The Old House of Hunan offers a culinary journey that transports diners straight to the heart of China’s Hunan province. Known for its bold flavors, intricate preparations, and a perfect balance of spicy, sour, and savory notes, the menu reflects a deep respect for tradition while embracing modern tastes.
Each dish tells a story, crafted with fresh, authentic ingredients that capture the essence of Hunanese cuisine.
Whether you are a seasoned foodie or a curious newcomer, the Old House of Hunan menu is designed to delight and intrigue. From the first bite to the last, the layers of flavor and texture showcase the culinary heritage of one of China’s most vibrant regions.
This menu is not just a list of dishes; it is an invitation to explore the rich tapestry of tastes that define Hunan’s food culture.
Offering a variety of appetizers, mains, vegetarian options, and signature specialties, the restaurant balances tradition with innovation. Diners can expect a well-curated selection that caters to diverse palates without compromising on authenticity.
The following sections delve into the highlights and nuances of the menu, providing insight into what makes Old House of Hunan a destination for exceptional dining.
Appetizers: The Perfect Beginning
The appetizer section of the Old House of Hunan menu is crafted to awaken the palate and prepare diners for the bold flavors ahead. These starters combine freshness and spice, often featuring pickled vegetables and delicate meats.
Classic Hunanese appetizers emphasize the contrast between tangy and fiery flavors. Dishes like spicy cold chicken and pickled green beans provide a refreshing yet stimulating introduction.
The appetizers are typically light but packed with flavor, setting the tone for the courses to follow.
Many appetizers incorporate ingredients that are staples of Hunan cuisine, such as chili peppers and fermented soy products. These not only add complexity but also reflect centuries-old culinary traditions that emphasize balance and harmony in taste.
Popular Starters
- Spicy Cold Chicken: Tender chicken pieces chilled and tossed in a chili oil dressing, garnished with fresh scallions.
- Pickled Green Beans: Crisp beans pickled with garlic and chili, delivering a tangy and spicy bite.
- Preserved Pork with Tofu: A savory blend of cured pork slices and silky tofu, enhanced with fermented black beans.
“The appetizer course is where the story begins — a delicate balance of heat and zest that ignites the senses without overwhelming them.” – Chef Liu, Old House of Hunan
Main Courses: A Symphony of Flavors
The main courses at Old House of Hunan showcase the region’s penchant for spicy, aromatic dishes that combine fresh ingredients with robust seasonings. Each dish is carefully prepared to maintain the integrity of Hunanese culinary principles.
Signature dishes often feature chili peppers, garlic, and smoked elements, resulting in a depth of flavor that is both intense and nuanced. The menu offers a range of proteins, including pork, beef, chicken, and fish, ensuring there is something to satisfy every preference.
Preparation methods vary from stir-frying to braising, highlighting different textures and flavors. Many dishes are accompanied by rice or noodles to complement the spicy sauces and rich aromas.
Signature Main Dishes
- Chairman Mao’s Red Braised Pork: A legendary dish featuring succulent pork belly slow-cooked in soy sauce, sugar, and spices until tender and caramelized.
- Steamed Fish Head with Chopped Chili: Fresh fish head steamed to perfection and topped with a fiery chili sauce that balances heat and freshness.
- Hunan Beef Stir-Fry: Thinly sliced beef wok-fried with hot peppers, garlic, and ginger for a bold, savory punch.
- Spicy Tofu with Minced Pork: Silky tofu cubes cooked in a spicy bean paste sauce alongside savory ground pork.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Spice Level |
| Chairman Mao’s Red Braised Pork | Pork belly, soy sauce, sugar, star anise | Medium |
| Steamed Fish Head with Chopped Chili | Fish head, chili peppers, garlic, ginger | High |
| Hunan Beef Stir-Fry | Beef, hot peppers, garlic, ginger | High |
| Spicy Tofu with Minced Pork | Tofu, ground pork, chili bean paste | Medium-High |
Vegetarian Delights
Old House of Hunan caters thoughtfully to vegetarians, offering dishes that are hearty and flavorful without relying on meat. The vegetarian options maintain the restaurant’s commitment to bold seasoning and authentic preparation.
Vegetable-based dishes often utilize tofu, mushrooms, and seasonal greens, enhanced with the traditional smoky and spicy flavors characteristic of Hunan cuisine. These dishes provide satisfying textures and vibrant tastes for those seeking plant-based meals.
By using a variety of cooking techniques such as braising, stir-frying, and steaming, the menu’s vegetarian section ensures diversity and richness in each dish, proving that meat-free options can be just as exciting.
Must-Try Vegetarian Options
- Smoky Eggplant with Garlic Sauce: Tender eggplant cubes wok-fried with a fragrant garlic chili sauce.
- Spicy Stir-Fried Green Beans: Crisp green beans cooked with dried chili and fermented black beans for a smoky depth.
- Tofu and Mushroom Claypot: Silky tofu and assorted mushrooms simmered in a savory broth inside a traditional clay pot.
“The vegetarian dishes are designed to capture the essence of Hunan spices while celebrating the natural flavors of fresh vegetables.” – Sous Chef Mei
Soups and Noodles
The soups and noodle offerings at Old House of Hunan reflect the comforting and hearty qualities of regional Chinese cuisine. These dishes balance warming broths with spicy and aromatic ingredients, making them ideal for any season.
