North End Coffee Roasters
The undisputed pioneer of specialty coffee in Dhaka. Beyond their meticulously sourced and roasted beans, the flagship branch offers a sanctuary of calm amidst the Gulshan chaos.
North End Coffee Roasters remains the gold standard for specialty coffee in Dhaka, and after multiple visits over the past two years, we are confident that standard has not slipped. The flagship branch in Gulshan 2 is the one to visit.
The Coffee
Their sourcing operation is genuinely impressive — single-origin beans rotated seasonally from Ethiopia, Colombia, and increasingly from Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts. The roasting is done in-house at their Banani facility, giving baristas a direct line to the source. The espresso-based drinks are consistently executed, and the pour-over menu rewards the patient visitor.
The Space
Two floors, exposed brick, and a rooftop that has become one of Dhaka’s better outdoor seating areas. The ground floor has a more café-focused feel with a visible espresso bar; the second floor is quieter and better suited for work or longer stays.
The Food
A concise but considered menu. The avocado toast has been on the menu since the beginning and has never needed to be removed. The rotating pastry selection from their own kitchen is the highlight — the almond croissant in particular.
The Verdict
This is the benchmark. If you are new to Dhaka and want to understand what a well-run specialty café looks like, start here. It remains our top recommendation for both morning rituals and afternoon meetings.