Where to Buy Household Stuff in Dhaka

M's Adventures

Shopping directly from the artist’s studio is the most unique experience (but more about that in a later post) for acquiring household goods. Otherwise, since there is no Ikea, Target, and Pier One in Dhaka, these are some of the main stores where expats buy goods for the home. Plus clothes, gifts, etc. Here is a list of some of the places where I shop.

This handmade bowl and carved table are from Tayabuzzaman Topu’s studio.

Arong: A chain with many outlets. Located in Gulshan 1 and Uttara, etc. Like a Pier One. Everything from curtains, doohickies, clothes, shoes, plates, etc.

Jatra, 60E Kamal Ataturk, Banani, Dhaka-1213: On Kemal Ataturk. A place to get saris, hand made paper, rugs, bracelets, gifts, doohickies, etc.

Aranya: Same as Jatra and located in same building.

Decor Idee: Rangs Arcade, 153 A Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan 2: A custom made 70 inch long fabric hanger for 3,300 Taka. They text messaged me when it was ready at about 10 days.

Probhatina: Down in Dhanmondi somewhere. Lovely soft material and other items. Mostly Clothes. A little snooty shop.

Kumudini: on Gulshan. Several stories high and sells clothes, cloth, and some household stuff.

Carlotta Sisters: In Bashundura. Call to make a reservation. They are nuns who teach students to make lace. Tablecloths, aprons, runners, napkins, etc.

Then there are the markets: DIT 1, DIT 2, and New Market. And the “malls” like: Bashundhara and a place next to the flagship Arong in Uttara. Lastly, there are the roads: Road 11 in Banani is filled with shops and restaurants. The markets will give you the “local color” more than the newer stores.

A salesman at New Market.

15 thoughts on “Where to Buy Household Stuff in Dhaka”

  • Thank you so much for this post! Very helpful! I just moved to Dhaka this week, and found your blog through google. You have had some great posts with good advice! Let me know if you guys allow tag alongs on your next restaurant outing. I need some restaurant advice!

    Haley Smith

      • Hi thanks so much for the information , I just visited dhaka for few months looking for vegetable dyed block printed running fabric if you any thing abut it plz let me know thanks for your help.

      • Sorry, but I’m not sure that they use vegetable dyes here. I see so many shops selling petroleum based paint or water based paint.

  • I love your blog!
    So nice to find information about textiles and clothes and food, all of which I am passionate about (not necessarily in that order!)
    I am coming to Bangladesh mid november for 2 months. Doing some travelling and volunteering for an organisation called Proshanti, near Sylhet, but will be in and out of Dhaka quite a bit. Would be nice to find some like minded company,so can I buy you a coffee and cake sometime, or join in with one of your restaurant forays or shopping sprees??

  • Hi,

    I just want to say I love reading your blog. It has been very helpful since my family and I will be relocating to Dhaka soon. Would like to ask if you know of a place where I can have furniture custom made? Thanks in advance! 🙂

    • Thanks for your kind words about my blog. I’m glad that it has been a help to you as you plan your move. There are various places that will make furniture for you. Of high quality, is Barry Ison of Ideas Manzil — http://www.villa-ideas.com/. His carpenter can make anything. Also, there is a furniture store (I think it was called “Idee Decor” or something like that on Gulshan Avenue just north of Gulshan 2 circle. Anything they have in the store could be custom made — not so cheap — although compared to Singapore… Also, once you get there, ask around.

  • Thanks for this, I’m on the hunt for a wedding present while in Dhaka. I love the bowl pictured- where is Tayabuzzaman Topu’s studio? Thank you.

  • Thanks for your comment. The studio is located in Mirpur, House 2, Road.7, Block. C, Section 6, Mirpur (opposite of the south gate of Mirpur Indoor Stadium). Cell: 01911034024.

  • I live in Uk , came to Dhaka to stay for some time work , want to buy old expat furniture if any one knows please let me know , thank you ,

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