I am severely gluten intolerant so Chinese food can be hazardous to my health. Hunan Gardens does not have an official gluten free menu, but if you call, I was told most items can be made gluten free. I ordered a seafood dish with shrimp, scallops, and veggies in a white sauce and an order of sesame balls. The seafood dish was very generous on the seafood and the veggies were extra fresh and not overcooked like at some restaurants. The sesame balls filled with red bean paste were perfectly done with a light crunch on the outside and chewy on the inside. The customer service here was phenomenal! The woman who took my order was very thorough and patient in describing ingredients and ensuring I selected good, gluten free choices. She knew the menu well enough to make recommendations. Among the information she gave me, they can substitute rice noodles or white sauce for any dish, and they only use corn starch to thicken sauces to reduce gluten contamination risk. The chef making the sesame balls even called me back to inform me that the sesame balls contained rice gluten and wanted to ensure that would be safe for me to consume--which it is. Rarely do restaurants care enough to check the ingredients for those with food allergies, let alone call to check with the customer. I was told the delivery wait would be 45 minutes, but my food was delivered in about 25 minutes. I give this restaurant 5 out of 5 stars and plan to use them exclusively when I want Chinese food.
(5)
Josh M.
Consistent. Always good and the family that own it are so polite and curtious. Probably the highest quality chinese you can get in Kalamazoo. Comparable to Chinn Chinn yet a different experience all the same. Certainly the best egg rolls in Kalamazoo.
(5)
Joe V.
Five stars for consistency over time. This restaurant should be called "old reliable". It does very good chinese food well every time. Yes, Chinn Chinn is better, but this is closer to most of us, isn't it? The servers are all really good at their job, and the whole place runs like a clock. So much takeout flies out these doors too. I could make a meal of the shrimp rolls. they are always delivered piping hot to the table. I never get enough Hor Fun noodles. Stir fried please! All my special requests have been met without a hiccup in the past. Dinner for two is around $25 without drinks. and you get a lovely strawberry banana smoothie at the end of it all. What a treasure for Kalamazooo!
(5)
Paul U.
Hunan Gardens features very authentic Sichuan cuisine, and they'll even bring the spiciness up to reasonable levels, on request. This restaurant provided a great topper to an otherwise great day at the beach. I strongly recommend this place to anybody seeking authentic Chinese cuisine.
(5)
Beth C.
We are from out of town and picked this restaurant based on good reviews online We were expecting better. We ordered appetizers and an entree. Started with old fashioned egg rolls, which can be hard to find, but delicious. Also got an order of fried dumplings. I think they all went through the same deep fryer. These egg rolls were dry and over cooked. The dumplings were deep fried rather than pan fried and steamed the way they should be, and the dough was much too thick. The Double Cooked Pork was very mediocre. There was an interesting "authentic menu, with fried beef tendons and pork intestines cooked five different ways. All in all, I would not recommend this and will not go back.
(2)
David Z.
What can I say. The establishment is one of my favorites! The wait staff is awesome and always have smiles on thier faces. the food is consistant and the ambiance is kitshy but not loud. The owner goes around and talks to people and is very attentive. And at the end of your meal. You get orange wedges and fortune cookies...plus a shot of thier strawberry bannana smoothie. thubs up to Hunan garden.
(5)
Allison E.
Standard Chinese fair like you find in any Chinese/American establishment. But Hunan is like a faithful friend. I can always rely on it for a good meal and it never lets me down. Good food, Good service, good prices.
(4)
Michael G.
Food was cooked properly and ingredients seemed to be of good quality. My wife and I both found the food to lack flavor, though.
(2)
Christopher M.
Probably the best traditional chinese near Kalamazoo. The food is good, the staff is helpful and friendly, the decor is mediocre, and it's decently priced.
(4)
Bryan M.
Truly excellent Chinese fare. Flavorful, quality ingredients and lots of choice. So far from the typical bland fast casual Chinese fair. Lunch options are loaded with an incredible value for price. Choice of soup (including Wonton), meal, Crab Rangoon or an egg roll. Get the wonton, mine had 4 huge dumplings, unheard of on a lunch menu from my experience. Overall, the food was really good and would highly recommend.
(5)
Shuan C.
The atmosphere and decor are really great here. The food is on the upper end of Chinese food offerings in the area for sure. We had the Sizzling Rice Soup, Bird's Nest, Salt & Pepper shrimp, Roast Duck, and another Seafood dish I can't remember the name of. The sizzling rice soup was good, not the best I had, and major points got taken off because they didn't pour the rice when they brought it to our table, it was already in so we missed the "sizzling" part. Not a big deal obviously but personally, I love hearing the rice when it's poured in :). The salt and pepper shrimp were amazing! Definitely recommend it. The duck was OK, not Cantonese style, but still very, very good. Bird's Nest comes in a crunchy noodle bowl and is rather beautiful. I will say that the portions are much smaller than typical Chinese restaurants, which is a bummer as we didn't have any leftovers to take home, but the food was definitely delicious.
(4)
Jessica V.
We've come here for years with my parents, who live in the area. Now that we're living here, it's on our regular roll call for eating out. Why? * Quiet, relaxed atmosphere * Delicious meals * A wide range of options for both lunch and dinner * An inexpensive lunch (meal, fried rice, soup, and egg roll or 2 crabmeat rangoons) * Interesting and polite wait staff * Lovely welcoming neko (cat) at the entrance ****** Amazing crabmeat rangoons - they are huge! Lunch is a deal - $6.50-7.50 - for a wide range of items. But if you're there for dinner, try the noodles or the enormous soup bowls. Swoon.
(5)
Sydnie C.
Been here three times really good food always hot pretty authentic but not too much..got us take out 15 mins b4 closing one night, friendly staff, relaxed zen setting, good tea and pretty damn good food lol
(5)
Daryl M.
Always a great place to get Chinese food! Wide variety of menu items. They do not mess around when it comes to then portion of food you get either. A lot of food and good price!
(5)
Alicia S.
The over the phone ordering service was okay. I wish I would have required them to repeat the order back to me because they gave me Hunan Chicken instead of Hunan Chicken and Shrimp- an easy mistake over the phone. The rest of my meal was correct. Delivery time was 45mins-1hr which was great for a snow storm (which it was, yeah, I'm that guy). The delivery man was very nice and he had a debit/credit swipe on his phone, which was very convenient. The food was yummy and I had a fully belly by the end of the night! Special shout out to the Crab Rangoon they're huge! Also, their Plum Sauce comes in house packaged containers, which I find to be better than your average high fructose corn syrup packets.
(3)
Michael P.
Very good spot for Chinese food. Hot and sour soup was very nice...been struggling to find a decent execution of this staple...lo, it's in freaking Kalamazoo! Fried dumplings were a little heavy and dipping sauce could have had more pop...but not bad. My wife and I shared Szechuan chicken and roast port fried rice. Both were very good. I'd have liked more heat with the chicken, but the rice was great with nice chunks of pork...another reason to visit my son at school.
(4)
Ana G.
This review is written by someone who lived in China for a year. Started with Hot and Sour soup (perfectly spicy!!!) and Crab meat rangoons, both excellently prepared and delivered quickly! Hot tea on every table is a nice touch. Adorable, super friendly waitress who spoke English just well enough to add to this very authentic Chinese restaurant. Beef and scallop dish was awesome with brown sauce served on a sizzling platter. Nothing looked bad at this place. Half chicken Cantonese style was good but a bit dry.
(4)
Teri C.
Wish I lived closer.....the BEST Hot and Soup I have ever had! While it packs a punch.....it's not all red pepper flakes. It has almost a smoky flavor and is never bitter. We have been here 6 times in the last year.....and I simply forgot to do a review. The last time we visited was the end of March. Lunch is always quick, hot and VERY tasty. We have only been here for lunch, but never a disappointment. The wait staff is second to none! The only thing I don't care for is the Peking Duck hanging under the heat lamp.....it does kind of creep me out. We just ask to sit out of view of the poor thing.
(5)
Julia G.
The food is definitely 5-star worthy and is the most authentic Chinese available in this area. Since I'm Korean (and recently moved to the area) my tastes are a little different than your average local. I'm a fan of the dandanmian, zhajiangmian, and double dry chili pork! I've also heard good things about the Singapore noodles and the Sichuan-style peanut chicken. However, there are a couple of things I'm not a fan of... hence the 4-stars :( The takeout service is quite disappointing for a well-regarded restaurant. On one occasion, a dish we ordered (and paid for) was simply forgotten and today 3 out of 4 of our dishes were definitely NOT the dishes we ordered. Food is wonderful but takeout service and accuracy need to be improved!
(4)
Jessie R.
Never go back! Horrible Food and service!
(1)
Julio I.
I used to love this place. Have dined in and had take out many times over the years... Until last year. I had ordered take out for four. Dinner and a movie at home for me and my family. As I almost took my second bite I glanced down at my fork and spotted the end of a hair sticking out. Yep. I slowly pulled the hair out only to find that it was a nasty curly hair... A pubic hair. Disgusting to say the least. I called the store to complain of course. The only response from them was along the lines of "oh, sorry about that". Hardly even concerned. They didn't bother to offer to refund anything or even at least a free dinner next time, not that I would accept a free dinner there. My family and I haven't eaten there since. Makes me wonder what else I've ingested there over the years. Too bad really because the food was good. I'll pass on the chef surprise though. Bluchh.
(1)
Kyle R.
Best Chinese in Kalamazoo. I can only speak for the W. Main location, but it's seriously delicious. Light, not too greasy like some Chinese places, and great lunch specials. I recommend the Subgum Wonton Soup, the Crab Rangoons, and the Almond Chicken Ding. Try it today!!
(5)
Ed R.
For the average consumer of Chinese food, consider Hunan Gardens several rungs above your typical Chinese buffet (it's not a buffet at all, I'm referring to the quality of the food). You will, of course, find all your expected entrees, e.g., pepper steak, orange chicken, General Tsao's ... etc. But for those more adventuresome, there is plenty to explore on the menu. HG has a full service bar and the wait staff has always been prompt, courteous, and quick. I'm on the faculty of a nearby university and almost every time we have a meal at HG, at least one if not several, of my Chinese students are there which I interpret as a clear endorsement of the authenticity of the food.
(4)
Varun A.
This is the best, authentic chinese restaurant I have been to in the US. The food served here off of the traditional chinese menu is the way to go. Ma Pa Tofu, Cumin Lamb, Kong Ching Chai, Chengdu Spicy Chicken, Curry Noodle Soup, Wonton Noodle Soup, all fantastic dishes. I highly recommend to anyone craving authentic chinese. Also, as an added bonus, the service is very good. Quite atypical for traditional chinese restaurants.
(5)
Jacob S.
Always very good. Delivery guys never disappoint and service inside dine in is as good as it gets. I like the sweet and sour chicken with hot mustard packets. Crab cheese wonton better than most Chinese restaurants as well. Overall 5 stars and no complaints. Nice atmosphere inside
(5)
Miranda G.
The best in Kalamazoo and everywhere else! We lived in Boston and Chicago before and have been to China, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. Among all the Asian food that my family has had, Hunan Gardens is still one of the best! Their beef noodle soup is definitely #1. They have authentic Sichuan food (especially broil fish) and several chef's specials that are really yummy. Highly recommended!
(5)
Natalie Y.
This place is the bomb! Since moving to Southwest michigan, it has been a real struggle to find authentic tasting Chinese food. Their food reminds me of the asian restaurants in the Twin Cities. The price isn't bad either for the amount of food you received! Love this place!
(5)
Jheri M.
This is the only place to get FRESH Chinese food in Kalamazoo. The rest is really pre-frozen garbage. Do yourself a favour and eat at Hunan.
(5)
Michael O.
The portions you get are not that big. The price you pay is very affordable. The taste and quality of the food was excellent. We are from the Chicagoland area and eat in Chinatown a lot. Hunan is comparable to the restaurants there. We had the orange chicken and beef & broccoli. When they bring your bill, you get fresh orange slices, a small fruit smoothie and fortune cookies! We will be back to try something else.
(4)
Alisha W.
Hunan Garden was my Sunday afternoon go-to in college. For a broke college student, getting a delicious meal with soup and two Crab Rangoon on the side for $6.00 was the greatest discovery of all time. As I've gotten older and my taste have matured, my love for Hunan Gardens has remained the same. The best part about Hunan Gardens is that there are so many things that really set them apart from other Chinese restaurants. The ingredient quality is five stars. The meat (including the chicken, and we all know how sketchy Chinese food chicken can be) is so delicious and top notch. I've had chicken, steak, and shrimp on several occasions and I honestly can't say which is better. The soups are incredible. Hunan turned me into an Egg Drop Soup snob. The texture is perfect; not overly oily like you'll find with many places. The Crab Rangoons are the absolute best I've ever had. Even the fortune cookies have a delicious vanilla flavor and are a higher quality cookie than the cardboard ones I've had at other restaurants. The space is very clean and inviting. You'll enjoy a nice lunch or dinner complete with soft music and a table cloth. The staff is so incredible friendly and welcoming. This is the very best Chinese restaurant in the Kalamazoo/Portage are and probably the very best I have ever been to. Whenever I make the five hour trip to come home to Kalamazoo, I always plan a visit to Hunan. In the past 8 years nothing has changed because nothing needed to. It's perfect!
