Hunan Chili Restaurant102 Castro St., Mountain View CA 94041

Hunan Chili Restaurant has a unique approach to the well known Chinese cuisine. Although its name suggests a place for the simple hot and spicy, the entrées are elegantly refined making them accessible for all diners alike. Chili is such a well-entrenched element of Hunan culture and its culinary consciousness that it seems almost impossible to try to refine it. Until, it is in the hands of owner/chef Xiang Wang. Xiang began his culinary career twenty years ago when he was apprenticed at several restaurants in Hunan Province, China. Eventually, he immigrated to US and through hard work and great talent; he opened his first restaurant in Northern California in 1996. Wang always wanted to introduce his cooking techniques to the Bay Area, and with this available space in Mountain View, his dream has come true.

His kitchen offers a mix of traditional familiar dishes such as General’s Chicken as well as distinctive creations like Hunan Style Smoked Beef. The menu also offers plenty of non-spicy dishes, which Huang crafted with a touch of Shanghai flair. The menu starts with many appetizers. The classic Boiled Won Ton with Hot Sauce came with a bowl of pouched won ton basted with a unique combination of chili oil, sesame paste, and peppercorn. The smooth white wrap topped with savory ruby broth renders a stylish presentation for the chili lover. Other items on the menu included the incredibly juicy Steamed Dumplings and the delicious Pine Nuts Shrimp, which is unique in the Bay Area.

The entrées come with a wide range of choices, flavors, and degrees of spiciness. There are ample selections of traditional gourmet dishes to satisfy all levels of food aficionados. From the staple items of Mustard Chicken Salad and Lover’s Prawns (because of its frolic presentation of red and white prawns) to Chef’s creations of Shanghai Style roasted duck and House Special Lamb, you are sure to find plenty of satisfaction! Seafood lovers will savor the flavor of Sautéed Fish Filet. If poultry is your preference, try Smoked Tea Duck. In addition, vegetarians will relish Hunan Style Tofu. Hunan Chili Restaurant has something for everyone and is looking forward to delivering great Chinese cuisine to your door!