The bustling Burmese markets of Cox’s Bazar, the country’s tourism capital, feel like vibrant kingdoms of pickles—each row of stalls brimming with glass jars and bottles that seem to declare: this is the land of pickles. It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t salivate at the very mention of pickles. Beyond their tangy and spicy allure, pickles have a way of enhancing any truly magical meal.
From classic green mango and tamarind to exotic blends like hot mango chutney and amla (Indian gooseberry) rasgulla, the variety is both overwhelming and tempting. The markets are treasure troves of taste, offering a diverse array of fruits, including olive, hog plum, Indian jujube, garlic, green chili, wood apple, and more.
Among the most popular spots for pickle lovers are Rukia Burmese Market, Chowdhury Shopping Complex, JN Plaza, Seagull Tower Burmese Market, and Sugandha Market. These places have become must-visit stops for tourists seeking to take a bit of Cox’s Bazar’s flavor back home.
According to local vendors, there are around 35 varieties of pickles available, including mango pickle, spicy mango chutney, lemon pickle, tamarind chutney, sweet tamarind, amla pickle, Bombay chili pickle, and a range of modern fusion chutneys. These pickles are usually packaged in jars or plastic packs, and during peak tourist seasons, vendors report sales reaching Tk 80–90 lakhs.
Most of the buyers are tourists from across the country, who often leave Cox’s Bazar not just with memories of the sea, but with bags full of pickled delights—an edible reminder of a flavorful escape.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Setu