(5)
Pooja R.
I went here for dinner today and had an horrible experience. I had chowmein which was more like veggie noodle soup. Ordered for hot and spicy schezwan chicken which tasted sweet and made us request for adding additional spice. I asked for a dry chicken noodle a typical Chinese stir fry but they said all their noodles would be either soupy or saucy . I hate the brown sauce which tastes too sweet. The meal spoiled my mood tonight :(
(1)
Amber C.
I have always loved Hunan Gardens since they first opened. The manager has always remembered my name (and order!) they even catered my graduation party, even though they don't cater! I have recently moved states away and management still remembered my name! All of the staff is super friendly and great. I recently managed to visit my home town this month and we just had to take a trip back for my favorite Lo Mein place. Still as clean, friendly and delicious as I always remembered.
(5)
Yi Liang S.
Pretty good lunch prices, and the Szechuan menu for dinner, while not really as 'authentic' as claimed to be, is pretty much the best in Kalamazoo as far as authenticity goes. Plus it's the only place I can find that sells 回é‹è‚‰ around here, so that's a big plus. Surprisingly, the staff here are also really nice, and quite of few of them speak mandarin as well, so that's another plus for me. Best place for Chinese in the area imho.
(4)
John K.
The best sit down Chinese restaurant in Kalamazoo. With seasonal specials and a noodle bar. Wife and I were blessed with Jose as our waiter the first time we went before we were married. He made the meal entertainment as well as food. The owner makes certain to greet each of his guests.
(5)
Charles X.
I moved away a year ago to Boston (where there is a Chinatown) but still remember this restaurant. I used to get take out from here every week and miss it dearly. Their Szechuan menu is all authentic Chinese food, most of which are done very well. My favorites are the Double Dry Chili Pork (they deviate from the usual double cooked pork for this but it's fantastic and possibly even better... I wonder if I can get this one-day air shipped to me sometime), Beef Noodle Soup (Uses the right beef), and Noodles with Minced Dry Meat Sauce. I also highly recommend trying the chili dumplings and real mapo tofu. There are other places that do the Spicy Fish Stew better but this is probably as close as you'll ever get within a 50 mile radius. I think I've tried things on the regular menu once and wouldn't recommend it... I don't like Chinese American food in general.
(5)
Paul W.
The Wife and I had a horrible day. Cold wet and hungry, we stumbled into the Hunan Garden for a hot meal. Not impressed with the interior of this restaurant, we were greater with a warm smile and seated. The menu was very impressive. We order. The place was almost full, yet our meal came in short time. Wh had the crispy chicken and it was wonderful. By the tim we left the Garden we were relaxed, full, happy.
(4)
Jeffrey H.
Very good Chinese food. I love their spicy food! The service there is ok. Sometimes you need to wait a little bit longer. If there is anything I do not like, the rice there is not that good. I think it is free with the meal, so cannot really complain about it.
(4)
Barb N.
Loved Hunan Gardens at first! It seems that their crab rangoons and some deep fried meat choices have changed though. They are full of oil, fat and no real flavor. They used to have crispy and delicious crab rangoons and less fatty meat. Its pretty expensive for the quality.
(3)
Maggie Z.
The best Chinese food in Michigan! I'm Chinese, I know how the real and good Chinese food test like. This place place is off the hook! They have two menus, one is the standard US Chinese menu, another one is the authentic chinese food menu. If you want to test the real Chinese food, please order from the authentic menu. Everything on the authentic menu is good, i really like the sliced beef & maw with spicy Szechuan sauce and boiled beef in Szechuan style. It just test like home! Don't be afraid to order from the authentic menu, my husband is American, he already addicted to their Szechuan food, so, I think you will love it too.
(5)
Chris M.
Excellent service, from a server that actually speaks Chinese (I think). Clean, pleasant atmosphere. Great lunch specials: hot tea, soup, and the full entree w/ spring roll or crab rangoon for about $6. With all that said, the food was just short of great. I think the quality was good, but the flavor was a tad bland (Hunan chicken and shrimp).
(4)
Debbie P.
Excellent food, service & very clean! We have NEVER been disappointed! A definite go to place for Chinese food!
(5)
Ej P.
The best noodles in West Michigan! These guys know how to make traditional Chinese noodles. I like thar they can cater to the American palette for Chinese but can cater to those of us that like to try new flavors and tastes.
(4)
Jenny G.
This is by far the best Chinese Food in the Kalamazoo area! And, we are lucky enough to live right around the corner from their Texas Township location! The Hot and Sour soup is spot on - the perfect combination of flavors and heat (which is surprisingly hard to find). The Moo Shu Chicken or Pork is excellent, as is the Szechuan Chicken, Happy Family, and Subgum, or Singapore Style Rice Noodles! I am excited to try more of their menu! YUM!!!
(5)
Adam S.
I do believe this is the best Chinese restaurant in the Kalamazoo area. They have an authentic Szechuan menu (in addition to their main menu) that is all sorts of wonderful. My favorite dish is Szechuan eggplant w/ ground pork. It isn't on any of the menus, but they will make it for you if you request it. It is a bit pricey (~$10), but it is well worth it. The staff is very friendly, and the service is attentive and quick. I am sometimes amazed at how quickly food is served after ordering. The decor isn't anything fancy... but who cares? The food is what I go there for. They also do take-out, for those on a tight schedule or no desire to dine in.
(5)
Bee S.
When I eat here, it's seriously like coming home. My most recent visit was 6 days ago when I went home to see my family and I had to come here since it had been a while. The food is as good as ever. Our table got cold noodles in sesame sauce as an appetizer, then szechuan chicken, kong pao chicken, pork in a black bean sauce, and (my dad's usual) beef noodle stew with bok choy and hor fun noodles. The beef stew is incredibly flavorful and my dad has to get it everytime. I usually help him eat it since the portions are so large, and even after that we always take it home. There's something about the broth... yes it is full of salt and probably more sodium than your weekly allowance, but there's also some anise flavor that just makes it out of this world. My family and I have been eating here for A LONG TIME. I remember eating here as a kid before there were even two separate rooms. It was one room, small and simple with no flashy colors or fancy chairs. The intricate wall separating the two dining areas, the bathrooms and the kitchen? Did not exist. All the servers were asian and understood some dialect of chinese. My dad (who is polish) would try and order in chinese and they would understand him (or just humor him :). Everything from the fried crisps at the table from the beginning of your meal to the fortune cookies and little ice cream/sorbet cups after you've gotten the bill is the same. Now the restaurant is larger, they have a second location, and there are many more waitresses and waiters running around who are not all asian. I am glad to see that they have grown and that they kept so many of their menu items the same. If it's not broken, why fix it, right? In addition to the delicious options that we got the other night, the steamed pot stickers and wonton soup are very good appetizers, if I recall :) The prices are actually very reasonable, if not cheap! Less than $10 for our entrees each.
(5)
D K.
Hunan Gardens is a real gem in Kalamazoo and I feel like we're very lucky to have such a restaurant. Not only do they serve the comforting Chinese dishes that everyone knows and loves, but they also have more adventurous choices, most of which are listed on their Noodle & Szechuan menu. They have something for everyone, from the popular Kung Pao Chicken to the exotic (and delicious) Spicy Beef Tendon. From their Noodle Menu, I would highly recommend the Dan Dan Noodles, which is served in a rich, spicy sauce; the aromatic vapors will please your palate with every bite. I find the quality of food there very consistent, always excellent, and the staff very friendly and helpful. I would dare say that this restaurant could compete with any number of "Big City" Chinese restaurants in menu choices and delicious flavor.
(5)
Gary L.
Excellent food. Excellent service. Fast service especially during lunch.
(5)
Boomer B.
Excellent food & service. Prices are very reasonable. Fresh ingredients, large portions, skilled preparation. This restaurant is a winner.
(5)
Yan Z.
One of the best Chinese restaraunt in this area. I love the authentic Szechuan food menu a lot. It is very close to the taste of real szechuan food. You get a lot of free appetizers and deserts when you dine in...love it
(4)
Liz W.
I used to come here back in the day being a giant fan of the beef and asparagus in season, spicy eggplant or the golden chicken with fruit. They also had the taste sensation pickled cabbage and shredded pork soup with noodles. We come here now when in town with friends. Steve orders for us all off the special menu and it is quite tasty stuff indeed. We have a big graze together with everyone sharing. He always orders the perfect food for all and we let him, not understanding a word but in complete trust as Steve never steers us wrong. This last time we feasted on a platter full of roast duck and pork, several different types of dumplings, a whole crispy fish, some noodles with various meats and veggies, tasty fresh bok choy and a tofu dish in a mushroom sauce that was melt in your mouth delicious. When I experiment James cringes, for Steve he consumes tofu with mushrooms happily and asks why I never order it, normally he hates both items. Very good food to be had here. I have no idea if I would have discovered some of it without help though.
(4)
Angela F.
Impressions after first order: Food takes ~1 hr, which I think is reasonable. Portion sizes: Only one size, which is kind of annoying, but most places do the same from what I've seen. A bit on the small side depending on what you order. Price: Sort of expensive compared to other Chinese restaurants, but they offer authentic dishes that other places do not. Delivery is free if over $15 (otherwise $1, which is still very reasonable) Food: on the bland side, which is disappointing considering that the dish I ordered (a famous szechuan pork dish: double chili pork) was supposed to be really flavorful. But it's delivery (cold food) as opposed to freshly cooked food I would get dining in, so I can understand. The menu isn't very descriptive at all for many dishes, which is better compared to other Chinese restaurants I've seen. Re-order: Yes. Just because they are able to offer so many different items I can't find elsewhere.
(4)
Raju L.
Terrific service. Having travelled to several countries, I have to say that for a chinese restaurant, their service is truly top notch. The only reason I gave 4 instead of 5 stars is that our appetizer tasted like it was out of the freezer.
(4)
Jason C.
This place is very consistent. Great service and the food is always great. We always get our take out from here.
(5)
Amanda A.
Amazing Chinese food. After spending a semester in Beijing this is one of the only Chinese food places I can still eat at because they have so many authentic tasting dishes! And you can't beat their lunch specials Try the Chicken and Eggplant, it's my favorite!
(5)
Ani B.
i felt like i was in NYC China Town! they served the fried won ton with duck sauce as a nibble. also provided hot tea and soup & egg roll with entree. i got my fav-broccoli and garlic sauce. Menu said it should have been spicy but it was mild; and still so good. hubby wanted general tsu chicken, here they called it crispy chicken. he was disappointed; said the chicken was stringy. Was it really chicken???? One of the exceptional things of this chinese restaurant was the friendly, courteous waitress. Probably the best i've ever encountered. clean, decorated with style interior. you can't go wrong here!
(4)
Ming Z.
Hubby drove me to Hunan Garden on W. Main for authentic Szechuan food. After years of living in Asia, he is no longer crave for big juicy American buggers. A defector he is now to Chinese food. He regaled our waitress by pointing out dishes he wants from Special Szechuan menu. I was glad she didn't recommend General Tao's chicken. He would be offended. 10 minutes later, four dishes on table pleased two shameless food snobs. The starter, Spicy Beef Tendon hit the right spot. Flavor is very authentic. Thin sliced beef tendon coated with chili pepper seasoned soy sauce, garnish with cilantro leaves, this eye-pleasing cold dish clicks. The hotness was tuned down to cater the Kalamazoo flavor. Hot and sour soup evened up our taste for spicy food. Again, the flavor is authentic. However, the original way of fixing this soup is to add white pepper instead of using chili pepper. But as long as it tastes like the real thing, I will drink it. Chung Ching Spicy Chicken was a bit disappointing. It was flour coated chicken deep fried and quick tossed with pepper sauce. The chicken meat tasted slightly sour. Toss in the sauce took the crispy out. I don't like soggy chicken. Next time I will try the Chengdu spicy chicken which is a very standard Szechuan dish. You can't screw up a deep fried chicken. Mao Tou w/ Chinese Okra. Mao Tou is the Chinese pronunciation for soy bean. This is a common vegetable dish served in late summer. Chinese okra is the source of starch. Both okra and soy bean has no taste itself, but the starch from the okra blends any flavor you put into the dish well. It is a tricky dish that not everyone likes it. Actually this is the first time I see it at Americanize Chinese restaurant. Best way is to mix it with white rice. Very good choice for vegan folks. I have to blame the generous potions because there was no space for additional orders. They served braised pork knuckle that night which is another very traditional dish in Southern China. I guess we have to come back to Kalamazoo and try more.
(4)
Daniel R.
My kids and I ate there this evening it was fantastic we really love good Chinese food and this served well for us I got a noodle soup and it was delicious my kids both got very good dinners and we were happy with the dinner and would go back anytime.
(4)
Autumn E.
Best chinese Asian food in kzoo by far. Hunan Gardens has been a must visit dinning experience for over twenty years. The menu is extensive and diverse. The chef's pad Thai is a favorite. The service is always impeccable. The quality has never waned in the twenty years I've frequented. Fresh always!
(5)
Shannon R.
Best experience and food! The service and atmosphere was fantastic, and the food was delicious! My family and I were out of town and we found Hunan Garden, and we couldn't ask for anything better! Thank you for a great experience!
