya Empire.

History:

Mahasthangarh is believed to be the ancient capital of the Pundra Kingdom, mentioned in various ancient texts and inscriptions. According to historical accounts, the site flourished as a prominent urban center under the rule of the Mauryan Empire, particularly during the reign of Emperor Ashoka. The strategic location of Mahasthangarh, situated at the confluence of major trade routes and the Karatoya River, contributed to its economic and political importance.

Archaeological Discoveries:

Excavations at Mahasthangarh have unearthed numerous artifacts, structures, and relics, shedding light on its illustrious past. The site boasts impressive ruins of fortifications, palaces, temples, and other architectural marvels. Among the notable discoveries are the ancient citadel, defensive walls, and the remains of Buddhist monasteries and stupas. Archaeological findings such as pottery, coins, sculptures, and inscriptions provide valuable insights into the cultural, religious, and economic life of ancient Mahasthangarh.

Cultural Significance:

Mahasthangarh holds immense cultural significance as a symbol of Bangladesh's rich heritage and identity. The site serves as a focal point for historians, archaeologists, researchers, and tourists alike, offering a glimpse into the region's glorious past. It serves as a source of national pride and serves as a reminder of the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region.

Tourism and Heritage Conservation:

In recent years, Mahasthangarh has emerged as a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the globe. The site's historical and architectural significance, coupled with its serene surroundings and scenic beauty, make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers. Efforts have been made to preserve and protect Mahasthangarh's heritage through conservation projects, site management initiatives, and educational programs aimed at raising awareness about its importance.

Importance in Bangladesh:

Mahasthangarh holds a special place in the hearts of the Bangladeshi people, symbolizing their ancient roots and cultural heritage. The site serves as a reminder of the country's glorious past and the contributions of its ancestors to civilization. It serves as a source of inspiration and pride, fostering a sense of national identity and unity among the people of Bangladesh.

In conclusion, Mahasthangarh stands as a timeless testament to Bangladesh's rich history and cultural heritage. As one of the oldest archaeological sites in the region, it continues to captivate the imagination of people worldwide, serving as a living link to the past and a symbol of the country's enduring legacy.

It is an archaeological site in Bogra, Bangladesh dating back to 300 BC.

Ancient Capital of Paundravardhanapur.

Mahasthan means in Sanksirit excellent Sanctity.

This place is 11 km from Bogra city.

How to go to Mahasthangarh?

By Bus.

You can take a bus from Gabtoli or Shyamoli

Where to Stay in Mahsthangarh?

• . Northway Motel, 
• Safeway Motel, 
• Motel Castle MH,
•  Century Motel, 
• Hotel Sista, 
• Hotel Akbaria,
•  Redchilis Chinese Restaurant 
• Residential Hotel.

But be careful anyway.

Plan carefully and take necessary precautions when travelling.