For many visitors to Bangladesh’s tourism capital, a trip to Cox’s Bazar feels incomplete without tasting its signature dried fish—shutki.
Tourists often pack some to take home for their families, but few know where to find the most affordable and authentic varieties.
According to local traders, the best place is Nazirartek, in Ward No. 1 of Cox’s Bazar municipality.
Known as South Asia’s largest dried fish hub, the area is home to countless small shops selling a wide range of locally processed shutki at prices much lower than in other parts of the city.
Touhidul Islam, a dried fish trader in Nazirartek, said that Cox’s Bazar also receives dried fish from abroad.
‘But if anyone wants pure, local shutki at the lowest price, Nazirartek is the place to be. Here, the fish are locally caught and sun-dried without preservatives, ensuring quality and taste,’ he added.
Beyond its bustling fish market, Nazirartek also boasts a serene stretch of beach. Quieter and more secluded than the central Cox’s Bazar beach, it has been gaining popularity among tourists who want to combine shopping with relaxation.
For travelers looking to take home authentic Bangladeshi shutki while also enjoying the beauty of an unspoiled coastline, Nazirartek offers the perfect blend of flavors and scenery.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