(5)
Henry K.
Food is amazing. I had the egg drop, egg roll , and chicken lo mein. The food was was really good. I actually think it's worth more than what I paid for. Service was also impeccable. Make special trips to go to this Chinese restaurant because they don't deliver to my area which is disappointing but I'm willing to make the trip. I have also been herefor lunch in the lunch specials are really affordable and worth every penny. So willing to try other things on their menu because it is so good and the flavor is there
(5)
Dia D.
I have been here several times now for both dining in and carry out and the food is always good. I love their Szechuan style fish from the more authentic Chinese menu. One time that I dined in, the service was fast and the other time it was on the slow side (but not horrible).
(4)
Matthew H.
Forget the americanese menu and have the noodle soup!
(4)
Brendon C.
We were hoping to find ONE chinese place in kalamazoo that is clean enough for a veg couple. If you're vegan or vegetarian, please note that ALL their sauces contain some sort of animal product. They CAN make all their sauces from scratch but you have to be VERY careful or they'll slip you things. They also say they use clean dishes on request but their kitchen is completely out of the public view so we have no way to tell. There's also no way to tell immediately if a dish is vegetarian or vegan; we had the poor server girl (whom we tipped exceptionally well) dashing back and forth from the kitchen asking the Chinese men about certain dishes. The tofu (arguably the best part of a good Chinese meal) was undercooked and rather unsubstantial and the serving sizes were pretty small compared to other awesome Chinese restaurants we've frequented. Aside from that, the ambiance was a bit office-like. I would have liked to see a lot more decoration and some traditional Chinese music instead of the wailing little-mermaid-esque nonsense they played. That being said, the saving grace was the server, who was more than happy to answer questions.
(2)
Larry B.
Amazingly great, given I am from Detroit and Chicago. Tables had fried won Tons and plum sauce. Meals were fresh and clean... Not too saucy. Chicken in sweet and Sour was high quality. Soups were excellent. Interesting egg roll and fresh mustard sauce on request. Nice staff. Overall, a real treat!
(5)
Jennifer B.
I was visting Kalamazoo and found out about this place. It was wonderful. The staff is very courteous and helpful. I didn't know what to order and the waiter helped me. It was excellent. I definitely recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Kim B.
Fantastic every time! I am hooked on the Moo Shu, but I do try to mix it up now and again.
(5)
Ken R.
Food is not as good as it used to be and do not go on a hot day. There is very little A/C and customer complaints are met with little response. Look elsewhere for better food and service.
(2)
R D.
A large menu, including a smaller menu of more authentic dishes (ala beef tendon appetizer); attractive, clean interior, professional courteous service. Hunan Garden does not hold back on the trimmings ( cloth napkins, real crab in the Rangoon, tea, plentiful sauce, and a nice shot of strawberry-banana ice to finish the meal). Glad I finally came in instead of ordering delivery!
(4)
Varun A.
This is the best, authentic chinese restaurant I have been to in the US. The food served here off of the traditional chinese menu is the way to go. Ma Pa Tofu, Cumin Lamb, Kong Ching Chai, Chengdu Spicy Chicken, Curry Noodle Soup, Wonton Noodle Soup, all fantastic dishes. I highly recommend to anyone craving authentic chinese. Also, as an added bonus, the service is very good. Quite atypical for traditional chinese restaurants.
(5)
Natalie Y.
This place is the bomb! Since moving to Southwest michigan, it has been a real struggle to find authentic tasting Chinese food. Their food reminds me of the asian restaurants in the Twin Cities. The price isn't bad either for the amount of food you received! Love this place!
(5)
Jheri M.
This is the only place to get FRESH Chinese food in Kalamazoo. The rest is really pre-frozen garbage. Do yourself a favour and eat at Hunan.
(5)
Michael O.
The portions you get are not that big. The price you pay is very affordable. The taste and quality of the food was excellent. We are from the Chicagoland area and eat in Chinatown a lot. Hunan is comparable to the restaurants there. We had the orange chicken and beef & broccoli. When they bring your bill, you get fresh orange slices, a small fruit smoothie and fortune cookies! We will be back to try something else.
(4)
Teri C.
Wish I lived closer.....the BEST Hot and Soup I have ever had! While it packs a punch.....it's not all red pepper flakes. It has almost a smoky flavor and is never bitter. We have been here 6 times in the last year.....and I simply forgot to do a review. The last time we visited was the end of March. Lunch is always quick, hot and VERY tasty. We have only been here for lunch, but never a disappointment. The wait staff is second to none! The only thing I don't care for is the Peking Duck hanging under the heat lamp.....it does kind of creep me out. We just ask to sit out of view of the poor thing.
(5)
Julia G.
The food is definitely 5-star worthy and is the most authentic Chinese available in this area. Since I'm Korean (and recently moved to the area) my tastes are a little different than your average local. I'm a fan of the dandanmian, zhajiangmian, and double dry chili pork! I've also heard good things about the Singapore noodles and the Sichuan-style peanut chicken. However, there are a couple of things I'm not a fan of... hence the 4-stars :( The takeout service is quite disappointing for a well-regarded restaurant. On one occasion, a dish we ordered (and paid for) was simply forgotten and today 3 out of 4 of our dishes were definitely NOT the dishes we ordered. Food is wonderful but takeout service and accuracy need to be improved!
(4)
Julio I.
I used to love this place. Have dined in and had take out many times over the years... Until last year. I had ordered take out for four. Dinner and a movie at home for me and my family. As I almost took my second bite I glanced down at my fork and spotted the end of a hair sticking out. Yep. I slowly pulled the hair out only to find that it was a nasty curly hair... A pubic hair. Disgusting to say the least. I called the store to complain of course. The only response from them was along the lines of "oh, sorry about that". Hardly even concerned. They didn't bother to offer to refund anything or even at least a free dinner next time, not that I would accept a free dinner there. My family and I haven't eaten there since. Makes me wonder what else I've ingested there over the years. Too bad really because the food was good. I'll pass on the chef surprise though. Bluchh.
(1)
Kyle R.
Best Chinese in Kalamazoo. I can only speak for the W. Main location, but it's seriously delicious. Light, not too greasy like some Chinese places, and great lunch specials. I recommend the Subgum Wonton Soup, the Crab Rangoons, and the Almond Chicken Ding. Try it today!!
(5)
Bryan M.
Truly excellent Chinese fare. Flavorful, quality ingredients and lots of choice. So far from the typical bland fast casual Chinese fair. Lunch options are loaded with an incredible value for price. Choice of soup (including Wonton), meal, Crab Rangoon or an egg roll. Get the wonton, mine had 4 huge dumplings, unheard of on a lunch menu from my experience. Overall, the food was really good and would highly recommend.
(5)
Shuan C.
The atmosphere and decor are really great here. The food is on the upper end of Chinese food offerings in the area for sure. We had the Sizzling Rice Soup, Bird's Nest, Salt & Pepper shrimp, Roast Duck, and another Seafood dish I can't remember the name of. The sizzling rice soup was good, not the best I had, and major points got taken off because they didn't pour the rice when they brought it to our table, it was already in so we missed the "sizzling" part. Not a big deal obviously but personally, I love hearing the rice when it's poured in :). The salt and pepper shrimp were amazing! Definitely recommend it. The duck was OK, not Cantonese style, but still very, very good. Bird's Nest comes in a crunchy noodle bowl and is rather beautiful. I will say that the portions are much smaller than typical Chinese restaurants, which is a bummer as we didn't have any leftovers to take home, but the food was definitely delicious.
(4)
Jessica V.
We've come here for years with my parents, who live in the area. Now that we're living here, it's on our regular roll call for eating out. Why? * Quiet, relaxed atmosphere * Delicious meals * A wide range of options for both lunch and dinner * An inexpensive lunch (meal, fried rice, soup, and egg roll or 2 crabmeat rangoons) * Interesting and polite wait staff * Lovely welcoming neko (cat) at the entrance ****** Amazing crabmeat rangoons - they are huge! Lunch is a deal - $6.50-7.50 - for a wide range of items. But if you're there for dinner, try the noodles or the enormous soup bowls. Swoon.
(5)
Sydnie C.
Been here three times really good food always hot pretty authentic but not too much..got us take out 15 mins b4 closing one night, friendly staff, relaxed zen setting, good tea and pretty damn good food lol
(5)
Daryl M.
Always a great place to get Chinese food! Wide variety of menu items. They do not mess around when it comes to then portion of food you get either. A lot of food and good price!
(5)
Alicia S.
The over the phone ordering service was okay. I wish I would have required them to repeat the order back to me because they gave me Hunan Chicken instead of Hunan Chicken and Shrimp- an easy mistake over the phone. The rest of my meal was correct. Delivery time was 45mins-1hr which was great for a snow storm (which it was, yeah, I'm that guy). The delivery man was very nice and he had a debit/credit swipe on his phone, which was very convenient. The food was yummy and I had a fully belly by the end of the night! Special shout out to the Crab Rangoon they're huge! Also, their Plum Sauce comes in house packaged containers, which I find to be better than your average high fructose corn syrup packets.
(3)
Ed R.
For the average consumer of Chinese food, consider Hunan Gardens several rungs above your typical Chinese buffet (it's not a buffet at all, I'm referring to the quality of the food). You will, of course, find all your expected entrees, e.g., pepper steak, orange chicken, General Tsao's ... etc. But for those more adventuresome, there is plenty to explore on the menu. HG has a full service bar and the wait staff has always been prompt, courteous, and quick. I'm on the faculty of a nearby university and almost every time we have a meal at HG, at least one if not several, of my Chinese students are there which I interpret as a clear endorsement of the authenticity of the food.
(4)
Maggie Z.
The best Chinese food in Michigan! I'm Chinese, I know how the real and good Chinese food test like. This place place is off the hook! They have two menus, one is the standard US Chinese menu, another one is the authentic chinese food menu. If you want to test the real Chinese food, please order from the authentic menu. Everything on the authentic menu is good, i really like the sliced beef & maw with spicy Szechuan sauce and boiled beef in Szechuan style. It just test like home! Don't be afraid to order from the authentic menu, my husband is American, he already addicted to their Szechuan food, so, I think you will love it too.
(5)
John K.
The best sit down Chinese restaurant in Kalamazoo. With seasonal specials and a noodle bar. Wife and I were blessed with Jose as our waiter the first time we went before we were married. He made the meal entertainment as well as food. The owner makes certain to greet each of his guests.
(5)
Amber C.
I have always loved Hunan Gardens since they first opened. The manager has always remembered my name (and order!) they even catered my graduation party, even though they don't cater! I have recently moved states away and management still remembered my name! All of the staff is super friendly and great. I recently managed to visit my home town this month and we just had to take a trip back for my favorite Lo Mein place. Still as clean, friendly and delicious as I always remembered.
(5)
Jacob S.
Always very good. Delivery guys never disappoint and service inside dine in is as good as it gets. I like the sweet and sour chicken with hot mustard packets. Crab cheese wonton better than most Chinese restaurants as well. Overall 5 stars and no complaints. Nice atmosphere inside
(5)
Miranda G.
The best in Kalamazoo and everywhere else! We lived in Boston and Chicago before and have been to China, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. Among all the Asian food that my family has had, Hunan Gardens is still one of the best! Their beef noodle soup is definitely #1. They have authentic Sichuan food (especially broil fish) and several chef's specials that are really yummy. Highly recommended!
(5)
Paul W.
The Wife and I had a horrible day. Cold wet and hungry, we stumbled into the Hunan Garden for a hot meal. Not impressed with the interior of this restaurant, we were greater with a warm smile and seated. The menu was very impressive. We order. The place was almost full, yet our meal came in short time. Wh had the crispy chicken and it was wonderful. By the tim we left the Garden we were relaxed, full, happy.
(4)
Jeffrey H.
Very good Chinese food. I love their spicy food! The service there is ok. Sometimes you need to wait a little bit longer. If there is anything I do not like, the rice there is not that good. I think it is free with the meal, so cannot really complain about it.
(4)
Barb N.
Loved Hunan Gardens at first! It seems that their crab rangoons and some deep fried meat choices have changed though. They are full of oil, fat and no real flavor. They used to have crispy and delicious crab rangoons and less fatty meat. Its pretty expensive for the quality.
(3)
Yi Liang S.
Pretty good lunch prices, and the Szechuan menu for dinner, while not really as 'authentic' as claimed to be, is pretty much the best in Kalamazoo as far as authenticity goes. Plus it's the only place I can find that sells 回é‹è‚‰ around here, so that's a big plus. Surprisingly, the staff here are also really nice, and quite of few of them speak mandarin as well, so that's another plus for me. Best place for Chinese in the area imho.
(4)
Charles X.
I moved away a year ago to Boston (where there is a Chinatown) but still remember this restaurant. I used to get take out from here every week and miss it dearly. Their Szechuan menu is all authentic Chinese food, most of which are done very well. My favorites are the Double Dry Chili Pork (they deviate from the usual double cooked pork for this but it's fantastic and possibly even better... I wonder if I can get this one-day air shipped to me sometime), Beef Noodle Soup (Uses the right beef), and Noodles with Minced Dry Meat Sauce. I also highly recommend trying the chili dumplings and real mapo tofu. There are other places that do the Spicy Fish Stew better but this is probably as close as you'll ever get within a 50 mile radius. I think I've tried things on the regular menu once and wouldn't recommend it... I don't like Chinese American food in general.
