Cox’s Bazar is one of Bangladesh’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its long beach, fresh seafood and scenic surroundings. Visiting popular restaurants such as Kashundi has long been part of the experience for many people, with a live music session at night. But over the past few years, there has been something else to look forward to during a trip to the coastal town: its growing number of cafés.
In Dhaka, cafés have become a regular part of everyday life. In some neighbourhoods, it is not unusual to find ten or more cafés within the same area. People visit them for business meetings, networking, catching up with friends, or simply spending some time alone over a cup of cappuccino or hot chocolate. Cheesecakes, tarts and other desserts have also become familiar choices. In Cox’s Bazar, however, finding the same variety of café experiences was not always easy. That seems to be changing.
Places such as Sugar and Sweetopia have brought more of this café experience to Cox’s Bazar, with modern interiors and menus offering a variety of drinks and desserts. Their locations and comfortable surroundings make them very picturesque and friendly to different kinds of visitors, from book lovers looking for a quiet place to those who enjoy exploring new cafés. For people who enjoy café hopping, these places offer something different to include in a trip that would traditionally revolve around the beach and local food.
Cafés are also becoming part of the plans of younger travellers. University students often visit Cox’s Bazar with friends during semester breaks, and exploring cafés has become another activity alongside visiting the beach and trying local food. A quick look at social media during holiday periods often reveals groups of friends sharing their café visits alongside their usual travel photographs.
During a visit to Cox’s Bazar with my cousins last year, I explored a café and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of its desserts. They were just as enjoyable as the ones I would usually look for in Dhaka. For someone who loves desserts and exploring cafés, finding that experience in Cox’s Bazar was a welcome addition to the trip.
As more cafés become available, both tourists and local residents have more options when deciding where to spend their time. Visitors can still enjoy the beach, fresh seafood and the town’s familiar attractions, but they can also explore cafés without having to miss out on the desserts and drinks they might usually look for in Dhaka. Café hopping is becoming another part of the Cox’s Bazar experience, giving people more ways to enjoy a holiday beyond the beach.
