Recently, “FOY” Dereck sent me an email about his visit to Taste of Hunan. It used to be a favorite of the Missus, but I couldn’t believe it’s been over six months since we last visited! I think the Missus has been fixated on Cantonese fare from Eastern Dynasty! Though once I mentioned ToH to Her….well guess where we were off to? It was a weekend visit, right as they opened at 11 and the place was empty.
But within 20 minutes the restaurant was almost full, with several large parties.
We decided on one favorite, one standard Hunan dish, and two newer dishes that we hadn’t seen before.
Of course, if you’ve read my previous posts on Taste of Hunan, you know that my favorite dish is the Xiangxi Style Beef Entrails. And yes, this dish is still my favorite.
Served over a live flame heating element; they key is to let the dish sit for a few minutes to let the onions at the bottom of the dish cook and soak up the spicy-savory sauce. It becomes nice and sweet as well. I enjoy the combinations of flavors and textures; the soft beef tripe, the more toothsome and flavorful beef.
La Rou with Bamboo is a classic Hunan dish. And I must say, this was the best we’ve had in a while.
The house made smoked pork is somewhat chewy, but so porky-savory and smoky, with the perfect amount of saltiness. Add to that the earthy and still somewhat crunchy bamboo shoots this was quite good. We did think it could have used more chilies; but the garlic tones made up for that.
While we the previous dish could have possibly used more chilies; let me tell you that the dish named “Beef Loved by My Wife” had more than enough spice going on!
It also had a heck of a lot of cumin….think of it as being a version of cumin lamb, but made with beef and much more spicy! The beef was slightly chewy, but man, this was umami overload!
The Missus was interested in trying the Steamed Egg with Minced Pork, so we ordered it.
Man, this was so porky; the Missus loved the broth/sauce. The eggs, which were actually poached were overcooked and the yolks dry. We’d actually get it right with the leftovers at home. The pork was very tender and savory…..though both the Missus and I agreed that it could have used some textural contrast….maybe some water chestnut or something?
Overall, it was a good meal. I’m sure the Missus will be wanting to return soon to try other items as it seems that new ones are added every few months!
Thanks to Dereck for reminding us of Taste of Hunan!
Taste of Hunan
9880 Hibert St.
San Diego, CA 92131
Current Hours:
Mon, Tues 11am – 9pm
Thurs 1130am – 230pm, 5pm – 9pm
Friday 1130am – 230pm, 5pm – 930pm
Sat, Sun 11am – 930pm