Ice Cream as Dhaka’s Go-To Comfort

From bustling streets to trendy cafés, ice cream has become Dhaka’s ultimate mood booster. Explore the city’s ice cream craze, market size, leading brands, flavor trends, and why this frozen treat is more than just dessert.

On a scorching Dhaka afternoon or after a long day of work, few things lift the spirit like ice cream. Once considered a luxury reserved for special occasions, ice cream has now cemented its place as the city’s go-to mood booster. Whether it’s a cone grabbed on the street, a tub shared at home, or a premium scoop at a dessert café, Dhaka’s ice cream culture reflects joy, indulgence, and emotional comfort.

The Cold Rush: A Booming Industry

The emotional connection Dhaka has with ice cream is supported by the rapid growth of the industry. Today, the ice cream market in Bangladesh is valued at nearly Tk 3,000 crore, with production reaching close to 10 crore litres per year. Over the past decade, the industry has expanded at a remarkable rate of 15 percent annually, and experts predict it could climb to Tk 5,000 crore by 2030.

This surge is driven by a combination of factors. Urbanisation and the rising purchasing power of the middle class have made ice cream more accessible than ever. Improved cold chain infrastructure has allowed ice cream to travel from factories to remote towns without losing quality. Above all, the psychology of consumers has shifted: ice cream is no longer just a summer treat to beat the heat—it is seen as a source of happiness, a way to reward oneself, and a simple indulgence that can transform a bad day into a good one.

Dhaka’s Flavorful Landscape

Dhaka’s ice cream scene is as diverse as its people. On one end of the spectrum are the street vendors, selling affordable cones and cups that children and adults alike enjoy on the go. These are quick, accessible, and tied deeply to the nostalgia of growing up in the city. At the other end are premium cafés and boutique ice cream parlours, offering exotic flavors, sundaes, and creative presentations that cater to Dhaka’s growing urban elite.

Local brands dominate the mainstream market, with names like Igloo, Polar, Lovello, Savoy, Kwality, Za n Zee, and Bloop standing out. Each brand has carved its niche, offering everything from five-taka vanilla sticks to gourmet sundaes priced at over a hundred taka. This variety ensures that no matter the budget or the mood, Dhaka has an ice cream to match.

How Dhaka Eats Its Ice Cream

The way Dhaka consumes ice cream tells its own story. Impulse buying dominates the scene, accounting for around 70 percent of sales. Cones, cups, and sticks purchased on a whim are the most popular choices, with cones leading the pack thanks to their portability and wide variety of flavors.

Yet the family segment also plays a significant role. Around 30 percent of sales come from litre tubs of ice cream, designed for home consumption. Families often stock up on these tubs for gatherings, celebrations, or simply to have a sweet comfort waiting in the freezer. Vanilla, chocolate, mango, and strawberry continue to reign as timeless classics, though more premium dessert-style options are gradually finding their way into homes.

Seasonal demand also shapes the market. The months of April through June are peak sales season, with soaring summer temperatures driving nearly 60 percent of annual consumption. Demand naturally dips during the cooler months, but brands are working to expand their marketing campaigns to promote ice cream as a year-round indulgence.

Flavors That Define Moods

Each flavor of ice cream in Dhaka seems to embody a different mood. For those seeking joy and playfulness, fruity flavors like mango, strawberry, and rainbow swirls provide bursts of happiness. Comfort is found in the simplicity of creamy vanilla or traditional malai, flavors that connect people to childhood memories and the warmth of home. Those in search of indulgence gravitate towards chocolate fudge, salted caramel, mocha, or red velvet, while adventurous eaters enjoy the experimental blends offered by modern parlours.

Interestingly, tradition and modernity often meet in the ice cream industry. Yogurt-based flavors inspired by doi or reimagined malai variations allow customers to enjoy the taste of heritage with a contemporary twist. This balance between nostalgia and novelty is what makes Dhaka’s ice cream market unique.

Brand Innovation: More Than Just Ice Cream

Dhaka’s leading ice cream brands are constantly pushing boundaries to stand out in a competitive market. Igloo has partnered with international chains and continues to invest in premium quality, offering both local and international flavors. Polar has introduced creative launches such as its Carnival cone series, while Savoy has captured attention with its texture-rich innovations like the Discone Ice Cream.

These efforts go beyond selling ice cream—they create experiences. Modern packaging, vibrant marketing campaigns, and innovative product designs have made ice cream not just a snack but a lifestyle choice for Dhaka’s urban population.

Challenges Under the Surface

Despite the success, the ice cream industry in Bangladesh is not without challenges. A heavy reliance on imports is one of the biggest hurdles, with nearly 95 percent of raw materials and machinery sourced from abroad. This dependence leads to high costs, especially due to import duties. Infrastructure gaps also remain a problem, as power outages and transportation delays threaten the reliability of cold storage facilities. Seasonal drops in consumption during winter add another layer of complexity to maintaining steady revenue.

If these challenges are addressed, the industry could unlock even greater potential, making ice cream more affordable and accessible to wider populations.

Why Ice Cream Is Dhaka’s Ultimate Mood Booster

What makes ice cream so special in Dhaka is not just its taste but the way it connects to emotions. For many, a cone of chocolate or vanilla after a long day is the simplest form of therapy. For families, ice cream turns celebrations into unforgettable experiences, from birthdays to Eid gatherings. It carries with it a wave of nostalgia, reminding people of their childhood afternoons spent chasing street vendors. It also strengthens connections, as sharing a tub at home or meeting friends for scoops at a café becomes a moment of bonding.

In a city often defined by its traffic jams, busy schedules, and daily stress, ice cream provides a pause. It offers a smile, a spark of joy, and a refreshing break that turns any mood around.

Looking Ahead: A Chilled Future

Dhaka’s ice cream craze shows no signs of slowing. With the industry projected to grow to Tk 5,000 crore by 2030, and brands expanding into rural markets while experimenting with winter-friendly campaigns, the future looks promising. Premium flavors, healthier options, and creative marketing are likely to make ice cream even more embedded in the lives of Bangladeshis.

For Dhaka’s residents, one truth remains clear: no matter the mood, there will always be an ice cream to make it better.