Mawa: Where Delicious Hilsa Meets Breathtaking Beauty
Mawa, known for its bustling ferry ghat and the legendary hilsa fish, had been lingering on my travel wishlist for far too long. Finally, with a few friends of mine, I decided to go there and see what all the hype is about.
Located in the Munshiganj district, Mawa is a beautiful place under the lively city of Dhaka. The Padma River flows through this area and brings life to it. We opted for a 60-kilometre journey from Dhaka to Mawa, anticipating it to be approximately a two-hour drive. We had different ways to get there - we could use our own cars, take public buses (which only cost 100 BDT!), or even call an Uber. However, we were in the mood for some adventure and wanted to feel the wind in our hair as we hit the open road. So, we opted for a scenic bike ride instead.
We rode along the Mawa Express Highway, which felt like a symbol of progress for the country. By the time we reached Mawa, we were feeling excited and ready to make the most of the day.
We were super hungry and looking for a fancy restaurant called Project Hilsa. We heard it had fancy decor and amazing food. But when we saw how pricey it was, we quickly changed our plans and thankfully stumbled upon this hidden gem called New Niribili Restaurant. We decided to give it a try and we were glad we did.
We got a deliciously fried and perfectly seasoned whole hilsa fish, which cost us 1400 BDT. To complete the meal, we also ordered mashed potato (alu vorta), eggplant fry (beghun vaji), and water rice (panta bhaat) for that extra comforting touch, which cost us 600 BDT. Trust me when I say it was an incredible feast. The best part is that the meal only cost us 2000 BDT.
The hilsa fish was the star of the show - it was super fresh and incredibly tasty. And the ‘mashed potato’ dish had a nice spicy kick to them too. This whole experience just proves that sometimes you can find much better food at a small restaurant than at a fancy one.
After indulging in a scrumptious meal and experiencing sheer contentment, we decided to unwind and bask in the tranquility by the riverside. The gentle caress of the breeze from the river enveloped us as we embarked on a leisurely boat ride, heightening the sense of enchantment that permeated throughout the day.
When the sun went down, making the sky look like a colourful painting, Mawa showed off its most beautiful feature. The golden light reflected on the river, creating long shadows and giving the air a magical feel. It was such an amazing sight that I will never forget it.
Our amazing journey in Mawa came to an end, leaving us super happy and with so many great memories. This charming little town is not just about delicious hilsa fish or breathtaking sunsets. Rather, it is about the special connections we made with friendly people, the excitement of unexpected experiences, and the peaceful beauty of nature all around. Mawa calls out to us, and personally, I will always be enchanted by its magic.
So, pack your bag and let Mawa work its magic on you. The adventure is waiting for you, with a promise that is as delightful as the flavor of hilsa fish and as awe-inspiring as a beautiful sunset by the river.
