There are good restaurants in Dhaka and main towns around the country. Western food can be found in some hotels and large restaurants. The availability of alcohol is extremely limited outside leading hotel bars.

National specialities:
• Curries such as korma, bhuna, masala gosht and dahl  usually served with rice or chapati.
• Shami kebab made with minced meat.
• Fish dishes include fresh and smoked hilsa and bhetki.
• Chotpoti (a stew of chickpeas, potatoes, eggs and spices).
• Misti dhohi (sweetened yoghurt).

National drinks:
• Cha (milky sweet tea).
• Lassi (yoghurt drink).
• Coconut water.

Tipping: Most services expect a tip in hotels; give 10% for restaurant staff.

Leading hotels have bars, but Western-style nightclubs do not exist. Displays of local dance and music are occasionally to be seen, particularly during religious festivals. Traditional theatre can be seen in major cities and the Dhaka City Corporation has opened a modern theatre hall called Dhaka Mahanagor Natya Mancha. Traditional cultural performances may also be seen at Dhaka's Shilpakala Academy.

Bangladesh is famous for its pink pearls. Handloom fabrics, silks, printed saris, coconut masks, bamboo products, mother-of-pearl jewellery, leather crafts, wood and cane handicrafts and folk dolls are popular purchases. Duty-free shops are available in Dhaka and international airports.

Shopping hours: Generally Sat-Thurs 0900-2000, Fri 0900-1230 and 1400-2000 (shops in tourist districts often stay open later).