Credit: Matt Keller LehmanWhen it comes to cuisine of the Indian subcontinent, Bangladeshi fare has long been overshadowed, practically nullified, by its North Indian, South Indian and Pakistani counterparts in this city. He opened Desi Mart, a Bengali grocery store/market with an AYCE buffet on North Semoran Boulevard last year, then, a couple of months ago, Desi Bistro in the UCF corridor. When it comes to spicing, a more even-handed approach is taken compared to, say, the bold and fiery takes in Pakistani and South Indian dishes. With Desi Bistro sitting in the heart of the UCF corridor, catering to the university’s large student body is requisite for success, which the restaurant’s build-a-bowl area does; for $12, the budget-conscious can get a taste of Desi Bistro’s offerings. Desi Bistro, 12058 Collegiate Way, 407-233-4692, desibistrofl.comThis article appears in Jan. 28-Feb. 3, 2026.