(5)
Ming Z.
Hubby drove me to Hunan Garden on W. Main for authentic Szechuan food. After years of living in Asia, he is no longer crave for big juicy American buggers. A defector he is now to Chinese food. He regaled our waitress by pointing out dishes he wants from Special Szechuan menu. I was glad she didn't recommend General Tao's chicken. He would be offended. 10 minutes later, four dishes on table pleased two shameless food snobs. The starter, Spicy Beef Tendon hit the right spot. Flavor is very authentic. Thin sliced beef tendon coated with chili pepper seasoned soy sauce, garnish with cilantro leaves, this eye-pleasing cold dish clicks. The hotness was tuned down to cater the Kalamazoo flavor. Hot and sour soup evened up our taste for spicy food. Again, the flavor is authentic. However, the original way of fixing this soup is to add white pepper instead of using chili pepper. But as long as it tastes like the real thing, I will drink it. Chung Ching Spicy Chicken was a bit disappointing. It was flour coated chicken deep fried and quick tossed with pepper sauce. The chicken meat tasted slightly sour. Toss in the sauce took the crispy out. I don't like soggy chicken. Next time I will try the Chengdu spicy chicken which is a very standard Szechuan dish. You can't screw up a deep fried chicken. Mao Tou w/ Chinese Okra. Mao Tou is the Chinese pronunciation for soy bean. This is a common vegetable dish served in late summer. Chinese okra is the source of starch. Both okra and soy bean has no taste itself, but the starch from the okra blends any flavor you put into the dish well. It is a tricky dish that not everyone likes it. Actually this is the first time I see it at Americanize Chinese restaurant. Best way is to mix it with white rice. Very good choice for vegan folks. I have to blame the generous potions because there was no space for additional orders. They served braised pork knuckle that night which is another very traditional dish in Southern China. I guess we have to come back to Kalamazoo and try more.
(4)
Daniel R.
My kids and I ate there this evening it was fantastic we really love good Chinese food and this served well for us I got a noodle soup and it was delicious my kids both got very good dinners and we were happy with the dinner and would go back anytime.
(4)
Autumn E.
Best chinese Asian food in kzoo by far. Hunan Gardens has been a must visit dinning experience for over twenty years. The menu is extensive and diverse. The chef's pad Thai is a favorite. The service is always impeccable. The quality has never waned in the twenty years I've frequented. Fresh always!
(5)
Shannon R.
Best experience and food! The service and atmosphere was fantastic, and the food was delicious! My family and I were out of town and we found Hunan Garden, and we couldn't ask for anything better! Thank you for a great experience!
(5)
Henry K.
Food is amazing. I had the egg drop, egg roll , and chicken lo mein. The food was was really good. I actually think it's worth more than what I paid for. Service was also impeccable. Make special trips to go to this Chinese restaurant because they don't deliver to my area which is disappointing but I'm willing to make the trip. I have also been herefor lunch in the lunch specials are really affordable and worth every penny. So willing to try other things on their menu because it is so good and the flavor is there
(5)
Chris M.
Excellent service, from a server that actually speaks Chinese (I think). Clean, pleasant atmosphere. Great lunch specials: hot tea, soup, and the full entree w/ spring roll or crab rangoon for about $6. With all that said, the food was just short of great. I think the quality was good, but the flavor was a tad bland (Hunan chicken and shrimp).
(4)
Debbie P.
Excellent food, service & very clean! We have NEVER been disappointed! A definite go to place for Chinese food!
(5)
Ej P.
The best noodles in West Michigan! These guys know how to make traditional Chinese noodles. I like thar they can cater to the American palette for Chinese but can cater to those of us that like to try new flavors and tastes.
(4)
Jenny G.
This is by far the best Chinese Food in the Kalamazoo area! And, we are lucky enough to live right around the corner from their Texas Township location! The Hot and Sour soup is spot on - the perfect combination of flavors and heat (which is surprisingly hard to find). The Moo Shu Chicken or Pork is excellent, as is the Szechuan Chicken, Happy Family, and Subgum, or Singapore Style Rice Noodles! I am excited to try more of their menu! YUM!!!
(5)
Bee S.
When I eat here, it's seriously like coming home. My most recent visit was 6 days ago when I went home to see my family and I had to come here since it had been a while. The food is as good as ever. Our table got cold noodles in sesame sauce as an appetizer, then szechuan chicken, kong pao chicken, pork in a black bean sauce, and (my dad's usual) beef noodle stew with bok choy and hor fun noodles. The beef stew is incredibly flavorful and my dad has to get it everytime. I usually help him eat it since the portions are so large, and even after that we always take it home. There's something about the broth... yes it is full of salt and probably more sodium than your weekly allowance, but there's also some anise flavor that just makes it out of this world. My family and I have been eating here for A LONG TIME. I remember eating here as a kid before there were even two separate rooms. It was one room, small and simple with no flashy colors or fancy chairs. The intricate wall separating the two dining areas, the bathrooms and the kitchen? Did not exist. All the servers were asian and understood some dialect of chinese. My dad (who is polish) would try and order in chinese and they would understand him (or just humor him :). Everything from the fried crisps at the table from the beginning of your meal to the fortune cookies and little ice cream/sorbet cups after you've gotten the bill is the same. Now the restaurant is larger, they have a second location, and there are many more waitresses and waiters running around who are not all asian. I am glad to see that they have grown and that they kept so many of their menu items the same. If it's not broken, why fix it, right? In addition to the delicious options that we got the other night, the steamed pot stickers and wonton soup are very good appetizers, if I recall :) The prices are actually very reasonable, if not cheap! Less than $10 for our entrees each.
(5)
Raju L.
Terrific service. Having travelled to several countries, I have to say that for a chinese restaurant, their service is truly top notch. The only reason I gave 4 instead of 5 stars is that our appetizer tasted like it was out of the freezer.
(4)
Jason C.
This place is very consistent. Great service and the food is always great. We always get our take out from here.
(5)
Amanda A.
Amazing Chinese food. After spending a semester in Beijing this is one of the only Chinese food places I can still eat at because they have so many authentic tasting dishes! And you can't beat their lunch specials Try the Chicken and Eggplant, it's my favorite!
(5)
Ani B.
i felt like i was in NYC China Town! they served the fried won ton with duck sauce as a nibble. also provided hot tea and soup & egg roll with entree. i got my fav-broccoli and garlic sauce. Menu said it should have been spicy but it was mild; and still so good. hubby wanted general tsu chicken, here they called it crispy chicken. he was disappointed; said the chicken was stringy. Was it really chicken???? One of the exceptional things of this chinese restaurant was the friendly, courteous waitress. Probably the best i've ever encountered. clean, decorated with style interior. you can't go wrong here!
(4)
D K.
Hunan Gardens is a real gem in Kalamazoo and I feel like we're very lucky to have such a restaurant. Not only do they serve the comforting Chinese dishes that everyone knows and loves, but they also have more adventurous choices, most of which are listed on their Noodle & Szechuan menu. They have something for everyone, from the popular Kung Pao Chicken to the exotic (and delicious) Spicy Beef Tendon. From their Noodle Menu, I would highly recommend the Dan Dan Noodles, which is served in a rich, spicy sauce; the aromatic vapors will please your palate with every bite. I find the quality of food there very consistent, always excellent, and the staff very friendly and helpful. I would dare say that this restaurant could compete with any number of "Big City" Chinese restaurants in menu choices and delicious flavor.
(5)
Gary L.
Excellent food. Excellent service. Fast service especially during lunch.
(5)
Boomer B.
Excellent food & service. Prices are very reasonable. Fresh ingredients, large portions, skilled preparation. This restaurant is a winner.
(5)
Yan Z.
One of the best Chinese restaraunt in this area. I love the authentic Szechuan food menu a lot. It is very close to the taste of real szechuan food. You get a lot of free appetizers and deserts when you dine in...love it
(4)
Liz W.
I used to come here back in the day being a giant fan of the beef and asparagus in season, spicy eggplant or the golden chicken with fruit. They also had the taste sensation pickled cabbage and shredded pork soup with noodles. We come here now when in town with friends. Steve orders for us all off the special menu and it is quite tasty stuff indeed. We have a big graze together with everyone sharing. He always orders the perfect food for all and we let him, not understanding a word but in complete trust as Steve never steers us wrong. This last time we feasted on a platter full of roast duck and pork, several different types of dumplings, a whole crispy fish, some noodles with various meats and veggies, tasty fresh bok choy and a tofu dish in a mushroom sauce that was melt in your mouth delicious. When I experiment James cringes, for Steve he consumes tofu with mushrooms happily and asks why I never order it, normally he hates both items. Very good food to be had here. I have no idea if I would have discovered some of it without help though.
(4)
Angela F.
Impressions after first order: Food takes ~1 hr, which I think is reasonable. Portion sizes: Only one size, which is kind of annoying, but most places do the same from what I've seen. A bit on the small side depending on what you order. Price: Sort of expensive compared to other Chinese restaurants, but they offer authentic dishes that other places do not. Delivery is free if over $15 (otherwise $1, which is still very reasonable) Food: on the bland side, which is disappointing considering that the dish I ordered (a famous szechuan pork dish: double chili pork) was supposed to be really flavorful. But it's delivery (cold food) as opposed to freshly cooked food I would get dining in, so I can understand. The menu isn't very descriptive at all for many dishes, which is better compared to other Chinese restaurants I've seen. Re-order: Yes. Just because they are able to offer so many different items I can't find elsewhere.
(4)
Adam S.
I do believe this is the best Chinese restaurant in the Kalamazoo area. They have an authentic Szechuan menu (in addition to their main menu) that is all sorts of wonderful. My favorite dish is Szechuan eggplant w/ ground pork. It isn't on any of the menus, but they will make it for you if you request it. It is a bit pricey (~$10), but it is well worth it. The staff is very friendly, and the service is attentive and quick. I am sometimes amazed at how quickly food is served after ordering. The decor isn't anything fancy... but who cares? The food is what I go there for. They also do take-out, for those on a tight schedule or no desire to dine in.
(5)
Dia D.
I have been here several times now for both dining in and carry out and the food is always good. I love their Szechuan style fish from the more authentic Chinese menu. One time that I dined in, the service was fast and the other time it was on the slow side (but not horrible).
(4)
Matthew H.
Forget the americanese menu and have the noodle soup!
(4)
Michael G.
Food was cooked properly and ingredients seemed to be of good quality. My wife and I both found the food to lack flavor, though.
(2)
Christopher M.
Probably the best traditional chinese near Kalamazoo. The food is good, the staff is helpful and friendly, the decor is mediocre, and it's decently priced.
(4)
Brendon C.
We were hoping to find ONE chinese place in kalamazoo that is clean enough for a veg couple. If you're vegan or vegetarian, please note that ALL their sauces contain some sort of animal product. They CAN make all their sauces from scratch but you have to be VERY careful or they'll slip you things. They also say they use clean dishes on request but their kitchen is completely out of the public view so we have no way to tell. There's also no way to tell immediately if a dish is vegetarian or vegan; we had the poor server girl (whom we tipped exceptionally well) dashing back and forth from the kitchen asking the Chinese men about certain dishes. The tofu (arguably the best part of a good Chinese meal) was undercooked and rather unsubstantial and the serving sizes were pretty small compared to other awesome Chinese restaurants we've frequented. Aside from that, the ambiance was a bit office-like. I would have liked to see a lot more decoration and some traditional Chinese music instead of the wailing little-mermaid-esque nonsense they played. That being said, the saving grace was the server, who was more than happy to answer questions.
(2)
Larry B.
Amazingly great, given I am from Detroit and Chicago. Tables had fried won Tons and plum sauce. Meals were fresh and clean... Not too saucy. Chicken in sweet and Sour was high quality. Soups were excellent. Interesting egg roll and fresh mustard sauce on request. Nice staff. Overall, a real treat!
(5)
Jennifer B.
I was visting Kalamazoo and found out about this place. It was wonderful. The staff is very courteous and helpful. I didn't know what to order and the waiter helped me. It was excellent. I definitely recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Kim B.
Fantastic every time! I am hooked on the Moo Shu, but I do try to mix it up now and again.
(5)
Ken R.
Food is not as good as it used to be and do not go on a hot day. There is very little A/C and customer complaints are met with little response. Look elsewhere for better food and service.
(2)
R D.
A large menu, including a smaller menu of more authentic dishes (ala beef tendon appetizer); attractive, clean interior, professional courteous service. Hunan Garden does not hold back on the trimmings ( cloth napkins, real crab in the Rangoon, tea, plentiful sauce, and a nice shot of strawberry-banana ice to finish the meal). Glad I finally came in instead of ordering delivery!
(4)
David Z.
What can I say. The establishment is one of my favorites! The wait staff is awesome and always have smiles on thier faces. the food is consistant and the ambiance is kitshy but not loud. The owner goes around and talks to people and is very attentive. And at the end of your meal. You get orange wedges and fortune cookies...plus a shot of thier strawberry bannana smoothie. thubs up to Hunan garden.
(5)
Allison E.
