Jara and Shashni Citrus
জারা ও শাশনি লেবু
Giant fragrant jara citron and cardamom-scented shashni lemon, Sylhet's prized citrus, eaten peel and all.
At a glance
- Where
- Sylhet district, Sylhet division
- Price
- Jara about 200–1,000 BDT each; shashni about 140–350 BDT each (2022 prices)
- Where to try
- Citrus stalls at Lalbazar, Sylhet city
The hills of Sylhet grow citrus found almost nowhere else in the country. Jara is a huge oval citron that can weigh two kilos; shashni smells faintly of cardamom. Sylhetis slice the thick peel as a salad on the side of rice, and squeeze the juice over dal and fish. Expatriate Sylhetis carry them abroad, and stalls in Lalbazar sell them by the piece.
Common questions
Where can you eat Jara and Shashni Citrus?
Citrus stalls at Lalbazar, Sylhet city.
How much does Jara and Shashni Citrus cost?
Jara about 200–1,000 BDT each; shashni about 140–350 BDT each (2022 prices).
Which district is Jara and Shashni Citrus from?
Sylhet district, Sylhet division.
More from Sylhet
District guide →
Place Ratargul Swamp Forest
রাতারগুল জলাবনA freshwater swamp forest where you glide by boat between half-submerged trees in green, silent water.
Place Jaflong
জাফলংClear water flows over pebbles beneath the Meghalaya hills, with a suspension bridge visible across the border.
Place Bichanakandi
বিছনাকান্দিA wide bed of boulders where cold streams from the hills spread out in clear, shallow pools.
Place Lalakhal
লালাখালA river of startling blue-green water winding past tea gardens and forested hills.
Nearby
Food Shatkora Beef
Sylhet · সাতকরা গরুর মাংসSlow-cooked beef with chunks of shatkora, a bitter-aromatic citrus found almost only in Sylhet.
Food Sylheti Akhni
Sylhet · সিলেটি আখনিA fragrant rice dish cooked with meat and spices, the festive centrepiece of Sylheti homes.
Tradition Shital Pati Weaving
Sylhet · শীতল পাটিCool, glossy mats woven from split murta cane, a craft recognised by UNESCO.
Food Hidol Bhorta with Naga Chilli
Sylhet · হিদল ভর্তা ও নাগা মরিচPungent fermented-fish mash, fired up with Sylhet's naga chilli, the bhorta every Sylheti meal is judged by.