Bengal Boi ~ Dhanmondi — Restaurant in Dhaka Metropolitan

Bengal Boi বেঙ্গল বই is a haven for book lovers, bookworms and bibliophiles. it's a bookstore plus cafe plus library. I visited this awesome bookstore for buying some books for my birthday which was on last Thursday.

The book store has a good selection of English books. it was very well stocked. the ambiance seemed nice. the books were well organized according to genres. but not every genre had a large collection to offer. but there are huge amounts of Bangla books.

you can take the books from shelves and read there. tables and chairs are provided.

it's a nice environment for book lovers. i saw people reading books or studying but i found the atmosphere a bit crowded and noisy. no one can read a book in peace which was a con.

it's a bit like Watersones with Costa in it .... only the Bangladeshi version. it's a good place to dive into books while grabbing a bite for yourself.

you can get a great range of books from thrillers, science fiction, classics, romance to Humayun Ahmed, Anisul Haq, Robin Zaman Khan to Emily Henry, David Baldacci, Wilbur Smith, Rick Riordan, Cassandra Clare, Rainbow Rowell, Neil Gaiman you name it... all of those are there. there were a load of titles by Agatha Christie and Mario Puzo but i didn't want to pick them up because they looked daunting.

there are a bunch of English classic books at the back of the store and also many non fiction and general knowledge books on mythology, science, movies and dinosaurs.

there were loads of box sets starting from Hunger games trilogy, Khaled Husseini, Harry Potter, Famous Five, Jane Austen to Roald Dahl, Fallen series, Fifty shades trilogy etc. there were also a large variety of magazines like Ice Today, Newsweek, and some glossy international fashion magazines etc.

outside the main store there is a section of graphic novels which looked totally tempting but since i don't have much knowledge on graphic novels, i didn't pick one up because i didn't know the order they should be read in.

there are many books on Bangladesh, liberation war, and Islamic books, as well as a collection of stationery and cute pens.

there were also some books on celebrities like Elon Musk, Britney spears and Michael Jackson, to Steve Jobs, Hillary Clinton, Messi, Kamala Harris and Nelson Mandela. there were books by authors i never heard of which was so intriguing.

it is decent for a cup of tea with friends. it's very popular with young people like me and great for hanging out with friends. it's a unique book store designed to enrich the minds of book worms and readers. even if you are not a book lover you can still visit this place to just check books out and chit chat or chill.

there is arrangements for food and snacks but i could not check out that area because i bought too many books and had to carry them.

highly recommend this...

Bengal Boi in Dhanmondi is not just a bookstore; it's a cultural oasis and a sanctuary for book lovers in Dhaka. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by an inviting and serene ambiance that beckons you to explore the vast collection of books meticulously curated across various genres. The store is aesthetically designed, combining modernity with a touch of traditional Bengali charm, making it a visually appealing and comfortable place to spend time.

The extensive collection at Bengal Boi caters to a diverse audience. Whether you are looking for the latest bestsellers, classic literature, academic texts, or rare finds, Bengal Boi has something for everyone. The store boasts a significant collection of Bengali literature, which is a treasure trove for those who appreciate the rich literary heritage of Bangladesh. Additionally, there's a commendable selection of English titles, ensuring that readers of all preferences can find something to their liking.

What sets Bengal Boi apart is not just its impressive inventory, but the experience it offers. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and always ready to assist, whether you need a recommendation or help finding a specific title. Their passion for books is evident, and their enthusiasm is contagious, making your visit all the more enjoyable.

Beyond the books, Bengal Boi is a hub for cultural activities and community engagement. The store frequently hosts book launches, readings, discussions, and workshops, which are fantastic opportunities to engage with authors and fellow readers. These events are well-organized and add a dynamic layer to the bookstore's role in promoting a vibrant literary culture in Dhaka.

The café inside Bengal Boi deserves a special mention. It's a perfect spot to unwind with a book and a cup of coffee. The menu offers a delightful range of beverages and snacks, making it an ideal place for a casual meet-up with friends or some quiet reading time. The cozy seating arrangements and the peaceful environment make it easy to lose track of time while you're engrossed in a good book.

In addition to its literary offerings, Bengal Boi also features art exhibitions and showcases works from local artists. This integration of visual art with literature enhances the cultural richness of the space and provides a platform for artists to reach a wider audience.

Bengal Boi is more than just a bookstore; it is a community space that fosters a love for reading and an appreciation for culture. It stands as a testament to the power of books in bringing people together and enriching lives. Whether you are a bibliophile, a casual reader, or someone looking to explore the cultural landscape of Dhaka, Bengal Boi is a must-visit destination. Every visit promises something new and enriching, making it a beloved spot for many in the heart...

An ambience like no other! This book store is one of the A listed stores in Dhaka. Featuring a wide variety of books on unorthodox displays, few shelves are dedicated for subject wise books like Architecture, a section of kids books, a corner for Aranya - one of their subsidiary fair trade clothing lines. I would say they have a special emphasis on Architecture which is easily relatable through the whole property. Property wise it could be one of the must go publicly open places in Dhaka. They have a small corner for in store seating arrangements where you can spend some time without disturbance. But yes, very limited and often occupied. Outside of the store (on the porch)  there are a few open bookshelves with piles of books which you can pull out and read. This is one the likeable gesture that Bengal Boi could offer to its customers. Along with an open air food court offering inexpensive foods. It has an ambience. When I have visited I have found people from different age groups. it's not only a place for bookworms!

This is certainly not Barnes & Noble but it has a good stock of books published locally. Unlike many other good book stores they will have their focus on Bangla Books but published outside of Bangladesh.

Books written in the English language and foreign publishers occupy separate shelves.

Bengal has a legacy and solid footprint in the cultural diaspora. Same premise hosts the best Art Gallery of Bangladesh. A decent very cheek cafe with in and outside seating arrangement is also there. So Bengal Boi could offer a range of experiences in our daily life.

And very importantly they have a decent lavatory. This whole property is well accessed by Riksha unlike when you are on foot. You can literally access it from anywhere. But if you are in your personal vehicle, parking could be an issue. They don't offer any parking for their customers. There is a paid basement parking facility right next to it. There is a super store named Meena Bazar and the paid parking facility is available in the basement of...