Standard Chinese fair like you find in any Chinese/American establishment. But Hunan is like a faithful friend. I can always rely on it for a good meal and it never lets me down. Good food, Good service, good prices.
(4)
Heather S.
I am severely gluten intolerant so Chinese food can be hazardous to my health. Hunan Gardens does not have an official gluten free menu, but if you call, I was told most items can be made gluten free. I ordered a seafood dish with shrimp, scallops, and veggies in a white sauce and an order of sesame balls. The seafood dish was very generous on the seafood and the veggies were extra fresh and not overcooked like at some restaurants. The sesame balls filled with red bean paste were perfectly done with a light crunch on the outside and chewy on the inside. The customer service here was phenomenal! The woman who took my order was very thorough and patient in describing ingredients and ensuring I selected good, gluten free choices. She knew the menu well enough to make recommendations. Among the information she gave me, they can substitute rice noodles or white sauce for any dish, and they only use corn starch to thicken sauces to reduce gluten contamination risk. The chef making the sesame balls even called me back to inform me that the sesame balls contained rice gluten and wanted to ensure that would be safe for me to consume--which it is. Rarely do restaurants care enough to check the ingredients for those with food allergies, let alone call to check with the customer. I was told the delivery wait would be 45 minutes, but my food was delivered in about 25 minutes. I give this restaurant 5 out of 5 stars and plan to use them exclusively when I want Chinese food.
(5)
Josh M.
Consistent. Always good and the family that own it are so polite and curtious. Probably the highest quality chinese you can get in Kalamazoo. Comparable to Chinn Chinn yet a different experience all the same. Certainly the best egg rolls in Kalamazoo.
(5)
Joe V.
Five stars for consistency over time. This restaurant should be called "old reliable". It does very good chinese food well every time. Yes, Chinn Chinn is better, but this is closer to most of us, isn't it? The servers are all really good at their job, and the whole place runs like a clock. So much takeout flies out these doors too. I could make a meal of the shrimp rolls. they are always delivered piping hot to the table. I never get enough Hor Fun noodles. Stir fried please! All my special requests have been met without a hiccup in the past. Dinner for two is around $25 without drinks. and you get a lovely strawberry banana smoothie at the end of it all. What a treasure for Kalamazooo!
(5)
Paul U.
Hunan Gardens features very authentic Sichuan cuisine, and they'll even bring the spiciness up to reasonable levels, on request. This restaurant provided a great topper to an otherwise great day at the beach. I strongly recommend this place to anybody seeking authentic Chinese cuisine.
(5)
Beth C.
We are from out of town and picked this restaurant based on good reviews online We were expecting better. We ordered appetizers and an entree. Started with old fashioned egg rolls, which can be hard to find, but delicious. Also got an order of fried dumplings. I think they all went through the same deep fryer. These egg rolls were dry and over cooked. The dumplings were deep fried rather than pan fried and steamed the way they should be, and the dough was much too thick. The Double Cooked Pork was very mediocre. There was an interesting "authentic menu, with fried beef tendons and pork intestines cooked five different ways. All in all, I would not recommend this and will not go back.
(2)
Ana G.
This review is written by someone who lived in China for a year. Started with Hot and Sour soup (perfectly spicy!!!) and Crab meat rangoons, both excellently prepared and delivered quickly! Hot tea on every table is a nice touch. Adorable, super friendly waitress who spoke English just well enough to add to this very authentic Chinese restaurant. Beef and scallop dish was awesome with brown sauce served on a sizzling platter. Nothing looked bad at this place. Half chicken Cantonese style was good but a bit dry.
(4)
Michael P.
Very good spot for Chinese food. Hot and sour soup was very nice...been struggling to find a decent execution of this staple...lo, it's in freaking Kalamazoo! Fried dumplings were a little heavy and dipping sauce could have had more pop...but not bad. My wife and I shared Szechuan chicken and roast port fried rice. Both were very good. I'd have liked more heat with the chicken, but the rice was great with nice chunks of pork...another reason to visit my son at school.
(4)
Alisha W.
Hunan Garden was my Sunday afternoon go-to in college. For a broke college student, getting a delicious meal with soup and two Crab Rangoon on the side for $6.00 was the greatest discovery of all time. As I've gotten older and my taste have matured, my love for Hunan Gardens has remained the same. The best part about Hunan Gardens is that there are so many things that really set them apart from other Chinese restaurants. The ingredient quality is five stars. The meat (including the chicken, and we all know how sketchy Chinese food chicken can be) is so delicious and top notch. I've had chicken, steak, and shrimp on several occasions and I honestly can't say which is better. The soups are incredible. Hunan turned me into an Egg Drop Soup snob. The texture is perfect; not overly oily like you'll find with many places. The Crab Rangoons are the absolute best I've ever had. Even the fortune cookies have a delicious vanilla flavor and are a higher quality cookie than the cardboard ones I've had at other restaurants. The space is very clean and inviting. You'll enjoy a nice lunch or dinner complete with soft music and a table cloth. The staff is so incredible friendly and welcoming. This is the very best Chinese restaurant in the Kalamazoo/Portage are and probably the very best I have ever been to. Whenever I make the five hour trip to come home to Kalamazoo, I always plan a visit to Hunan. In the past 8 years nothing has changed because nothing needed to. It's perfect!
(5)
Pooja R.
I went here for dinner today and had an horrible experience. I had chowmein which was more like veggie noodle soup. Ordered for hot and spicy schezwan chicken which tasted sweet and made us request for adding additional spice. I asked for a dry chicken noodle a typical Chinese stir fry but they said all their noodles would be either soupy or saucy . I hate the brown sauce which tastes too sweet. The meal spoiled my mood tonight :(
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
The popularity of Chinese food in America can be adjudicated by the appearance of China Town in many major cities in the United State of America. The popular trend of ordering or opting for Chinese take away food isn't unknown in America. Chinese take away food comes to rescue when you're too tired from work or too exhausted to cook. No one can resist the temptation of eating spicy noodles, shrimp, chicken, beef or pork cooked in the sweet and spicy sauce. The cooking method of authentic Chinese food is a lot different compared to what is served in America.
Generally, Chinese use dark meat small bones and organs to cook dishes but this changes when you are eating American-Chinese fusion food prepared using white boneless meat cooked with broccoli, carrots and onions. Back in China, the food is less spicy and oily as they favor steaming and braising method for cooking the most popular dishes. So, if you have a taste for authentic Chinese food, then try finding a real Chinese restaurant in the city. You can also try the most popular fusion Chinese food like Pecking Duck, Chicken Feet, Hot Pot, Shrimp Dumpling Soup, Mapo Tofu, Wontons, Chop Suey, Egg Rolls and not to forget Fortune Cookies.
There are not many restaurants in America serving authentic Chinese food. A little research on Restaurant Listings directory can help you locate the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Chinese cuisine is continuously evolving, and you can find a variety of dishes categorized as the food for lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant, vegan, vegetarian, and diabetic friendly. So, if you have a group of friends with different taste patterns, save the hassle and visit the nearest Chinese restaurant in your city.
Jessie R.
Never go back! Horrible Food and service!
(1)Heather S.
I am severely gluten intolerant so Chinese food can be hazardous to my health. Hunan Gardens does not have an official gluten free menu, but if you call, I was told most items can be made gluten free. I ordered a seafood dish with shrimp, scallops, and veggies in a white sauce and an order of sesame balls. The seafood dish was very generous on the seafood and the veggies were extra fresh and not overcooked like at some restaurants. The sesame balls filled with red bean paste were perfectly done with a light crunch on the outside and chewy on the inside. The customer service here was phenomenal! The woman who took my order was very thorough and patient in describing ingredients and ensuring I selected good, gluten free choices. She knew the menu well enough to make recommendations. Among the information she gave me, they can substitute rice noodles or white sauce for any dish, and they only use corn starch to thicken sauces to reduce gluten contamination risk. The chef making the sesame balls even called me back to inform me that the sesame balls contained rice gluten and wanted to ensure that would be safe for me to consume--which it is. Rarely do restaurants care enough to check the ingredients for those with food allergies, let alone call to check with the customer. I was told the delivery wait would be 45 minutes, but my food was delivered in about 25 minutes. I give this restaurant 5 out of 5 stars and plan to use them exclusively when I want Chinese food.
(5)Josh M.
Consistent. Always good and the family that own it are so polite and curtious. Probably the highest quality chinese you can get in Kalamazoo. Comparable to Chinn Chinn yet a different experience all the same. Certainly the best egg rolls in Kalamazoo.
(5)Joe V.
Five stars for consistency over time. This restaurant should be called "old reliable". It does very good chinese food well every time. Yes, Chinn Chinn is better, but this is closer to most of us, isn't it? The servers are all really good at their job, and the whole place runs like a clock. So much takeout flies out these doors too. I could make a meal of the shrimp rolls. they are always delivered piping hot to the table. I never get enough Hor Fun noodles. Stir fried please! All my special requests have been met without a hiccup in the past. Dinner for two is around $25 without drinks. and you get a lovely strawberry banana smoothie at the end of it all. What a treasure for Kalamazooo!
(5)Paul U.
Hunan Gardens features very authentic Sichuan cuisine, and they'll even bring the spiciness up to reasonable levels, on request. This restaurant provided a great topper to an otherwise great day at the beach. I strongly recommend this place to anybody seeking authentic Chinese cuisine.
(5)Beth C.
We are from out of town and picked this restaurant based on good reviews online We were expecting better. We ordered appetizers and an entree. Started with old fashioned egg rolls, which can be hard to find, but delicious. Also got an order of fried dumplings. I think they all went through the same deep fryer. These egg rolls were dry and over cooked. The dumplings were deep fried rather than pan fried and steamed the way they should be, and the dough was much too thick. The Double Cooked Pork was very mediocre. There was an interesting "authentic menu, with fried beef tendons and pork intestines cooked five different ways. All in all, I would not recommend this and will not go back.
(2)David Z.
What can I say. The establishment is one of my favorites! The wait staff is awesome and always have smiles on thier faces. the food is consistant and the ambiance is kitshy but not loud. The owner goes around and talks to people and is very attentive. And at the end of your meal. You get orange wedges and fortune cookies...plus a shot of thier strawberry bannana smoothie. thubs up to Hunan garden.
(5)Allison E.
Standard Chinese fair like you find in any Chinese/American establishment. But Hunan is like a faithful friend. I can always rely on it for a good meal and it never lets me down. Good food, Good service, good prices.
(4)Michael G.
Food was cooked properly and ingredients seemed to be of good quality. My wife and I both found the food to lack flavor, though.
(2)Christopher M.
Probably the best traditional chinese near Kalamazoo. The food is good, the staff is helpful and friendly, the decor is mediocre, and it's decently priced.
(4)Bryan M.
Truly excellent Chinese fare. Flavorful, quality ingredients and lots of choice. So far from the typical bland fast casual Chinese fair. Lunch options are loaded with an incredible value for price. Choice of soup (including Wonton), meal, Crab Rangoon or an egg roll. Get the wonton, mine had 4 huge dumplings, unheard of on a lunch menu from my experience. Overall, the food was really good and would highly recommend.
(5)Shuan C.
The atmosphere and decor are really great here. The food is on the upper end of Chinese food offerings in the area for sure. We had the Sizzling Rice Soup, Bird's Nest, Salt & Pepper shrimp, Roast Duck, and another Seafood dish I can't remember the name of. The sizzling rice soup was good, not the best I had, and major points got taken off because they didn't pour the rice when they brought it to our table, it was already in so we missed the "sizzling" part. Not a big deal obviously but personally, I love hearing the rice when it's poured in :). The salt and pepper shrimp were amazing! Definitely recommend it. The duck was OK, not Cantonese style, but still very, very good. Bird's Nest comes in a crunchy noodle bowl and is rather beautiful. I will say that the portions are much smaller than typical Chinese restaurants, which is a bummer as we didn't have any leftovers to take home, but the food was definitely delicious.
(4)Jessica V.
We've come here for years with my parents, who live in the area. Now that we're living here, it's on our regular roll call for eating out. Why? * Quiet, relaxed atmosphere * Delicious meals * A wide range of options for both lunch and dinner * An inexpensive lunch (meal, fried rice, soup, and egg roll or 2 crabmeat rangoons) * Interesting and polite wait staff * Lovely welcoming neko (cat) at the entrance ****** Amazing crabmeat rangoons - they are huge! Lunch is a deal - $6.50-7.50 - for a wide range of items. But if you're there for dinner, try the noodles or the enormous soup bowls. Swoon.
(5)Sydnie C.
Been here three times really good food always hot pretty authentic but not too much..got us take out 15 mins b4 closing one night, friendly staff, relaxed zen setting, good tea and pretty damn good food lol
(5)Daryl M.
Always a great place to get Chinese food! Wide variety of menu items. They do not mess around when it comes to then portion of food you get either. A lot of food and good price!
(5)Alicia S.
The over the phone ordering service was okay. I wish I would have required them to repeat the order back to me because they gave me Hunan Chicken instead of Hunan Chicken and Shrimp- an easy mistake over the phone. The rest of my meal was correct. Delivery time was 45mins-1hr which was great for a snow storm (which it was, yeah, I'm that guy). The delivery man was very nice and he had a debit/credit swipe on his phone, which was very convenient. The food was yummy and I had a fully belly by the end of the night! Special shout out to the Crab Rangoon they're huge! Also, their Plum Sauce comes in house packaged containers, which I find to be better than your average high fructose corn syrup packets.
