The traditional dessert 'Chhanamukhi' from Brahmanbaria has been officially recognised as a Geographical Indication product.
This beloved sweetmeat, made primarily from cheese curd, has gained fame across Bangladesh for its unique flavour and cultural significance.
Following an application by the Brahmanbaria district administration, the Directorate of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (DPDT), under the Ministry of Industries, confirmed the GI status for Chhanamukhi.
The recognition highlights the cultural and environmental factors—such as soil, water, and climate—that play a crucial role in its production, qualifying it for GI recognition.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) of Brahmanbaria, Saiful Islam, expressed pride in the achievement, saying, "Chhanamukhi has officially been recognised as a GI product, now branded as a symbol of Brahmanbaria. It has also been included in the district’s brand book."
According to district administration sources, the registration was completed on Tuesday (September 24), with Chhanamukhi receiving GI number 41 from DPDT.
Chhanamukhi is an age-old delicacy, originating in Brahmanbaria during the British colonial period. It takes 7-8 litres of cow’s milk to produce just one kilogram of Chhanamukhi, with the current market price being approximately 700 Tk per kg.
Dulal Chandra Pal, owner of Adarsh Matri Bhandar on New Cinema Hall Road, shared insights into the labour-intensive process of making Chhanamukhi. The process starts by boiling the milk, cooling it, and converting it into cheese curds. The curds are then drained, hung in cloth to remove excess water and cut into small pieces. These pieces are soaked in sugar syrup flavoured with cardamom before being dried under a fan, ensuring the final product’s crunchy texture.
With its new GI status, Brahmanbaria’s iconic Chhanamukhi is set to gain even more recognition, solidifying its place as a treasured local delicacy.