By Rokeya Zaman
With the darkness of the evenings and the unpredictability of the rain, Chittagong is a unique city. It is centered around a picturesque mountain on the backdrops. The ever growing port city of the nation has now adopted the “hang out” culture that entails a trip to popular eateries and restaurants; an activity previously reserved for the affluent, it has evolved to become a leisure activity for the masses.
In the endeavor to progress as a metropolitan city, the Chittagong scene has been introduced to Bardcode Coffee Shop; a quaint café that embodies the Bengali culture for the global citizen. Upon entering, one will hear the classics of Hemanto along with the latest hipster bands from Brooklyn. The tunes alone welcome both locals and foreigners to share a comfortable space together.
The café has been touted as one of the location to find both variety and wallet friendly food. From chicken steak meals, to salad, pastas and shwarmas, it caters to those of all tastes and ages. Satiate your thirst during the incredible meal with the classic mint lemonade, ending the meal experience with a dessert truly worth dying for. Perfecting it all, Barcode has expanded to the Chittagong Independent University (CIU) with the youth noting its distinguished environment and quality meals.
The visionary behind this Chittagong staple is Monjurul Haque. He draws his inspiration from his time in Singapore from 1996 to 2001. Starting with the first location in Halishar, Barcode currently has five locations throughout the city and has recently opened in Dhaka. Monjurul recalls taking the risk of venturing outside of the family business and into the food industry. However, his endeavors have paid off given the success of the café.
Monjurul believed in creating a space that was reminiscent of the spaces in Singapore when he stepped into the unknown business. “I wanted an environment in which customers could enjoy their time with both friends and family. It needed to be a space that had a welcoming interior and a holistic eating experience.” He designed the interiors to attract a younger crowd and enhances this with a musical experience. Monjurul elaborates, “We play Bangla and English music from throughout the decades so everyone can recognize their favorite hits. Furthermore, we arrange musical programs occasionally so that they have an enjoyable space to hang out.” These very elements have attracted diverse group of customers.
Understanding that the food habits of Bangladeshis are changing, Monjurul has hired a professional chef from Dhaka. “With the introduction of fast food, the local customer has become more inclined towards pizzas and burgers. Large franchises have changed the variety of the local palette by introducing them to international foods.”
The port city of Chittagong is a one-kind metropolis for the city. Barcode Café is the lighthouse that is ushering in the trending culture of enjoying a meal in a cozy environment.