(3)Michael P.
Very good spot for Chinese food. Hot and sour soup was very nice...been struggling to find a decent execution of this staple...lo, it's in freaking Kalamazoo! Fried dumplings were a little heavy and dipping sauce could have had more pop...but not bad. My wife and I shared Szechuan chicken and roast port fried rice. Both were very good. I'd have liked more heat with the chicken, but the rice was great with nice chunks of pork...another reason to visit my son at school.
(4)Ana G.
This review is written by someone who lived in China for a year. Started with Hot and Sour soup (perfectly spicy!!!) and Crab meat rangoons, both excellently prepared and delivered quickly! Hot tea on every table is a nice touch. Adorable, super friendly waitress who spoke English just well enough to add to this very authentic Chinese restaurant. Beef and scallop dish was awesome with brown sauce served on a sizzling platter. Nothing looked bad at this place. Half chicken Cantonese style was good but a bit dry.
(4)Teri C.
Wish I lived closer.....the BEST Hot and Soup I have ever had! While it packs a punch.....it's not all red pepper flakes. It has almost a smoky flavor and is never bitter. We have been here 6 times in the last year.....and I simply forgot to do a review. The last time we visited was the end of March. Lunch is always quick, hot and VERY tasty. We have only been here for lunch, but never a disappointment. The wait staff is second to none! The only thing I don't care for is the Peking Duck hanging under the heat lamp.....it does kind of creep me out. We just ask to sit out of view of the poor thing.
(5)Julia G.
The food is definitely 5-star worthy and is the most authentic Chinese available in this area. Since I'm Korean (and recently moved to the area) my tastes are a little different than your average local. I'm a fan of the dandanmian, zhajiangmian, and double dry chili pork! I've also heard good things about the Singapore noodles and the Sichuan-style peanut chicken. However, there are a couple of things I'm not a fan of... hence the 4-stars :( The takeout service is quite disappointing for a well-regarded restaurant. On one occasion, a dish we ordered (and paid for) was simply forgotten and today 3 out of 4 of our dishes were definitely NOT the dishes we ordered. Food is wonderful but takeout service and accuracy need to be improved!
(4)Jessie R.
Never go back! Horrible Food and service!
(1)Julio I.
I used to love this place. Have dined in and had take out many times over the years... Until last year. I had ordered take out for four. Dinner and a movie at home for me and my family. As I almost took my second bite I glanced down at my fork and spotted the end of a hair sticking out. Yep. I slowly pulled the hair out only to find that it was a nasty curly hair... A pubic hair. Disgusting to say the least. I called the store to complain of course. The only response from them was along the lines of "oh, sorry about that". Hardly even concerned. They didn't bother to offer to refund anything or even at least a free dinner next time, not that I would accept a free dinner there. My family and I haven't eaten there since. Makes me wonder what else I've ingested there over the years. Too bad really because the food was good. I'll pass on the chef surprise though. Bluchh.
(1)Kyle R.
Best Chinese in Kalamazoo. I can only speak for the W. Main location, but it's seriously delicious. Light, not too greasy like some Chinese places, and great lunch specials. I recommend the Subgum Wonton Soup, the Crab Rangoons, and the Almond Chicken Ding. Try it today!!
(5)Ed R.
For the average consumer of Chinese food, consider Hunan Gardens several rungs above your typical Chinese buffet (it's not a buffet at all, I'm referring to the quality of the food). You will, of course, find all your expected entrees, e.g., pepper steak, orange chicken, General Tsao's ... etc. But for those more adventuresome, there is plenty to explore on the menu. HG has a full service bar and the wait staff has always been prompt, courteous, and quick. I'm on the faculty of a nearby university and almost every time we have a meal at HG, at least one if not several, of my Chinese students are there which I interpret as a clear endorsement of the authenticity of the food.
(4)Varun A.
This is the best, authentic chinese restaurant I have been to in the US. The food served here off of the traditional chinese menu is the way to go. Ma Pa Tofu, Cumin Lamb, Kong Ching Chai, Chengdu Spicy Chicken, Curry Noodle Soup, Wonton Noodle Soup, all fantastic dishes. I highly recommend to anyone craving authentic chinese. Also, as an added bonus, the service is very good. Quite atypical for traditional chinese restaurants.
(5)Jacob S.
Always very good. Delivery guys never disappoint and service inside dine in is as good as it gets. I like the sweet and sour chicken with hot mustard packets. Crab cheese wonton better than most Chinese restaurants as well. Overall 5 stars and no complaints. Nice atmosphere inside
(5)Miranda G.
The best in Kalamazoo and everywhere else! We lived in Boston and Chicago before and have been to China, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. Among all the Asian food that my family has had, Hunan Gardens is still one of the best! Their beef noodle soup is definitely #1. They have authentic Sichuan food (especially broil fish) and several chef's specials that are really yummy. Highly recommended!
(5)Natalie Y.
This place is the bomb! Since moving to Southwest michigan, it has been a real struggle to find authentic tasting Chinese food. Their food reminds me of the asian restaurants in the Twin Cities. The price isn't bad either for the amount of food you received! Love this place!
(5)Jheri M.
This is the only place to get FRESH Chinese food in Kalamazoo. The rest is really pre-frozen garbage. Do yourself a favour and eat at Hunan.
(5)Michael O.
The portions you get are not that big. The price you pay is very affordable. The taste and quality of the food was excellent. We are from the Chicagoland area and eat in Chinatown a lot. Hunan is comparable to the restaurants there. We had the orange chicken and beef & broccoli. When they bring your bill, you get fresh orange slices, a small fruit smoothie and fortune cookies! We will be back to try something else.
(4)Alisha W.
Hunan Garden was my Sunday afternoon go-to in college. For a broke college student, getting a delicious meal with soup and two Crab Rangoon on the side for $6.00 was the greatest discovery of all time. As I've gotten older and my taste have matured, my love for Hunan Gardens has remained the same. The best part about Hunan Gardens is that there are so many things that really set them apart from other Chinese restaurants. The ingredient quality is five stars. The meat (including the chicken, and we all know how sketchy Chinese food chicken can be) is so delicious and top notch. I've had chicken, steak, and shrimp on several occasions and I honestly can't say which is better. The soups are incredible. Hunan turned me into an Egg Drop Soup snob. The texture is perfect; not overly oily like you'll find with many places. The Crab Rangoons are the absolute best I've ever had. Even the fortune cookies have a delicious vanilla flavor and are a higher quality cookie than the cardboard ones I've had at other restaurants. The space is very clean and inviting. You'll enjoy a nice lunch or dinner complete with soft music and a table cloth. The staff is so incredible friendly and welcoming. This is the very best Chinese restaurant in the Kalamazoo/Portage are and probably the very best I have ever been to. Whenever I make the five hour trip to come home to Kalamazoo, I always plan a visit to Hunan. In the past 8 years nothing has changed because nothing needed to. It's perfect!
(5)Pooja R.
I went here for dinner today and had an horrible experience. I had chowmein which was more like veggie noodle soup. Ordered for hot and spicy schezwan chicken which tasted sweet and made us request for adding additional spice. I asked for a dry chicken noodle a typical Chinese stir fry but they said all their noodles would be either soupy or saucy . I hate the brown sauce which tastes too sweet. The meal spoiled my mood tonight :(
(1)Amber C.
I have always loved Hunan Gardens since they first opened. The manager has always remembered my name (and order!) they even catered my graduation party, even though they don't cater! I have recently moved states away and management still remembered my name! All of the staff is super friendly and great. I recently managed to visit my home town this month and we just had to take a trip back for my favorite Lo Mein place. Still as clean, friendly and delicious as I always remembered.
(5)Yi Liang S.
Pretty good lunch prices, and the Szechuan menu for dinner, while not really as 'authentic' as claimed to be, is pretty much the best in Kalamazoo as far as authenticity goes. Plus it's the only place I can find that sells 回é‹è‚‰ around here, so that's a big plus. Surprisingly, the staff here are also really nice, and quite of few of them speak mandarin as well, so that's another plus for me. Best place for Chinese in the area imho.
(4)John K.
The best sit down Chinese restaurant in Kalamazoo. With seasonal specials and a noodle bar. Wife and I were blessed with Jose as our waiter the first time we went before we were married. He made the meal entertainment as well as food. The owner makes certain to greet each of his guests.
(5)Charles X.
I moved away a year ago to Boston (where there is a Chinatown) but still remember this restaurant. I used to get take out from here every week and miss it dearly. Their Szechuan menu is all authentic Chinese food, most of which are done very well. My favorites are the Double Dry Chili Pork (they deviate from the usual double cooked pork for this but it's fantastic and possibly even better... I wonder if I can get this one-day air shipped to me sometime), Beef Noodle Soup (Uses the right beef), and Noodles with Minced Dry Meat Sauce. I also highly recommend trying the chili dumplings and real mapo tofu. There are other places that do the Spicy Fish Stew better but this is probably as close as you'll ever get within a 50 mile radius. I think I've tried things on the regular menu once and wouldn't recommend it... I don't like Chinese American food in general.
(5)Paul W.
The Wife and I had a horrible day. Cold wet and hungry, we stumbled into the Hunan Garden for a hot meal. Not impressed with the interior of this restaurant, we were greater with a warm smile and seated. The menu was very impressive. We order. The place was almost full, yet our meal came in short time. Wh had the crispy chicken and it was wonderful. By the tim we left the Garden we were relaxed, full, happy.
(4)Jeffrey H.
Very good Chinese food. I love their spicy food! The service there is ok. Sometimes you need to wait a little bit longer. If there is anything I do not like, the rice there is not that good. I think it is free with the meal, so cannot really complain about it.
(4)Barb N.
Loved Hunan Gardens at first! It seems that their crab rangoons and some deep fried meat choices have changed though. They are full of oil, fat and no real flavor. They used to have crispy and delicious crab rangoons and less fatty meat. Its pretty expensive for the quality.
(3)Maggie Z.
The best Chinese food in Michigan! I'm Chinese, I know how the real and good Chinese food test like. This place place is off the hook! They have two menus, one is the standard US Chinese menu, another one is the authentic chinese food menu. If you want to test the real Chinese food, please order from the authentic menu. Everything on the authentic menu is good, i really like the sliced beef & maw with spicy Szechuan sauce and boiled beef in Szechuan style. It just test like home! Don't be afraid to order from the authentic menu, my husband is American, he already addicted to their Szechuan food, so, I think you will love it too.
(5)Chris M.
Excellent service, from a server that actually speaks Chinese (I think). Clean, pleasant atmosphere. Great lunch specials: hot tea, soup, and the full entree w/ spring roll or crab rangoon for about $6. With all that said, the food was just short of great. I think the quality was good, but the flavor was a tad bland (Hunan chicken and shrimp).
(4)Debbie P.
Excellent food, service & very clean! We have NEVER been disappointed! A definite go to place for Chinese food!
(5)Ej P.
The best noodles in West Michigan! These guys know how to make traditional Chinese noodles. I like thar they can cater to the American palette for Chinese but can cater to those of us that like to try new flavors and tastes.
(4)Jenny G.
This is by far the best Chinese Food in the Kalamazoo area! And, we are lucky enough to live right around the corner from their Texas Township location! The Hot and Sour soup is spot on - the perfect combination of flavors and heat (which is surprisingly hard to find). The Moo Shu Chicken or Pork is excellent, as is the Szechuan Chicken, Happy Family, and Subgum, or Singapore Style Rice Noodles! I am excited to try more of their menu! YUM!!!
(5)Adam S.
I do believe this is the best Chinese restaurant in the Kalamazoo area. They have an authentic Szechuan menu (in addition to their main menu) that is all sorts of wonderful. My favorite dish is Szechuan eggplant w/ ground pork. It isn't on any of the menus, but they will make it for you if you request it. It is a bit pricey (~$10), but it is well worth it. The staff is very friendly, and the service is attentive and quick. I am sometimes amazed at how quickly food is served after ordering. The decor isn't anything fancy... but who cares? The food is what I go there for. They also do take-out, for those on a tight schedule or no desire to dine in.
(5)Bee S.
When I eat here, it's seriously like coming home. My most recent visit was 6 days ago when I went home to see my family and I had to come here since it had been a while. The food is as good as ever. Our table got cold noodles in sesame sauce as an appetizer, then szechuan chicken, kong pao chicken, pork in a black bean sauce, and (my dad's usual) beef noodle stew with bok choy and hor fun noodles. The beef stew is incredibly flavorful and my dad has to get it everytime. I usually help him eat it since the portions are so large, and even after that we always take it home. There's something about the broth... yes it is full of salt and probably more sodium than your weekly allowance, but there's also some anise flavor that just makes it out of this world. My family and I have been eating here for A LONG TIME. I remember eating here as a kid before there were even two separate rooms. It was one room, small and simple with no flashy colors or fancy chairs. The intricate wall separating the two dining areas, the bathrooms and the kitchen? Did not exist. All the servers were asian and understood some dialect of chinese. My dad (who is polish) would try and order in chinese and they would understand him (or just humor him :). Everything from the fried crisps at the table from the beginning of your meal to the fortune cookies and little ice cream/sorbet cups after you've gotten the bill is the same. Now the restaurant is larger, they have a second location, and there are many more waitresses and waiters running around who are not all asian. I am glad to see that they have grown and that they kept so many of their menu items the same. If it's not broken, why fix it, right? In addition to the delicious options that we got the other night, the steamed pot stickers and wonton soup are very good appetizers, if I recall :) The prices are actually very reasonable, if not cheap! Less than $10 for our entrees each.
