Of Culinary Charishma and More

Recently opened rooftop restaurant and cafe Savva wants to emerge as a crowd-pleaser among the gourmands of Dhaka

Anyone residing in the tri-state area of Gulshan-Banani-Baridhara has noticed how the gastronomical scene is being changed over the last couple of years. Thanks to the huge number of expats residing in these areas; besides the huge number of non-resident Bangladeshis. Due to this interesting demographics, the restaurants opening here are probably the most diverse in nature. Every restaurant opened recently left no stone unturned to stand out with unique offerings. However, it’s almost no news that Dhaka– though brimming with so many international visitors–doesn’t offer a nightlife like Thailand or Singapore. Which is why restaurants and lounges have become the places to be after sunset for corporates and foodies. Long chit chat over food is a common phenomenon here. Savva, the rooftop restaurant and cafe is a new addition to that hall of fame.

“The concept is to promote an event venue. What people are used to experiencing here is just food. But we want to introduce them to new ideas by pushing the boundaries of fine dining to explore a territory that is yet to be done in Bangladesh, ” says Oscar Chowdhury, the Managing Director and the creative mind behind this whole project. For months, he along with his team has put together hard work to create a space that will be known for connecting passionate people from different walks of life, while bringing them closer to one another and explore the possibilities of many new experiences. They have recruited award-winning British chef, Simon Johnston who has experiences of working at Michelin star restaurants under his belt. Another striking fact about the restaurant is they are trying to promote the concept ‘farm to table’.They are trying to source the best products from the best producers, which is very important to create a unique culinary experience for gourmands. “We collect some of our fishes directly from the fishermen’s trawlers operating at the site,” Oscar adds. “We actually are trying to provide vegan dishes, not vegetarian; we have seen the rise of health-conscious foodies in Dhaka and we would like to cater to them with utmost sincerity. Besides food, they also want to welcome organizers of musicals, fashion shows, live art installations., etc. “We want to emerge as the go-to option for those who want to couple food with entertainment,” Oscar sounds optimistic.

The grand opening of Savaa witnessed the who’s who of Dhaka to gather and enjoy some delectable menus over light chit chat and fancy music. Upon entering the restaurant you will feel the openness which is absent in many of its contemporaries. Many restaurants end up overdoing it when it comes to interior design and Savva is a good example for them to realize the beauty of minimalism. The tables are placed in a way that they don’t look too cluttered, which in a way will give the visitors to enjoy their privacy while dining here. Be it a small dinner date or a big table full of friends and family, Savva can ensure the best sitting arrangement. And the view that you are going to enjoy from the 14th floor of the building, is spectacular.

On their opening night, the team decided to surprise the foodies and guests with a menu put together to tantalise their taste buds to the fullest. Be it the subtle taste of the truffle arancini or pickled cucumber served with the citrus cured salmon, the courses were well planned and perfect for the inauguration night. The meat course offered sous vide sirloin, served with glazed shallot, salted baked carrot puree, and roasting jus. Sticky toffee pudding was on the dessert menu and a perfect ending towards an evening full of sweet culinary surprises!

So if you have a long weekend to spend with your beloved or have a bunch of friends to surprise with some mouth-watering dishes; go splurge at Savva and enter into the world of fantastic food and more!

Rooftop, Genetics Baro Bhuiyan Building, Plot 3A, Road 49, Gulshan 2
Dhaka, Bangladesh