Dhaka Dhining - Sylhet Dhivision

For those of you who are contemplating a Sylhet side trip during your next visit to Bangladesh, my recent investigative assignment to that area turned up some decent restaurant choices. The trip to Sylhet was about 5 hours by car, interrupted only by a rest stop at the aptly named “Highway Inn Limited”. Although hot meals were available, we were in a hurry, so I limited myself to the pistachio and cherry garnished chocolate tart (pictured above), a steal at only 20 taka. The accompanying cup of tea was hot and sweet, and the bathrooms, cleaner than most. To find our first night’s dining location, I asked a random office supplies store employee for a recommendation. He directed us to the Hotel Supreme, home of the enticingly named Exotica Restaurant. The Exotica’s menu departed from the traditional Thai/Chinese/Indian/Continental fare I have come to know and love, instead offering Bengali/Chinese/Indian/Continental. I opted for the Indian thali plate, which contained various fried vegetables and greens, along with dal and paratha. My colleague, Joe, opted for the Chinese vegetable noodles. Sliced cucumbers, lime and chili peppers completed the meal. Dinner for the two of us, including a big bottle of water, VAT and tip, came to $5.88.

The second night we went across the street, where there were two restaurants side by side, both of which shared the same menu and kitchen. The Thai Chine was a sleek, well lit restaurant with a contemporary decor, and the other was the one we ate in. We were the only customers in the place, never a good sign, and the five waiters hovered around us while we perused the menu. I went for the vegetables with onions and dal makhani, while Joe went for the shrimp and chicken fried rice. The moment the food was set before us, the power cut out. The resourceful staff collectively whipped out their flip phones and we dined to the soft blue light of the miniature LCD screens. Portions were ridiculously large and tasted good enough. Dinner for the two of us, including a really big bottle of water, VAT and tip, came to $8.82.

We had breakfast both days in the hotel restaurant, Dinette. Breakfast came with the room, so what can you say. I had the fried potatoes with cauliflower and paratha. Fried eggs were also available.

Other than eating and sleeping, I didn’t actually spend much time in Sylhet city. The rest of my time was spent in the countryside - Fenchugonj, Beanibajar and Kuluara. For those who are interested, pictures of Sylhet from Aleta’s trip can be found in the Sep. 13, 2008 entry. lk