Hunan Chinese offers a broad menu that covers everything from mild chow mein to intensely spiced chef specialties. If you want to plan your meal and your budget, this guide to the Hunan Chinese Menu with Prices breaks down the most common dishes and what they usually cost.
Prices vary by location, so treat the numbers below as a general range. Most Hunan restaurants sit in the same ballpark for appetizers, mains, and combo plates.
What To Expect From A Hunan Chinese Menu
Hunan cooking comes from the Hunan province in China. It is known for heat, but not every dish burns. You will find plenty of mild options too.
Most menus split into clear sections. That makes it easy to build a meal that fits your taste and your wallet.
Common Menu Sections
- Appetizers and soups
- Chicken and beef dishes
- Seafood and pork dishes
- Vegetable and tofu plates
- Noodles, rice, and chow mein
- Chef specialties
- Combination platters
Hunan Chinese Menu With Prices
Here is a typical price list. Small towns charge less. Big cities charge more. Lunch specials often save you two or three dollars.
Appetizers And Soups
- Spring rolls (2): $3.50 to $5.00
- Crab rangoon (6): $5.00 to $7.00
- Fried dumplings (6): $6.00 to $8.50
- Hot and sour soup (cup): $3.00 to $4.50
- Wonton soup (bowl): $4.50 to $7.00
Chicken And Beef
- General Tso’s chicken: $12.00 to $16.00
- Orange chicken: $12.00 to $15.50
- Kung Pao chicken: $12.50 to $16.00
- Hunan beef: $13.50 to $17.00
- Beef with broccoli: $13.00 to $16.50
Seafood And Pork
- Shrimp with garlic sauce: $15.00 to $19.00
- Salt and pepper shrimp: $16.00 to $20.00
- Sweet and sour pork: $12.00 to $15.00
- Twice cooked pork: $13.00 to $16.50
Vegetables, Noodles, And Rice
- Vegetable lo mein: $10.00 to $13.00
- Chicken chow mein: $11.00 to $14.00
- Fried rice (small): $8.00 to $11.00
- Mapo tofu: $11.00 to $14.00
- Sauteed mixed vegetables: $10.00 to $13.00
Chef Specialties
- Hunan lamb: $17.00 to $21.00
- Triple delight: $16.00 to $20.00
- Whole steamed fish: $22.00 to $30.00
- House special combo: $15.00 to $19.00
How To Order Without Spending Too Much
You can eat well at a Hunan restaurant on a small budget. Follow these simple steps.
- Check the lunch specials first. They usually run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Order one appetizer to share instead of one per person.
- Pick a combo platter. It comes with rice and a spring roll.
- Ask for steamed rice instead of fried rice. It is often free or a dollar.
- Split a large entree between two people.
- Drink water or tea. Soda adds two to three dollars per person.
Tips For Reading The Menu
Spice levels are not the same at every restaurant. A “hot” dish at one place may be mild at another.
Ask your server how spicy a dish really is. Most kitchens will turn the heat down if you ask.
What The Labels Mean
- Mild: little to no chili
- Medium: a light kick
- Hot: real Hunan heat
- Extra hot: for people who eat chili daily
Watch For Extra Charges
- Extra rice or noodles
- Substituting shrimp for chicken
- Takeout containers
- Delivery fees and tips
Final Thoughts On Pricing
A full meal for one person usually lands between $15 and $25 before tax and tip. A family-style dinner for four can run $50 to $80.
Prices change over time, so call ahead or check the restaurant’s own menu before you go. That way there is no surprise when the bill arrives.