(5)D K.
Hunan Gardens is a real gem in Kalamazoo and I feel like we're very lucky to have such a restaurant. Not only do they serve the comforting Chinese dishes that everyone knows and loves, but they also have more adventurous choices, most of which are listed on their Noodle & Szechuan menu. They have something for everyone, from the popular Kung Pao Chicken to the exotic (and delicious) Spicy Beef Tendon. From their Noodle Menu, I would highly recommend the Dan Dan Noodles, which is served in a rich, spicy sauce; the aromatic vapors will please your palate with every bite. I find the quality of food there very consistent, always excellent, and the staff very friendly and helpful. I would dare say that this restaurant could compete with any number of "Big City" Chinese restaurants in menu choices and delicious flavor.
(5)Gary L.
Excellent food. Excellent service. Fast service especially during lunch.
(5)Boomer B.
Excellent food & service. Prices are very reasonable. Fresh ingredients, large portions, skilled preparation. This restaurant is a winner.
(5)Yan Z.
One of the best Chinese restaraunt in this area. I love the authentic Szechuan food menu a lot. It is very close to the taste of real szechuan food. You get a lot of free appetizers and deserts when you dine in...love it
(4)Liz W.
I used to come here back in the day being a giant fan of the beef and asparagus in season, spicy eggplant or the golden chicken with fruit. They also had the taste sensation pickled cabbage and shredded pork soup with noodles. We come here now when in town with friends. Steve orders for us all off the special menu and it is quite tasty stuff indeed. We have a big graze together with everyone sharing. He always orders the perfect food for all and we let him, not understanding a word but in complete trust as Steve never steers us wrong. This last time we feasted on a platter full of roast duck and pork, several different types of dumplings, a whole crispy fish, some noodles with various meats and veggies, tasty fresh bok choy and a tofu dish in a mushroom sauce that was melt in your mouth delicious. When I experiment James cringes, for Steve he consumes tofu with mushrooms happily and asks why I never order it, normally he hates both items. Very good food to be had here. I have no idea if I would have discovered some of it without help though.
(4)Angela F.
Impressions after first order: Food takes ~1 hr, which I think is reasonable. Portion sizes: Only one size, which is kind of annoying, but most places do the same from what I've seen. A bit on the small side depending on what you order. Price: Sort of expensive compared to other Chinese restaurants, but they offer authentic dishes that other places do not. Delivery is free if over $15 (otherwise $1, which is still very reasonable) Food: on the bland side, which is disappointing considering that the dish I ordered (a famous szechuan pork dish: double chili pork) was supposed to be really flavorful. But it's delivery (cold food) as opposed to freshly cooked food I would get dining in, so I can understand. The menu isn't very descriptive at all for many dishes, which is better compared to other Chinese restaurants I've seen. Re-order: Yes. Just because they are able to offer so many different items I can't find elsewhere.
(4)Raju L.
Terrific service. Having travelled to several countries, I have to say that for a chinese restaurant, their service is truly top notch. The only reason I gave 4 instead of 5 stars is that our appetizer tasted like it was out of the freezer.
(4)Jason C.
This place is very consistent. Great service and the food is always great. We always get our take out from here.
(5)Amanda A.
Amazing Chinese food. After spending a semester in Beijing this is one of the only Chinese food places I can still eat at because they have so many authentic tasting dishes! And you can't beat their lunch specials Try the Chicken and Eggplant, it's my favorite!
(5)Ani B.
i felt like i was in NYC China Town! they served the fried won ton with duck sauce as a nibble. also provided hot tea and soup & egg roll with entree. i got my fav-broccoli and garlic sauce. Menu said it should have been spicy but it was mild; and still so good. hubby wanted general tsu chicken, here they called it crispy chicken. he was disappointed; said the chicken was stringy. Was it really chicken???? One of the exceptional things of this chinese restaurant was the friendly, courteous waitress. Probably the best i've ever encountered. clean, decorated with style interior. you can't go wrong here!
(4)Ming Z.
Hubby drove me to Hunan Garden on W. Main for authentic Szechuan food. After years of living in Asia, he is no longer crave for big juicy American buggers. A defector he is now to Chinese food. He regaled our waitress by pointing out dishes he wants from Special Szechuan menu. I was glad she didn't recommend General Tao's chicken. He would be offended. 10 minutes later, four dishes on table pleased two shameless food snobs. The starter, Spicy Beef Tendon hit the right spot. Flavor is very authentic. Thin sliced beef tendon coated with chili pepper seasoned soy sauce, garnish with cilantro leaves, this eye-pleasing cold dish clicks. The hotness was tuned down to cater the Kalamazoo flavor. Hot and sour soup evened up our taste for spicy food. Again, the flavor is authentic. However, the original way of fixing this soup is to add white pepper instead of using chili pepper. But as long as it tastes like the real thing, I will drink it. Chung Ching Spicy Chicken was a bit disappointing. It was flour coated chicken deep fried and quick tossed with pepper sauce. The chicken meat tasted slightly sour. Toss in the sauce took the crispy out. I don't like soggy chicken. Next time I will try the Chengdu spicy chicken which is a very standard Szechuan dish. You can't screw up a deep fried chicken. Mao Tou w/ Chinese Okra. Mao Tou is the Chinese pronunciation for soy bean. This is a common vegetable dish served in late summer. Chinese okra is the source of starch. Both okra and soy bean has no taste itself, but the starch from the okra blends any flavor you put into the dish well. It is a tricky dish that not everyone likes it. Actually this is the first time I see it at Americanize Chinese restaurant. Best way is to mix it with white rice. Very good choice for vegan folks. I have to blame the generous potions because there was no space for additional orders. They served braised pork knuckle that night which is another very traditional dish in Southern China. I guess we have to come back to Kalamazoo and try more.
(4)Daniel R.
My kids and I ate there this evening it was fantastic we really love good Chinese food and this served well for us I got a noodle soup and it was delicious my kids both got very good dinners and we were happy with the dinner and would go back anytime.
(4)Autumn E.
Best chinese Asian food in kzoo by far. Hunan Gardens has been a must visit dinning experience for over twenty years. The menu is extensive and diverse. The chef's pad Thai is a favorite. The service is always impeccable. The quality has never waned in the twenty years I've frequented. Fresh always!
(5)Shannon R.
Best experience and food! The service and atmosphere was fantastic, and the food was delicious! My family and I were out of town and we found Hunan Garden, and we couldn't ask for anything better! Thank you for a great experience!
(5)Henry K.
Food is amazing. I had the egg drop, egg roll , and chicken lo mein. The food was was really good. I actually think it's worth more than what I paid for. Service was also impeccable. Make special trips to go to this Chinese restaurant because they don't deliver to my area which is disappointing but I'm willing to make the trip. I have also been herefor lunch in the lunch specials are really affordable and worth every penny. So willing to try other things on their menu because it is so good and the flavor is there
(5)Dia D.
I have been here several times now for both dining in and carry out and the food is always good. I love their Szechuan style fish from the more authentic Chinese menu. One time that I dined in, the service was fast and the other time it was on the slow side (but not horrible).
(4)Matthew H.
Forget the americanese menu and have the noodle soup!
(4)Brendon C.
We were hoping to find ONE chinese place in kalamazoo that is clean enough for a veg couple. If you're vegan or vegetarian, please note that ALL their sauces contain some sort of animal product. They CAN make all their sauces from scratch but you have to be VERY careful or they'll slip you things. They also say they use clean dishes on request but their kitchen is completely out of the public view so we have no way to tell. There's also no way to tell immediately if a dish is vegetarian or vegan; we had the poor server girl (whom we tipped exceptionally well) dashing back and forth from the kitchen asking the Chinese men about certain dishes. The tofu (arguably the best part of a good Chinese meal) was undercooked and rather unsubstantial and the serving sizes were pretty small compared to other awesome Chinese restaurants we've frequented. Aside from that, the ambiance was a bit office-like. I would have liked to see a lot more decoration and some traditional Chinese music instead of the wailing little-mermaid-esque nonsense they played. That being said, the saving grace was the server, who was more than happy to answer questions.
(2)Larry B.
Amazingly great, given I am from Detroit and Chicago. Tables had fried won Tons and plum sauce. Meals were fresh and clean... Not too saucy. Chicken in sweet and Sour was high quality. Soups were excellent. Interesting egg roll and fresh mustard sauce on request. Nice staff. Overall, a real treat!
(5)Jennifer B.
I was visting Kalamazoo and found out about this place. It was wonderful. The staff is very courteous and helpful. I didn't know what to order and the waiter helped me. It was excellent. I definitely recommend this restaurant.
(5)Kim B.
Fantastic every time! I am hooked on the Moo Shu, but I do try to mix it up now and again.
(5)Ken R.
Food is not as good as it used to be and do not go on a hot day. There is very little A/C and customer complaints are met with little response. Look elsewhere for better food and service.
(2)R D.
A large menu, including a smaller menu of more authentic dishes (ala beef tendon appetizer); attractive, clean interior, professional courteous service. Hunan Garden does not hold back on the trimmings ( cloth napkins, real crab in the Rangoon, tea, plentiful sauce, and a nice shot of strawberry-banana ice to finish the meal). Glad I finally came in instead of ordering delivery!
(4)Varun A.
This is the best, authentic chinese restaurant I have been to in the US. The food served here off of the traditional chinese menu is the way to go. Ma Pa Tofu, Cumin Lamb, Kong Ching Chai, Chengdu Spicy Chicken, Curry Noodle Soup, Wonton Noodle Soup, all fantastic dishes. I highly recommend to anyone craving authentic chinese. Also, as an added bonus, the service is very good. Quite atypical for traditional chinese restaurants.
(5)Natalie Y.
This place is the bomb! Since moving to Southwest michigan, it has been a real struggle to find authentic tasting Chinese food. Their food reminds me of the asian restaurants in the Twin Cities. The price isn't bad either for the amount of food you received! Love this place!
(5)Jheri M.
This is the only place to get FRESH Chinese food in Kalamazoo. The rest is really pre-frozen garbage. Do yourself a favour and eat at Hunan.
(5)Michael O.
The portions you get are not that big. The price you pay is very affordable. The taste and quality of the food was excellent. We are from the Chicagoland area and eat in Chinatown a lot. Hunan is comparable to the restaurants there. We had the orange chicken and beef & broccoli. When they bring your bill, you get fresh orange slices, a small fruit smoothie and fortune cookies! We will be back to try something else.
(4)Teri C.
Wish I lived closer.....the BEST Hot and Soup I have ever had! While it packs a punch.....it's not all red pepper flakes. It has almost a smoky flavor and is never bitter. We have been here 6 times in the last year.....and I simply forgot to do a review. The last time we visited was the end of March. Lunch is always quick, hot and VERY tasty. We have only been here for lunch, but never a disappointment. The wait staff is second to none! The only thing I don't care for is the Peking Duck hanging under the heat lamp.....it does kind of creep me out. We just ask to sit out of view of the poor thing.
(5)Julia G.
The food is definitely 5-star worthy and is the most authentic Chinese available in this area. Since I'm Korean (and recently moved to the area) my tastes are a little different than your average local. I'm a fan of the dandanmian, zhajiangmian, and double dry chili pork! I've also heard good things about the Singapore noodles and the Sichuan-style peanut chicken. However, there are a couple of things I'm not a fan of... hence the 4-stars :( The takeout service is quite disappointing for a well-regarded restaurant. On one occasion, a dish we ordered (and paid for) was simply forgotten and today 3 out of 4 of our dishes were definitely NOT the dishes we ordered. Food is wonderful but takeout service and accuracy need to be improved!
(4)Julio I.
I used to love this place. Have dined in and had take out many times over the years... Until last year. I had ordered take out for four. Dinner and a movie at home for me and my family. As I almost took my second bite I glanced down at my fork and spotted the end of a hair sticking out. Yep. I slowly pulled the hair out only to find that it was a nasty curly hair... A pubic hair. Disgusting to say the least. I called the store to complain of course. The only response from them was along the lines of "oh, sorry about that". Hardly even concerned. They didn't bother to offer to refund anything or even at least a free dinner next time, not that I would accept a free dinner there. My family and I haven't eaten there since. Makes me wonder what else I've ingested there over the years. Too bad really because the food was good. I'll pass on the chef surprise though. Bluchh.
(1)Kyle R.
Best Chinese in Kalamazoo. I can only speak for the W. Main location, but it's seriously delicious. Light, not too greasy like some Chinese places, and great lunch specials. I recommend the Subgum Wonton Soup, the Crab Rangoons, and the Almond Chicken Ding. Try it today!!
(5)Bryan M.
