BAILEY ROAD

Challenge: A somewhat decent meal for two
Budget: Tk 300 or less

Source: Photo: Darshan Chakma

When it comes to eating within a budget, Bailey Road [formally named 'Natok Shoroni', but this name never really caught on] is the place to be. There are many joints offering many types of fast food. I remember the days when I had very little money on me but still managed to have satisfying meals at Bailey Road's numerous fast food joints. But in recent times, food prices have gone up a few notches, making the prospect of finding inexpensive, yet decent food a little challenging.
Now, if you ask anybody where to go on Bailey Road when you're hungry and borderline broke, “Swiss” would be the most common answer, but since it is almost always crowded due to its popularity, I suggest otherwise. Of the numerous options available, I prefer Golden Food, which is usually not crowded, save Fridays, and is affordable, even after the increased prices.
For this challenge, we ordered two chicken burgers at Tk 90 each, two prawn balls at Tk 40 apiece, and a half-litre mineral water, thus making a total of Tk 280. Remember, this was for two people. Now, about the food. The chicken burgers looked very juicy and indeed were pretty succulent. The meat slathered with mayo is not in meagre amounts, and the sprinkled cottage cheese on top of the bun adds to the flavour. And I can tell you this, this burger is pretty fulfilling! The prawn balls were as good as it gets. It contrasts the taste of the burger and fills the mouth with a flavour of prawns and spices. But I must warn you, it's hot and greasy. The taste is worth the forty bucks.
We were pretty full after the meal, and more importantly, satisfied. Among other items at Golden Food, I'd recommend the soups, the cold coffee, and the faluda of course. They've recently become a bit too pricy according to the Bailey Road standards, but still affordable considering the generous portions.
Now, I might be a big fan of Golden Food, but there are other places you could try out. Swiss has a lot more variety. Spice Station is pretty popular among the generally broke youngsters of the locality, but the quantity there isn't as good. There are kebab, peyaju-beguni and pitha shops on Bailey Road too. So if you need food within the budget and are around Bailey Road, do go there.