Where Gulshan Meets Chiang Mai: Laughing Buddha Shines

From Lockdown to Local Legend

When Laughing Buddha opened its doors in early 2020, Dhaka wasn’t fully ready for the fiery kick of northern Thai food. Just 19 days later, the pandemic forced lockdowns. Many new restaurants would have closed their doors for good. But Laughing Buddha survived— and thrived. Their secret? Food that spoke for itself. Even when dine-in was impossible, people kept ordering in, and the team built a loyal community across the city.

Behind it all were managing partners Farazi Ghani and Nayeemun Navi Azad, who not only rebuilt the restaurant after relocation but also kept every employee on full pay during the toughest months. Their commitment showed— and it’s one reason Laughing Buddha still feels like family to its guests.

ADVERTISEMENT

Dishes That Spark Joy and Conversations

Few restaurants in Dhaka balance comfort and creativity the way Laughing Buddha does. Each plate on the menu feels like both a discovery and a familiar hug.

Tom Yum Soup (Tk 845–1245): A fragrant broth alive with prawns, chicken, lemongrass, kaffir lime, and chili. Zesty, comforting, and deeply satisfying.

Larb Gai with Chicken Balls (Tk 720): A refreshing salad twist with mint, basil, spice, and hearty chicken balls for extra heft.

Premium Sirloin Namtok Salad (Tk 1545): Juicy steak slices kissed with chili and lime, letting the quality beef shine through.

Deep-Fried Morning Glory (Tk 795): Crackling with each bite and draped in a house-special sauce that keeps diners coming back.

Thai-style Ultimate Ribs (Tk 1995): Coated in a sweet-spicy glaze of apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, and brown sugar— sticky, bold, unforgettable.

Here’s what guests have been saying— snapshots of reviews that speak louder than words.

Where Gulshan Meets Chiang Mai: Laughing Buddha Shines
Where Gulshan Meets Chiang Mai: Laughing Buddha Shines

Where Warmth Meets Wonder

From jewel-toned interiors to the golden Buddha door handles, the space feels calm yet striking. The staff, many of whom have been here since day one, are trained to guide you through the menu’s spice levels and regional specialties. That care— along with consistent quality— has helped Laughing Buddha build a reputation beyond its food.

Spice-Forged Identity: Northern Thai in Dhaka

Laughing Buddha is more than a restaurant. It’s a bridge between Dhaka and Thailand’s lesser-known northern cuisine. By keeping standards high and honoring both tradition and innovation, it has carved a special place in the city’s fine-dining scene. Prices may lean upscale, but the experience delivers on every taka spent.

Where Gulshan Meets Chiang Mai: Laughing Buddha Shines
Where Gulshan Meets Chiang Mai: Laughing Buddha Shines

Make Memories Over Spice

Whether you’re craving steaming bowls of Tom Yum, the crunch of morning glory, or ribs glazed to perfection, Laughing Buddha promises a taste worth remembering. Gather your friends, share plates, and let northern Thai flavors surprise you.

Venue & Socials

Share your love

ADVERTISEMENT