March 4, 2025
DHAKA – Ji-La-Pi or Jalebi — call it whatever you want; this crispy, sweet snack doesn’t need a fancy introduction. Some make it extra crispy; some make it syrupy enough to put honey to shame, and some go full freestyle with shapes that defy geometry. From the fine dining tables of Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, where it’s elevated to a culinary masterpiece, to the bustling streets of Puran Dhaka, where the local vendor swears by their “secret recipe” (which is probably just more sugar), the quest for the perfect jilapi is getting intense!
But hey, are we complaining? Absolutely not! Because no matter where it’s from, this golden, syrup-drenched swirl never fails to steal the show at any iftar gathering.
And with Ramadan in full swing, we are here to offend the endocrinologists once again and shine the spotlight on this undisputed Godfather of all iftar items!
So, have you ever thought about what makes jilapi such an integral part of Ramadan? And why do people hoard it in ridiculous amounts, as if it’s the secret to eternal happiness? Let’s hear from the true jilapi aficionados!
“I don’t care what’s on the iftar table, as long as there’s jilapi,” says Biva, a university student from Dhanmondi. “The moment I take my first bite with muri makha (puffed rice salad), I feel like all the fasting struggles were worth it. It’s a necessity for me.” Biva loves the chikon jilapi (the thin variant) deep-fried in ghee (clarified butter) from Ananda Bakery in Jigatola.
Emdad Hossain, a college teacher, reminisces, “Jilapi isn’t just a snack; it’s a sweet spiral of memories for me. Growing up in Puran Dhaka, it was always there — after Jumma prayers, at a milad, on the iftar table, or simply over endless cups of tea with friends after Taraweeh prayer. One bite of chikon jilapi, and I’m right back in those carefree days.”
With a chuckle, he adds, “Even now, despite my diabetes, chikon jilapi still finds a place on my iftar table. My wife does her best to keep it away from me, but every now and then, I manage to sneak in a piece — disappointing both my doctor and my wife in one go!”
Meanwhile, Shuvroto Kanchan, a businessman, doesn’t just love jilapi — he’s on a sugary expedition! Whether it’s the royal Shahi Jilapi from Chawk bazar or the silky Reshmi Jilapi from Mithaiwala, he devours them all with equal passion. But when it comes to favourites, his heart (and taste buds) belongs to Mithaiwala’s Rabri Jilapi. For the past two Ramadans, Shuvroto Kanchan has been treating himself to Rabri Jilapi — not just as a dessert, but as gym motivation! Yes, you heard that right! While most people reward their workouts with protein shakes, he prefers a sugar-soaked incentive. As he puts it, “This rabri jilapi keeps me motivated to hit the gym, even in Ramadan!”
Jilapi for fitness? Hey, whatever keeps Shuvroto’s treadmill running! We are not judging!
However, his wife has pledged loyalty to Khazana Mithai’s Zafran Jilapi, a saffron-infused delight fit for a queen. And just when we thought the family’s jilapi saga couldn’t get any sweeter, his daughter chimes in with her love for their Chana Jilapi!
With a chuckle, Kanchan says, “Our household doesn’t just have a sweet tooth; we have a whole sweet jaw!”
“My grandfather always brought fresh jilapi during Ramadan from a low-key shop on Mohammadpur’s Salimullah Road. It’s a must-have. Iftar just doesn’t feel right without it,” says Tanveer, a banker from Mohammadpur.
In many of Dhaka’s households, the iftar table isn’t truly complete unless there’s a pile of jilapi, thin or thick, glistening golden under the lights. It’s expected, anticipated, and honestly, non-negotiable. “I still remember how I used to get this dopamine rush while watching the street vendors swirl the batter into hot oil with effortless precision; the whole process felt like magic to me as a kid. It’s steeped in my memories. And then, my grandfather would sometimes bring gurer jilapi — dipped in molasses instead of syrup, a rare treat that I’d show off to my friends like a badge of honour,” adds Tanveer.
So, whether you like it crispy, juicy, oversized, or bite-sized — one thing is certain: Ramadan wouldn’t be the same without it. Even with new food trends emerging like cheese-stuffed samosas, chocolate-covered dates, or other gourmet iftar platters — jilapi’s place still remains untouchable! And we think that’s why people hoard it in ridiculous amounts, because it is indeed a secret coil to eternal happiness!