Perfect Hunan Cuisine
Written: May 11 '00 (Updated May 15 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Well-deserved world fame, delicious authentic Hunan food
Cons: Can be crowded
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| chris8b's Full Review: Hunan Restaurant |
The best part of doing freelance work in San Francisco is the opportunity to work in many neighborhoods and sample new lunch spots. The Hunan, though venerable to many, is my latest "new" spot.
Located on Sansome Street near Vallejo, the outside of the Hunan is uninspiring. In fact, I was hesitant at first to walk in the place until a co-worker told me of it's status as a "San Francisco landmark." Two weeks ago, I walked in. My palate hasn't been the same since.
At lunch, the Hunan can get very crowded, but I'm always quickly pointed to a table already set with a pot of weak but steaming hot tea and a pitcher of water. Each day for lunch the Hunan offers two specials or you may choose from a diverse menu of hot and cold dishes. The specials always come with a slice of "Diane's Meat Pie," an indescribably delicious appetizer of thin flour cakes stuffed with meat, sauce, seasoning, and lettuce. If you skip the special, make sure to order these on the side or try the Hunan's famous Onion Cakes.
As for main courses, the Hunan does particularly wonderful things with smoked meats (smoked at the restaurant), mixing ham, chicken, or beef with spicy hot sauces, fresh vegetables, and noodle. The ham works the best, though many of my friends always indulge in the chicken dishes. My favorite dish. though, is cold lo mein style noodles topped with cucumber, bean sprouts, cabbage, and a slightly spicy sauce. For a quick main course, order the Beef with Broccoli. Though mundane sounding, you'll find it much different than most preparations, seasoned with delicious tones of ginger.
Expect to pay $7 to $8 for lunch with appetizer and a non-alcoholic drink. Throw in a beer and an even $10 gets you a meal you'll write epinions about.
Update - 15 May 2000
I am halfway through yet another take-out lunch from the Hunan. Today I ordered the Dry-Sauteed String Beans and I have to comment. This may be the best bean dish I have ever eaten in any style of cuisine. The string beans are prepared in a light brown sauce (made with black beans?) with copious amounts of red pepper, ginger, and thin garlic slices. It comes off wonderfully and I'd recommend it to anyone craving a vegetarian dish. It is also available with the Hunan's ubiquitous pork sauce. Now, back to my meal!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
chris8b
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Member: Christopher
Location: San Francisco, California
Reviews written: 20
Trusted by: 5 members
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