Verte: Three food brands under one roof

As soon as we stepped into Verte in Banani, I turned to my friend and asked, "Isn't this where Eat Green used to be?"

A waiter, greeting us at the door, overheard my question.

With a smile, he clarified that indeed it is connected to Eat Green. Verte is a dynamic space that merges three distinct brands under the same roof: Eat Green, Fat Duck and Gourmet Food Company. Owned and operated by the same chef and management team, Verte is an amalgamation of these brands, each offering something unique yet complementary.

He shared that many guests were similarly surprised by this connection, adding that Verte had only recently gained wider recognition, thanks in large part to the "Dumplings of Doom" challenge that ran until November 7.

We initially came for the challenge, but we were taken aback by Verte's unique jungle-themed interior. Lush greenery, rich earthy tones, and eclectic lighting set a warm, mysterious atmosphere, which makes it impossible not to pause and take it all in. 

So, we decided to do more than just tackle fiery dumplings – we sampled from the regular menu as well, a decision that turned out to be just as worthy.

A health-conscious start with Eat Green

The first offering was the Eat Green menu, a health-focused selection thoughtfully curated for those seeking nutritious, balanced meals. The menu features wholesome soups and salads, made with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavours to satisfy the health-conscious crowd.

Although we didn't sample the salads this time, we noticed a variety of Mediterranean-inspired options, such as falafel with muhammara and baba ghanoush. It can be a great choice for vegetarians or anyone craving a fresh Mediterranean twist.

We started with the Cream of Mushroom Soup (Tk480), a rich and creamy choice that made for a perfect appetiser. The soup's smooth blend of mushrooms was complemented by an unexpectedly delightful drizzle of truffle oil, which added an earthy depth to each spoonful.

The soup was a comforting and flavourful beginning to our meal – thanks to the side of crispy garlic toast bursting with garlicky flavour. This soup set a high bar for the rest of our experience.

Although the salads on this menu might lean on the pricier side, the quality and creativity speak for themselves. Thus, Eat Green makes itself an ideal choice for those looking to keep their diets in check without compromising on taste.

Comfort classics at the Gourmet Food Company

Next, we explored the Gourmet Food Company menu, dedicated to hearty, American-style comfort food. This menu leans into the casual dining experience, offering classics like sandwiches, burgers, wings and pies, perfect for a filling and satisfying meal.

We opted for the Steak and Kidney Pie (Tk640), a dish that quickly became a highlight of our visit. Served piping hot, this pie was filled with tender beef, earthy mushrooms, celery and beef kidney, all in a savoury, flavorful gravy. Although I am not typically a fan of kidneys, the balance of flavours here was spot on. The golden puff pastry was perfectly flaky and light, adding just the right touch of crispness to each warm, comforting bite.

A taste of Asia with Fat Duck

Lastly, a menu dedicated to Pan-Asian favourites, Fat Duck had everything, starting from momos and rice bowls to ramen and other comforting dishes, with a little something for everyone. This section combines flavours from Japanese, Korean and Nepalese cuisines, making it ideal for anyone craving a mix of Asian dishes.

For those dining on a budget, rice bowls are a fantastic option. They offer generous portions and bold flavours at an affordable price.

One dish, in particular, caught our eye right away – the Yakiniku (Tk680), a Japanese term that translates to "grilled meat." This dish featured grilled beef ribs marinated in a traditional soy-based sauce with garlic, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar. Each bite was rich and tender, with a delightful blend of smoky barbecue flavours and a hint of sweetness that elevated the taste of the meat from the sauce.

The ribs were so perfectly cooked they practically melted off the bone. This was an absolute standout, capturing the soul of Japanese flavours in every bite – a must-try for anyone exploring the Fat Duck menu.

Refreshing sips and more

In addition to the food, Verte offers a wide selection of drinks, including shakes, tea, coffee and mocktails, catering to various tastes. We ordered the Forest Freeze from the mocktail section (Tk340), hoping for a refreshing twist of pineapple and lime.

Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to our expectations – the drink leaned heavily on syrup, and the balance of flavours seemed off. Later, we learned that fresh fruits were not used in their drinks, which explained the lack of natural taste we were looking for.

Despite this, we appreciated the thoughtful details, like the use of eco-friendly steel straws, a small but significant touch that made the experience feel more sustainable. The drink was also presented in a Japanese-themed glass, which added a unique, visually appealing element to our table.

An unforgettable challenge 

Taking on the "Dumplings of Doom" challenge was an unforgettable experience. The moment I was asked to sign a contract beforehand, I knew I was in for a wild ride.

The first level was my favourite – just enough spice to enjoy without being overwhelmed. But by Level 2, with the introduction of Naga spice, I quickly realised my limits with intense heat.

By Level 5, I had reached my limit after handling the intense heat of the fiery soup momo, which left my taste buds numb and made it feel like steam was coming out from my ears!

Just as I thought I could not go on, a cold glass of milk arrived – a lifesaver that instantly soothed the burn. This challenge was both thrilling and humbling – a true test of my spice limits.