Located just past Rajlokkhi in Uttara is a nice quaint red one story restaurant curiously called Hungry Duck. Opened way back in 2010, this place has served residents in Uttara for around 16 years now. Do keep in mind that it is has been one heck of a responsibility for them because let's face it, Uttara is way out of city limits, and while there is no shortage of restaurants there now, the same could not be said back then. To cater to the isolated residents of Uttara for so long is no small feat.

Visitors entering the restaurant will be greeted with a giant red umbrella-esque entrance. Step in, and you are greeted with a vast open space leading to a small stage at the corner, used for live music nights or for any events. There is also an indoor staircase that leads to the first floor. The décor can be best described as a mix of an Arabian theme reminiscent of Alif Laila with a hint of big tents. The lighting in the restaurant is designed to bathe the entire venue in a relaxingly soft atmosphere. Overall, this place certainly is homely and inviting.  

With the history and décor out of the way, let's concentrate on what is really important; the food. Their menu is quite vast; with over 300 items encompassing Thai, Chinese, Indian, Italian and Middle Eastern cuisines along with a wide range of salads and drinks. There is a buffet style layout to the food, with an alternating buffet menu every day. 

Let's begin with their starters. The list is populated with many familiar items as well as some unique ones. The crispy dry beef is as good as it sounds. If seafood is your thing, try their Hungry Duck special prawn ball. The main course also has an extensive list of things to try. However, the standout dish from the main course has to be the chicken with cashewnut. The flavour is just right, able to hit off with both the spicy and mild tongued audience. However, it must be said that the naan, chicken shashlic, and chicken kebab were not quite up there as some of the other dishes. I was also a little disheartened to find that the dessert options did not have the same kind of vast variety as the main course enjoyed. The available options were quite ordinary and easily found on other restaurants.

The culinary landscape in Uttara is very different now and yes, to be honest, there are now much better restaurants there, which specialize on specific dishes. However, when it comes to sheer volume of options available, it is hard to ignore the veteran that is Hungry Duck. 

Address: Plot 38, Road 2, Sector- 3, Uttara C/A, Dhaka 1230. Telephone: +880-2-8958557. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.hungryduckbd.com

By Intisab Shahriyar

Photo: Hungry Duck