Dhaka

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Restaurant in Dhaka?

Complete 2025 startup cost guide for opening a restaurant in Dhaka, DAC. Get accurate estimates based on local rent, labor, permits, and market conditions.

Lower Cost Market
Cost index: 35% of national average

$2,500

Avg Monthly Rent (2000 sq ft)

$0.45

Minimum Wage/Hour

$15,000

Full Liquor License

1.8

Restaurants per 1,000 People

Startup Costs by Restaurant Type in Dhaka

Food Truck

Mobile food service with lower overhead

Range: $69,512 - $256,797
~$163,155avg

Fast Casual

Counter service with fresh, quality food

Range: $267,683 - $2,952,283
~$1,609,983avg

Casual Dining

Full-service restaurant with moderate prices

Range: $536,279 - $5,829,686
~$3,182,983avg

Fine Dining

Upscale restaurant with premium experience

Range: $733,986 - $7,307,904
~$4,020,945avg

Cafe / Coffee Shop

Coffee-focused with light food options

Range: $170,865 - $2,148,653
~$1,159,759avg

Bar / Nightclub

Alcohol-focused venue with entertainment

Range: $351,263 - $4,839,672
~$2,595,468avg

Quick Service (QSR)

Fast food with drive-thru or counter service

Range: $270,912 - $2,560,378
~$1,415,645avg

Ghost Kitchen / Virtual

Delivery-only kitchen with no dine-in

Range: $78,641 - $337,055
~$207,848avg

Sample Cost Breakdown: Casual Dining in Dhaka

Based on a 3,000 sq ft restaurant with full liquor service

Real Estate (6 mo rent + deposit)$405,000
Build-out & Construction$86,400
Equipment & Furnishings$348,000
Initial Inventory$37,500
Liquor License$15,000
Pre-opening Expenses$181,880
Working Capital (4 months)$185,328
Contingency (15%)$188,866
Total Estimated Cost$1,447,974

Dhaka Restaurant Market Insights

Local Market Tips

  • Rapidly growing middle class
  • Halal-only market for mass appeal
  • Strong biryani and Bengali cuisine culture
  • Growing café and fast food adoption
  • Traffic congestion affects accessibility

Popular Cuisines in Dhaka

Bengali
Biryani
Chinese-Bengali
Fast Food
Café
Middle Eastern

Population

22,478,000

Median Income

$3,200

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Key Cost Factors in Dhaka

Commercial Rent$6-$40/sq ft
Build-out Cost$12-$65/sq ft
Permit Costs$800-$4,000
Beer/Wine License$5,000
Full Liquor License$15,000
Avg Utilities (1000 sq ft)$300/mo

Opening a Restaurant in Dhaka: What You Need to Know

Dhaka, Dhaka is a below average costs - good value market for restaurant startups. With a population of 22,478,000 and a median household income of $3,200, the market offers 1.8 restaurants per 1,000 residents.

Cost of Living Impact

Restaurant startup costs in Dhaka are approximately -65%below the national average. The minimum wage of $0.45/hour significantly impacts labor costs, which typically represent 25-35% of operating expenses.

Key Considerations for Dhaka

  • Rapidly growing middle class
  • Halal-only market for mass appeal
  • Strong biryani and Bengali cuisine culture
  • Growing café and fast food adoption
  • Traffic congestion affects accessibility

Popular Restaurant Concepts

The most successful cuisine types in Dhaka include Bengali, Biryani, Chinese-Bengali, Fast Food, Café, Middle Eastern. Consider market saturation and competition when choosing your concept.

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