Soups range from light and clear to richly flavored, often incorporating meats, vegetables, and herbs that promote digestive health and warmth. Noodle dishes are typically stir-fried or served in broth with a variety of toppings.
Each soup and noodle item is prepared with care to maintain the authentic taste of Hunan’s home-cooked meals, offering a satisfying complement to the rest of the menu.
Popular Soups and Noodle Dishes
- Hot and Sour Soup: A classic blend of vinegar, chili, tofu, and wood ear mushrooms that delivers a vibrant balance of flavors.
- Hunan Beef Noodles: Hand-pulled noodles served in a spicy beef broth with tender slices of meat and fresh vegetables.
- Spicy Chicken and Vegetable Soup: A fragrant soup featuring diced chicken, seasonal greens, and Hunan spices.
| Dish | Main Flavor Profile | Preparation Style |
| Hot and Sour Soup | Sour, spicy, umami | Simmered |
| Hunan Beef Noodles | Spicy, savory, hearty | Boiled and stir-fried |
| Spicy Chicken and Vegetable Soup | Spicy, aromatic | Simmered |
Signature Sauces and Condiments
A defining feature of the Old House of Hunan menu is the use of signature sauces and condiments that elevate every dish. These elements are crafted in-house or carefully sourced to ensure authenticity and quality.
Common ingredients include fermented chili paste, smoked soybeans, and a variety of aromatic spices. These sauces bring layers of flavor, from fiery heat to subtle smokiness, adding complexity to both simple and elaborate dishes.
Guests are encouraged to experiment with these condiments, as they can dramatically transform the flavor profile of the meal, allowing for a personalized dining experience that honors Hunan’s culinary heritage.
Popular Sauces
- Chili Bean Paste (Doubanjiang): A fermented spicy paste that forms the backbone of many Hunan dishes.
- Smoked Soybean Sauce: Deeply savory and slightly sweet, adding umami richness.
- Garlic Chili Oil: A fragrant oil that provides a fiery, aromatic kick.
“The sauces are the soul of Hunan cuisine; they breathe life into each dish and define its character.” – Sauce Master Wang
Desserts and Refreshments
While Hunan cuisine is primarily known for its savory and spicy dishes, the dessert and refreshment options at Old House of Hunan offer a refreshing conclusion to the meal. These selections are designed to cleanse the palate and provide a subtle contrast to the intense flavors experienced earlier.
Desserts typically incorporate local ingredients such as rice, sweet beans, and fruits, often prepared with a light sweetness and delicate texture. Refreshments include traditional teas and beverages that complement the bold dishes.
These thoughtful endings help maintain balance throughout the dining experience, ensuring that every visit leaves guests satisfied and refreshed.
Sweet Offerings and Drinks
- Sweet Rice Cake: Soft, chewy rice cakes with a hint of sweetness, sometimes infused with red bean paste.
- Chilled Mango Pudding: A creamy, fruity dessert that cools the palate after spicy courses.
- Jasmine Tea: Fragrant and soothing, this traditional tea aids digestion and refreshes the senses.
| Item | Description | Best Paired With |
| Sweet Rice Cake | Soft texture, mildly sweet | Spicy main dishes |
| Chilled Mango Pudding | Creamy and fruity | Heavily spiced entrees |
| Jasmine Tea | Fragrant and light | All courses |
Family-Style and Sharing Options
Recognizing the communal nature of Chinese dining, Old House of Hunan offers family-style dishes meant for sharing. These selections emphasize variety and encourage diners to experience multiple flavors in one meal.
Sharing plates are typically larger and showcase a combination of textures and tastes, from crispy to tender, mild to intensely spicy. This approach promotes conversation and connection around the table.
The menu often suggests pairing options and portion sizes to help groups select an ideal combination that maximizes enjoyment and variety.
Popular Sharing Dishes
- Mixed Grill Platter: An assortment of marinated meats and vegetables grilled with a signature smoky spice blend.
- Spicy Hot Pot: A bubbling pot filled with meats, tofu, and vegetables cooked at the table in a spicy broth.
- Assorted Dim Sum Basket: Variety of steamed dumplings and buns with savory fillings, perfect for sampling.
“Sharing dishes reflect the heart of Hunan dining – family, warmth, and the joy of tasting together.” – Manager Chen
Conclusion
The Old House of Hunan menu is a masterful representation of one of China’s most celebrated culinary traditions. It balances the fiery intensity of chili peppers with subtle sour notes and aromatic spices, offering a dining experience that is both authentic and accessible.
Each dish, from appetizers to desserts, tells a story of heritage, craftsmanship, and passion for flavor.
Whether indulging in the renowned Red Braised Pork or savoring the delicate textures of vegetarian options, diners are treated to a spectrum of tastes that engage all the senses. The thoughtful inclusion of sauces, sharing plates, and carefully curated beverages enhances the meal, making every visit memorable.
Ultimately, the Old House of Hunan menu invites guests to explore, savor, and celebrate the bold spirit of Hunan cuisine. It is a testament to culinary artistry and cultural richness, promising a feast that nourishes both body and soul.
