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COASTAL GASTRONOMY & LOCAL TASTES

The Coastal Kitchen.

Where to have legendary lunch spreads of 30+ bhartas, open-air charcoal seafood fry on the beach at sunset, and candle-lit dining along Marine Drive.

☀️ PART 01 // 12:00 – 16:00

Best Places to Have Lunch in Cox's Bazar

Prices are estimates, last reviewed Oct 2026. Confirm before you pay.

Authentic Bangladeshi coastal meals served with steaming Chinigura rice, hot lentils, and fresh catches brought from morning fishing trawlers.

LEGENDARY FAVORITE

Poushee Restaurant

📍 Jhautola Main Road • Town Center

🍛

The most renowned traditional eatery in Cox's Bazar. Famous for its rotating spread of over 30 freshly prepared bhartas—including Loitta shutki, tiger prawn, roasted eggplant, and tender banana flower.

Must-Try Specialties
Loitta Fry Mezbani Beef Chingri Bharta Coral Curry
Average: ৳350 – ৳600 ($3–$5) Always Packed • Arrive by 1:15 PM
HERITAGE SEAFOOD

Jhaubon Restaurant

📍 Sugandha Point / Kolatoli Road

🐟

Beloved by seafood connoisseurs for homestyle coastal curries, crispy whole Rupchanda fish, and spiced duck bhuna. Known for generous portions and genuine local recipes since the early 1990s.

Must-Try Specialties
Fried Rupchanda Coastal Duck Bhuna Crab Masala Fish Kofta
Average: ৳400 – ৳750 ($3.5–$6) Direct Sugandha Beach Access
CLASSIC CHITTAGONG

Niribili Restaurant

📍 Main Road / Jhautola

🍲

A quiet, authentic culinary institution frequented by locals. Offers rich coastal beef curries, hilsha fish cooked in mustard paste (Shorishe Ilish), and freshly crushed dry fish bhartas.

Must-Try Specialties
Shorishe Ilish Churi Shutki Traditional Dal Beef Kala Bhuna
Average: ৳300 – ৳550 ($2.5–$4.5) Peaceful family seating
🌙 PART 02 // 17:30 – 23:00

Best Places to Have Dinner in Cox's Bazar

Prices are estimates, last reviewed Oct 2026. Confirm before you pay.

From smoky live open-air fish fry markets on Sugandha beach to candle-lit oceanfront cabanas along Marine Drive.

BEACHFRONT LIVE FRY

Sugandha Live Fish Fry

📍 Directly on Sugandha Beach

As dusk falls, dozens of stalls light up along the sands. Choose your own raw tuna, squid, crab, coral, or lobster on ice, negotiate the rate, and have it grilled over live coals right before your eyes.

✨ Tip: Agree on the price per piece before cooking!
Avg: ৳400–৳1,000 Open till 11:30 PM
ROMANTIC COASTAL

Mermaid Beach Cafe

📍 Pechar Dwip • Marine Drive

Internationally renowned eco-chic beach retreat. Enjoy candlelit bamboo tables set on private sands, wood-fired seafood platters, fresh juices, and ocean breezes under the stars.

✨ Signature: Jumbo Grilled Prawns & Mocktails
Avg: ৳1,200–৳2,500 Reserve Sunset Table
BIRYANI & TANDOOR

Handi Restaurant

📍 Kolatoli Circle • Hotel Motel Zone

The top spot for rich Mughlai and Hyderabadi Dum Biryani, chicken reshmi kebabs, and garlic naan. Ideal when you crave hearty, non-seafood comfort food after a long day in the waves.

✨ Signature: Handi Dum Biryani & Boti Kebab
Avg: ৳450–৳850 Great for Families
ARTISAN COFFEE & GRILL

Salt Bistro & Cafe

📍 Kolatoli Beach Road

Chic European-inspired bistro offering specialty single-origin coffees, pasta marinara, coastal chicken steaks, and decadent cheesecakes with unobstructed sunset balcony views.

✨ Signature: Seafood Pasta & Sunset Cold Brew
Avg: ৳600–৳1,100 Sunset Balcony Seating
FOOD BUCKET LIST

10 Signature Dishes You Must Taste

Do not leave Cox's Bazar without sampling these authentic coastal delicacies prepared with generations-old Bay of Bengal recipes.

🐟

Crispy Loitta Fry

Soft, melt-in-mouth Bombay duck fish coated in a crispy turmeric and garlic batter.

🐠

Whole Rupchanda Fry

Silver pomfret scored with knife slits, spiced with coastal red chilies and shallow-fried golden.

🍲

Koral Fish Curry

Barramundi (Coral) steaks slow-simmered in thick tomato, onion, and cumin coastal gravy.

🦀

Spicy Crab Bhuna

Fresh sea crabs cooked with crushed green chilies, coriander, and coastal garam masala.

🥣

Loitta Shutki Bharta

Sun-dried fish roasted, shredded, and mashed with roasted garlic, onions, and mustard oil.

🥩

Chittagong Mezbani Beef

Tender beef braised with mustard seeds, fenugreek, and aromatic spices in giant copper pots.

🦆

Coastal Duck Bhuna

Haasher Mangsho simmered with thick coconut paste and peppercorns—rich, warming, and hearty.

🍜

Rakhine Rice Noodles

Handmade rice vermicelli tossed with crushed peanuts, fish flakes, and fresh mountain herbs.

🍃

Moheshkhali Sweet Paan

Famed aromatic betel leaves grown on Mainak Hill, wrapped with fragrant sweet spices and betel nuts.

🥥

Beach Green Coconut

Sweet, mineral-rich local coconut water sliced open fresh directly beside the rolling surf.

INSIDER GUIDANCE

Tips for Eating Well & Safely in Cox's Bazar

1. Selecting Fresh Fish

When picking fish at Sugandha live stalls, ensure the eyes are crystal clear (not cloudy), the flesh springs back when pressed, and the gills underneath are bright crimson.

2. Clarifying Spice Levels

Coastal curries and bhartas can be fiery hot. If you prefer milder food, tell your server clearly: "Jhaal kom deben" (Please make it less spicy).

3. Transparent Billing

Traditional rice restaurants charge separately for rice, lentils, and each plate of bharta (৳30–৳60 each). At beach fry stalls, confirm the total cooking fee before frying starts.