The Beginning: Tea Stalls and Addas
Before cafés became a trend in Bangladesh, the most common place for social gatherings was the local tea stall, known as ‘tong.’ These small roadside stalls have been an integral part of Bangladeshi culture for decades, serving hot cups of tea, biscuits, and simple snacks. People from all walks of life—students, rickshaw pullers, office workers—gathered around these stalls to engage in discussions ranging from politics to cricket.
Tea stalls acted as the informal social hubs of Bangladesh. Unlike the modern café culture, which is often associated with aesthetics and premium coffee, tea stalls were raw, affordable, and accessible to everyone. The idea of gathering for a cup of tea, known as ‘adda,’ has always been a core part of Bangladeshi life, setting the foundation for the café culture we see today.
The Introduction of Coffee Culture
The introduction of cafés as we know them today started in the early 2000s. With globalization and increased international exposure, young Bangladeshis, especially those who had traveled abroad, began to appreciate the café culture that was flourishing in Western countries. Coffee, which had always been a secondary choice to tea in Bangladesh, started gaining popularity.
One of the first modern cafés in Dhaka was North End Coffee Roasters, founded in 2011. It focused on high-quality, locally roasted coffee, which was a new experience for many Bangladeshi consumers. Before this, most people associated coffee with instant brands like Nescafé. North End, along with other early entrants like Crimson Cup, helped introduce espresso-based beverages like lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos to a new audience.
The Rise of Local Cafés
By the mid-2010s, café culture in Bangladesh had taken off. Local entrepreneurs recognized the growing demand for trendy, comfortable spaces where young people could socialize, work, and enjoy high-quality coffee and snacks. This led to the rise of numerous local café brands that blended international trends with local flavors.
Tabaq Café is one such example that quickly gained popularity. Established with the vision of providing high-quality coffee and a cozy environment, Tabaq became a favorite among students and professionals alike. The café’s aesthetic appeal, combined with its well-crafted coffee and snacks, helped it establish itself as a go-to spot for social gatherings and work meetings.
Another popular name in this space is Emerald Bakery & Café, which combined the café experience with a selection of baked goods. This café became a popular choice for those who wanted a combination of fresh pastries and coffee, offering a European-inspired café experience with a local touch. Its cozy ambiance and delicious treats made it a standout in Bangladesh’s growing café scene.
The Impact of Social Media on Café Culture
The explosion of social media, particularly Instagram and Facebook, played a huge role in the rise of café culture in Bangladesh. Cafés began designing their interiors with aesthetics in mind, ensuring that their spaces were ‘Instagram-worthy.’ A well-lit café with beautifully presented food and drinks could go viral overnight, attracting hundreds of new customers.
Young entrepreneurs quickly realized that customers were looking for more than just good coffee—they wanted an experience. This led to the rise of themed cafés, unique interior designs, and experimental beverages that were crafted as much for visual appeal as for taste. From floral-themed cafés to those with industrial and rustic designs, café owners started innovating to attract social media-savvy customers.
The Shift from International to Local Brands
While international chains like Starbucks have not yet officially entered Bangladesh, many local brands have successfully filled the gap. Brands like Tabaq, North End, and Butlers Chocolate Café have set a high standard, proving that homegrown businesses can compete with global brands.
Additionally, local coffee roasters have emerged, focusing on Bangladeshi-grown coffee beans from the Chittagong Hill Tracts. This has added a unique, homegrown element to the café scene, giving Bangladesh a chance to develop its own coffee identity rather than just importing international flavors.
Cafés as Workspaces and Community Hubs
In recent years, cafés have also become popular as workspaces, particularly for freelancers, remote workers, and students. Many cafés offer free Wi-Fi and a comfortable ambiance, making them an alternative to traditional offices and libraries. The rise of co-working spaces in Dhaka and other major cities has further encouraged this trend, with cafés catering to professionals who prefer a relaxed working environment.
Beyond work, cafés have become community hubs where events, open mic nights, and small concerts take place. This has helped build a stronger sense of community and creativity, making cafés more than just places to grab a coffee.
The Future of Café Culture in Bangladesh
Looking ahead, the café industry in Bangladesh is expected to grow even further. With an increasing number of young consumers looking for premium experiences, café owners are continuously innovating to stay relevant. More locally sourced coffee, sustainable practices, and fusion menus combining traditional Bangladeshi snacks with international café items are likely to shape the future of the industry.
Additionally, the demand for specialty coffee is rising, with more customers becoming aware of different brewing methods, bean origins, and flavor profiles. This could lead to an even more diverse coffee culture in the coming years.
Conclusion
The café evolution in Bangladesh has been remarkable. What started as humble tea stalls has transformed into a thriving café culture that blends global trends with local traditions. With brands like Tabaq Café and Emerald Bakery & Café leading the way, the future looks promising for coffee lovers in Bangladesh. Whether it’s for socializing, working, or simply enjoying a good cup of coffee, cafés have firmly established themselves as an essential part of urban life in the country.
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