In recent years, Hunan Cuisine succeeds Sichuan Cuisine as a dining fashion spreading all over China certainly including Shanghai. Hunan Cuisine restaurants are usually simply decorated in a country style in order to give a free and casual impression. Dishes in these restaurants are served in large quantities however at fairly low prices.

Hunan Cuisine lays emphasis on the variety of food materials, cooking techniques, and the savory flavors. The styles of Hunan dishes vary including common and feast dishes, country-styled and family-styled dishes as well as medicinal dishes. Most of the dishes have one thing in common - oily, salty and especially spicy flavors.

As a Hunan local, Chinaman Mao Zedong loves Hunan Cuisine very much. Wherever he goes, a Hunan chef would accompany him. You can try Duojiao Yutou and Chinaman Mao's favorite bouilli in the Hunan restaurants in Shanghai.

Recommended Restaurants of Hunan Cuisine:

Xiang E Qing
Chinese name: 湘鄂情 (xiāng è qíng)
Specialties: It is a superior Chinese restaurant in the Hope Hotel. The restaurant is specially decorated with red as its main color, showing the hot and spicy features of Hunan Cuisine. Dishes served here mainly focus on cuisines of Hunan and Hubei Provinces. They have authentic flavor, nice look, and slightly high prices.
Address: Accessory Building, Hope Hotel, No. 500, Zhaojiabang Road, Xuhui District (the intersection with Yueyang Road)
Operating Hours: 10:00 - 14:00, 17:00 - 21:30
Average cost per person: CNY 120 - 170

Aiwanting Restaurant
Chinese name: 爱晚亭酒家 (ài wǎn tíng jiǔ jiā)
Specialties: Aiwanting is the name of a famous pavilion in Hunan Province. The restaurant is sure to serve Hunan dishes. Duojiao Yutou (or Fish Head with Chopped Red Pepper) is recommended. The window seat can give you a view of the charming night piece of the Huangpu River.
Address: 8F, Super Brand Mall, No. 168, West Lujiazui Road, Pudong New Area
Operating Hours: 10:30 - 14:00, 17:00 - 23:00
Average cost per person: CNY 150 - 300

Gu Yi Xiang Wei Nong
Chinese name: 古意湘味浓 (gǔ yì xiāng wèi nóng)
Specialties: This is a popular Hunan Cuisine restaurant serving Shanghai-styled Hunan dishes, which are more acceptable for the Shanghai locals and tourists from other places.
Operating Hours: 11:30 - 14:00, 17:30 - 22:30
Average cost per person: CNY 85

Daan Branch: 2F, No. 66, Lane 999, Changshou Road, Putuo District (near Yuyao Road)
Fumin Branch: Suite A, 1F, Jufu Building, No. 89, Fumin Road, Jing'an District (near Julu Road)

South Memory
Chinese name: 望湘园 (wàng xiāng yuán)
Specialties: This restaurant serves typical Hunan dishes with heavy hot and spicy taste. Sweet sauce of Shanghai Cuisine is added to some dishes however doesn't affect the authentic flavor. Double-Color Fish Head and shredded chicken are recommended.
Average cost per person: CNY 60 - 70

Hongyi Branch: 6F, Hongyi Plaza, No. 299, East Nanjing Road, Huangpu District (near Shandong Road)
Operating Hours: 11:00 - 22:00

Weifang Road Branch: No. 118, Weifang Road, Pudong New Area
Operating Hours: 10:30 - 14:00, 16:30 - 22:30

Shanghai

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