Bookstore cafes have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for book lovers and coffee aficionados. Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, is home to several bookstore cafes that are worth exploring.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the top five book cafes in Dhaka that are must-visits for any book lover.
What is a book cafe?
A place that combines a cafe with a bookshop is called a bookstore cafe. A customer at these shops has the option to read a book or explore books while sipping coffee or tea. They often have a restful atmosphere, for people to enjoy a lazy afternoon with a good book & hot beverage.
The basic idea behind a book-reading cafe is simple: customers browse the books and settle in with a cup of coffee or tea to read. Depending on the cafe, the books may be available for purchase, loan, or both.
Some bookstore cafes also host events like book clubs, author readings, or writing workshops, providing a space for book lovers to come together and share their passion for literature.
Best bookstore cafes to explore
Get ready to explore the best book cafes in Dhaka, let’s see which one gets your attention.
1. Bengal Boi
In Dhaka, Bangladesh, Bengal Boi is a well-known bookstore cafe and hangout place that promotes reading among people of all ages. It’s a cozy cafe that serves books and magazines for all classes of readers along with tea.
Additionally, they also offer fast food items for the readers, and host programs and activities to promote a love of reading. They support upcoming writers by promoting their books & featuring them via different events.
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Bengal Boi’s Peaceful & inviting environment, enhanced by its natural surroundings, offers the ideal place for relaxing alone or spending time with loved ones. This place is well organized to capture memorable moments. It has a stunning garden which has a lovely combination of books and nature. In a word, it’s a perfect place to appreciate the beauty of literature & nature.
- Facebook page link: https://web.facebook.com/Bengalboidhaka
- Location: House 42. Road 27. Sheikh Kamal Sarani. Dhanmondi. Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Best for: Clicking photos & enjoying nature
- Contact info: 01844-050676
- Website link: www.bengalboi.com
- Open hours: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Open 7 days a week)
- Rating: 4.4 (7,411 Reviews)
2. Boi Chottor
Boi-Chottor is a charming bookstore cafe located in Shyamoli, Dhaka. It is a unique library, that provides a wide range of imported original books. They offer different services, including dine-in, outdoor seating, curbside pickup, and in-store pickup. They do book home delivery all over the country as well.
Customers can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while browsing the shelves, and there are plenty of comfortable seating areas for reading and studying.
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It provides a range of coffee beverages, teas, and snacks, as well as spaces for children to read books and browse. Also, they provide other discounts on occasion.
- Facebook page link: https://web.facebook.com/boichottor
- Location: 22/19, Khilji Road, Shyamoli, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Best for: Reading books
- Contact info: 01601-652233
- Website link: www.boichottor.com
- Open hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Open 7 days a week)
- Rating: 5.0 (19 Reviews)
- Offers: Free wifi
3. PBS
Explore paradise for book lovers at PBS – the first chain bookstore cafe in Bangladesh, located near Shantnagar, Dhaka. It began its journey in 2010. This bookstore cafe carries books on fields such as world literature, science, philosophy, sociology, history, economics, politics, law, and religion for readers of all educational levels and interests. They also provide books and materials for A-level.
Available from: URL [6 December 2022]
Parents will adore this location because, there is a separate children’s section and play zone, where there’s a variety of children’s books and art materials. Here, children can have a vast collection of the world’s best children’s literature, including fairy tales, comics, and science fiction.
- Facebook page link: https://www.facebook.com/pbs.com.bd
- Location: 43 Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Sarak (Old 16 Shantinagar), Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Best for: Children-friendly environment
- Contact info: 01313-770770
- Website link: https://www.pbs.com.bd/
- Open hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Open 7 days a week)
4. The Reading Café Dhanmondi
The Reading Café is a unique destination for book lovers in Bangladesh. They have been an importer, supplier, and retailer of international books in various genres. One can enjoy their impressive selection of books in a cozy setting while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea.
Available from: URL [20 March 2023]
This place was established in 2014, but it has already established itself as a destination for book lovers who are looking for something special & different. It offers a range of coffee beverages, teas, and snacks and organizes frequent book parties and other literary activities. Moreover, customers get discounts on special occasions.
- Facebook page link: https://www.facebook.com/readingcafebangladesh
- Location: 32/1 Khan Plaza, 2nd floor, Mirpur Road, Opposite TTC College, Dhanmondi, Science Laboratory, Beside Preyanggon Shopping Mall. Dhaka- 1205, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Best for: Exploring books & getting relaxation
- Contact info: 01738-963670
- Website link: www.readingcafe.com.bd
- Open hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Open 7 days a week)
- Rating: 4.2 (73 Reviews)
5. Bookworm Bangladesh
Bookworm Bangladesh is a premier English bookstore cafe established in 1994. It has been serving as the main attraction for students and youngsters for the past three decades. The center of attraction of this place is its interior and rustic design.
With a touch of nature, the atmosphere of this place is very attractive and relaxing. Their extensive collection of books delights every customer who visits this place. Even if you don’t read, a visit to Bookworm will teach you to value written material.
Available from: URL [24 March 2023]
Even though Bookworm Bangladesh is well known for its vast library, it is also a much-liked destination for photographers. The bookstore offers a distinctive setting for taking unforgettable images with its comfortable and rustic interior decor. Whether you want to take a quick snapshot or a polished picture, Bookworm’s large and welcoming environment is sure to spark your imagination.
- Facebook page link: https://www.facebook.com/bookwormbangladesh
- Location: Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park Road 83, by Main Gate Gulshan-2 Near Unimart, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Best for: Photo Clicking & nature observing
- Contact info: 01779-790130
- Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/bookwormbangladesh/
- Open hours: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM (Open 7 days a week)
Final Words
In conclusion, bookstore cafes are a great way to combine two of life’s greatest pleasures – books and coffee. We have listed five of Dhaka’s coolest bookstore cafes, where you can sip a cup of coffee while reading your favorite book. If you’re a book lover in Dhaka, don’t miss these amazing bookstore cafes.