Demand for traditional mezbani spice blends is driving a seasonal surge in Chattogram’s mixed spice markets ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, with customers flocking to buy machine-ground and customised spice mixtures used in Eid cooking.
Spice mill-based factories and retail outlets in Bibirhat, Aturar Depot, Hamzarbagh, Baluchara and other areas of the port city are witnessing heavy customer turnout from morning until late at night as households prepare for Eid-ul-Adha, particularly traditional mezbani dishes. During visits to Bibirhat spice shops on Sunday, long queues of buyers were seen waiting to purchase spices.
While some customers opted for ready-made mezbani spice blends, others prepared customised mixtures using chili, coriander, cumin, black pepper and other aromatic spices based on personal preference. Shop workers were seen weighing, packaging and grinding spices simultaneously on machines to manage the rush, while many businesses have also hired additional workers ahead of Eid.
Traders said demand for traditional mixed spices has grown in recent years as consumers seek the authentic rural flavour created through blended grinding of spices. One commonly sold mix contains around 10 ingredients, including coriander, fine cumin, sweet cumin, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, bay leaves, randhuni and nutmeg, and is currently priced at Tk600 per kg.
Demand is also strong for premium “Shahi Masala” prepared for traditional mezban cooking in Chattogram. The coriander-free blend contains 12 ingredients, including fine cumin, sweet cumin, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg, mace, kabab chini, shahi cumin, star anise and black cardamom, and is sold at Tk1,400 per kg due to its premium composition.
Manager of Harin Marka Masala, one of the most established brands in the market, Mohammad Nurul Azim told TIMES of Bangladesh that Alhaj Fazal Ahmed Saudagar started the business in 1968 and “Mezbani Shahi Masala” remains one of the company’s most popular products including 12 ingredients. But the price has remained unchanged for several years despite broader market price increases.
“For 58 years, we have supplied pure, unadulterated spices, sourcing high-quality products directly from importers, which is why customers continue to trust us,” he said.
To manage the Eid rush, the company has introduced a separate sales counter for women customers.
Besides Harin Marka, shops and factories of Horse Marka, Giraffe Marka, Uth (Camel) Marka were also crowded with buyers. These outlets sell mixed spices alongside whole and powdered spices.
Mohammad Iqbal Hossain, proprietor of Horse Marka Spice Products, said “We collect local chilies and turmeric and process them under our own supervision. No adulteration, rice husk or artificial colours are used in our spices.”
Market visits showed Horse Marka mixed spice is selling at Tk450 per kg, while mezbani garam masala is priced at Tk1,200 per kg. Traders said homemakers in particular are increasingly preferring these products due to their perceived purity and absence of artificial ingredients.
Shamsun Nahar, a homemaker from Muradpur, said, “The taste of cooking depends greatly on the quality of spices. I came here to shop for Eid because the machine-ground spices from Bibirhat have a strong aroma and good quality.”
Another customer, Shahazada Chowdhury told TIMES that he has been buying spices from Horse Marka for the past six years. “Many spices in the market contain artificial colours or chemicals, but Horse Marka spices are natural and provide good colour and aroma. I came early to buy extra mezbani and mixed spices for Eid. Prices are also affordable for the quality,” he said.