Truly excellent Chinese fare. Flavorful, quality ingredients and lots of choice. So far from the typical bland fast casual Chinese fair. Lunch options are loaded with an incredible value for price. Choice of soup (including Wonton), meal, Crab Rangoon or an egg roll. Get the wonton, mine had 4 huge dumplings, unheard of on a lunch menu from my experience. Overall, the food was really good and would highly recommend.
(5)Shuan C.
The atmosphere and decor are really great here. The food is on the upper end of Chinese food offerings in the area for sure. We had the Sizzling Rice Soup, Bird's Nest, Salt & Pepper shrimp, Roast Duck, and another Seafood dish I can't remember the name of. The sizzling rice soup was good, not the best I had, and major points got taken off because they didn't pour the rice when they brought it to our table, it was already in so we missed the "sizzling" part. Not a big deal obviously but personally, I love hearing the rice when it's poured in :). The salt and pepper shrimp were amazing! Definitely recommend it. The duck was OK, not Cantonese style, but still very, very good. Bird's Nest comes in a crunchy noodle bowl and is rather beautiful. I will say that the portions are much smaller than typical Chinese restaurants, which is a bummer as we didn't have any leftovers to take home, but the food was definitely delicious.
(4)Jessica V.
We've come here for years with my parents, who live in the area. Now that we're living here, it's on our regular roll call for eating out. Why? * Quiet, relaxed atmosphere * Delicious meals * A wide range of options for both lunch and dinner * An inexpensive lunch (meal, fried rice, soup, and egg roll or 2 crabmeat rangoons) * Interesting and polite wait staff * Lovely welcoming neko (cat) at the entrance ****** Amazing crabmeat rangoons - they are huge! Lunch is a deal - $6.50-7.50 - for a wide range of items. But if you're there for dinner, try the noodles or the enormous soup bowls. Swoon.
(5)Sydnie C.
Been here three times really good food always hot pretty authentic but not too much..got us take out 15 mins b4 closing one night, friendly staff, relaxed zen setting, good tea and pretty damn good food lol
(5)Daryl M.
Always a great place to get Chinese food! Wide variety of menu items. They do not mess around when it comes to then portion of food you get either. A lot of food and good price!
(5)Alicia S.
The over the phone ordering service was okay. I wish I would have required them to repeat the order back to me because they gave me Hunan Chicken instead of Hunan Chicken and Shrimp- an easy mistake over the phone. The rest of my meal was correct. Delivery time was 45mins-1hr which was great for a snow storm (which it was, yeah, I'm that guy). The delivery man was very nice and he had a debit/credit swipe on his phone, which was very convenient. The food was yummy and I had a fully belly by the end of the night! Special shout out to the Crab Rangoon they're huge! Also, their Plum Sauce comes in house packaged containers, which I find to be better than your average high fructose corn syrup packets.
(3)Ed R.
For the average consumer of Chinese food, consider Hunan Gardens several rungs above your typical Chinese buffet (it's not a buffet at all, I'm referring to the quality of the food). You will, of course, find all your expected entrees, e.g., pepper steak, orange chicken, General Tsao's ... etc. But for those more adventuresome, there is plenty to explore on the menu. HG has a full service bar and the wait staff has always been prompt, courteous, and quick. I'm on the faculty of a nearby university and almost every time we have a meal at HG, at least one if not several, of my Chinese students are there which I interpret as a clear endorsement of the authenticity of the food.
(4)Maggie Z.
The best Chinese food in Michigan! I'm Chinese, I know how the real and good Chinese food test like. This place place is off the hook! They have two menus, one is the standard US Chinese menu, another one is the authentic chinese food menu. If you want to test the real Chinese food, please order from the authentic menu. Everything on the authentic menu is good, i really like the sliced beef & maw with spicy Szechuan sauce and boiled beef in Szechuan style. It just test like home! Don't be afraid to order from the authentic menu, my husband is American, he already addicted to their Szechuan food, so, I think you will love it too.
(5)John K.
The best sit down Chinese restaurant in Kalamazoo. With seasonal specials and a noodle bar. Wife and I were blessed with Jose as our waiter the first time we went before we were married. He made the meal entertainment as well as food. The owner makes certain to greet each of his guests.
(5)Amber C.
I have always loved Hunan Gardens since they first opened. The manager has always remembered my name (and order!) they even catered my graduation party, even though they don't cater! I have recently moved states away and management still remembered my name! All of the staff is super friendly and great. I recently managed to visit my home town this month and we just had to take a trip back for my favorite Lo Mein place. Still as clean, friendly and delicious as I always remembered.
(5)Jacob S.
Always very good. Delivery guys never disappoint and service inside dine in is as good as it gets. I like the sweet and sour chicken with hot mustard packets. Crab cheese wonton better than most Chinese restaurants as well. Overall 5 stars and no complaints. Nice atmosphere inside
(5)Miranda G.
The best in Kalamazoo and everywhere else! We lived in Boston and Chicago before and have been to China, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. Among all the Asian food that my family has had, Hunan Gardens is still one of the best! Their beef noodle soup is definitely #1. They have authentic Sichuan food (especially broil fish) and several chef's specials that are really yummy. Highly recommended!
(5)Paul W.
The Wife and I had a horrible day. Cold wet and hungry, we stumbled into the Hunan Garden for a hot meal. Not impressed with the interior of this restaurant, we were greater with a warm smile and seated. The menu was very impressive. We order. The place was almost full, yet our meal came in short time. Wh had the crispy chicken and it was wonderful. By the tim we left the Garden we were relaxed, full, happy.
(4)Jeffrey H.
Very good Chinese food. I love their spicy food! The service there is ok. Sometimes you need to wait a little bit longer. If there is anything I do not like, the rice there is not that good. I think it is free with the meal, so cannot really complain about it.
(4)Barb N.
Loved Hunan Gardens at first! It seems that their crab rangoons and some deep fried meat choices have changed though. They are full of oil, fat and no real flavor. They used to have crispy and delicious crab rangoons and less fatty meat. Its pretty expensive for the quality.
(3)Yi Liang S.
Pretty good lunch prices, and the Szechuan menu for dinner, while not really as 'authentic' as claimed to be, is pretty much the best in Kalamazoo as far as authenticity goes. Plus it's the only place I can find that sells 回é‹è‚‰ around here, so that's a big plus. Surprisingly, the staff here are also really nice, and quite of few of them speak mandarin as well, so that's another plus for me. Best place for Chinese in the area imho.
(4)Charles X.
I moved away a year ago to Boston (where there is a Chinatown) but still remember this restaurant. I used to get take out from here every week and miss it dearly. Their Szechuan menu is all authentic Chinese food, most of which are done very well. My favorites are the Double Dry Chili Pork (they deviate from the usual double cooked pork for this but it's fantastic and possibly even better... I wonder if I can get this one-day air shipped to me sometime), Beef Noodle Soup (Uses the right beef), and Noodles with Minced Dry Meat Sauce. I also highly recommend trying the chili dumplings and real mapo tofu. There are other places that do the Spicy Fish Stew better but this is probably as close as you'll ever get within a 50 mile radius. I think I've tried things on the regular menu once and wouldn't recommend it... I don't like Chinese American food in general.
(5)Ming Z.
Hubby drove me to Hunan Garden on W. Main for authentic Szechuan food. After years of living in Asia, he is no longer crave for big juicy American buggers. A defector he is now to Chinese food. He regaled our waitress by pointing out dishes he wants from Special Szechuan menu. I was glad she didn't recommend General Tao's chicken. He would be offended. 10 minutes later, four dishes on table pleased two shameless food snobs. The starter, Spicy Beef Tendon hit the right spot. Flavor is very authentic. Thin sliced beef tendon coated with chili pepper seasoned soy sauce, garnish with cilantro leaves, this eye-pleasing cold dish clicks. The hotness was tuned down to cater the Kalamazoo flavor. Hot and sour soup evened up our taste for spicy food. Again, the flavor is authentic. However, the original way of fixing this soup is to add white pepper instead of using chili pepper. But as long as it tastes like the real thing, I will drink it. Chung Ching Spicy Chicken was a bit disappointing. It was flour coated chicken deep fried and quick tossed with pepper sauce. The chicken meat tasted slightly sour. Toss in the sauce took the crispy out. I don't like soggy chicken. Next time I will try the Chengdu spicy chicken which is a very standard Szechuan dish. You can't screw up a deep fried chicken. Mao Tou w/ Chinese Okra. Mao Tou is the Chinese pronunciation for soy bean. This is a common vegetable dish served in late summer. Chinese okra is the source of starch. Both okra and soy bean has no taste itself, but the starch from the okra blends any flavor you put into the dish well. It is a tricky dish that not everyone likes it. Actually this is the first time I see it at Americanize Chinese restaurant. Best way is to mix it with white rice. Very good choice for vegan folks. I have to blame the generous potions because there was no space for additional orders. They served braised pork knuckle that night which is another very traditional dish in Southern China. I guess we have to come back to Kalamazoo and try more.
(4)Daniel R.
My kids and I ate there this evening it was fantastic we really love good Chinese food and this served well for us I got a noodle soup and it was delicious my kids both got very good dinners and we were happy with the dinner and would go back anytime.
(4)Autumn E.
Best chinese Asian food in kzoo by far. Hunan Gardens has been a must visit dinning experience for over twenty years. The menu is extensive and diverse. The chef's pad Thai is a favorite. The service is always impeccable. The quality has never waned in the twenty years I've frequented. Fresh always!
(5)Shannon R.
Best experience and food! The service and atmosphere was fantastic, and the food was delicious! My family and I were out of town and we found Hunan Garden, and we couldn't ask for anything better! Thank you for a great experience!
(5)Henry K.
Food is amazing. I had the egg drop, egg roll , and chicken lo mein. The food was was really good. I actually think it's worth more than what I paid for. Service was also impeccable. Make special trips to go to this Chinese restaurant because they don't deliver to my area which is disappointing but I'm willing to make the trip. I have also been herefor lunch in the lunch specials are really affordable and worth every penny. So willing to try other things on their menu because it is so good and the flavor is there
(5)Chris M.
Excellent service, from a server that actually speaks Chinese (I think). Clean, pleasant atmosphere. Great lunch specials: hot tea, soup, and the full entree w/ spring roll or crab rangoon for about $6. With all that said, the food was just short of great. I think the quality was good, but the flavor was a tad bland (Hunan chicken and shrimp).
(4)Debbie P.
Excellent food, service & very clean! We have NEVER been disappointed! A definite go to place for Chinese food!
(5)Ej P.
The best noodles in West Michigan! These guys know how to make traditional Chinese noodles. I like thar they can cater to the American palette for Chinese but can cater to those of us that like to try new flavors and tastes.
(4)Jenny G.
This is by far the best Chinese Food in the Kalamazoo area! And, we are lucky enough to live right around the corner from their Texas Township location! The Hot and Sour soup is spot on - the perfect combination of flavors and heat (which is surprisingly hard to find). The Moo Shu Chicken or Pork is excellent, as is the Szechuan Chicken, Happy Family, and Subgum, or Singapore Style Rice Noodles! I am excited to try more of their menu! YUM!!!
(5)Bee S.
When I eat here, it's seriously like coming home. My most recent visit was 6 days ago when I went home to see my family and I had to come here since it had been a while. The food is as good as ever. Our table got cold noodles in sesame sauce as an appetizer, then szechuan chicken, kong pao chicken, pork in a black bean sauce, and (my dad's usual) beef noodle stew with bok choy and hor fun noodles. The beef stew is incredibly flavorful and my dad has to get it everytime. I usually help him eat it since the portions are so large, and even after that we always take it home. There's something about the broth... yes it is full of salt and probably more sodium than your weekly allowance, but there's also some anise flavor that just makes it out of this world. My family and I have been eating here for A LONG TIME. I remember eating here as a kid before there were even two separate rooms. It was one room, small and simple with no flashy colors or fancy chairs. The intricate wall separating the two dining areas, the bathrooms and the kitchen? Did not exist. All the servers were asian and understood some dialect of chinese. My dad (who is polish) would try and order in chinese and they would understand him (or just humor him :). Everything from the fried crisps at the table from the beginning of your meal to the fortune cookies and little ice cream/sorbet cups after you've gotten the bill is the same. Now the restaurant is larger, they have a second location, and there are many more waitresses and waiters running around who are not all asian. I am glad to see that they have grown and that they kept so many of their menu items the same. If it's not broken, why fix it, right? In addition to the delicious options that we got the other night, the steamed pot stickers and wonton soup are very good appetizers, if I recall :) The prices are actually very reasonable, if not cheap! Less than $10 for our entrees each.
(5)Raju L.
Terrific service. Having travelled to several countries, I have to say that for a chinese restaurant, their service is truly top notch. The only reason I gave 4 instead of 5 stars is that our appetizer tasted like it was out of the freezer.
(4)Jason C.
This place is very consistent. Great service and the food is always great. We always get our take out from here.
(5)Amanda A.
Amazing Chinese food. After spending a semester in Beijing this is one of the only Chinese food places I can still eat at because they have so many authentic tasting dishes! And you can't beat their lunch specials Try the Chicken and Eggplant, it's my favorite!
(5)Ani B.
i felt like i was in NYC China Town! they served the fried won ton with duck sauce as a nibble. also provided hot tea and soup & egg roll with entree. i got my fav-broccoli and garlic sauce. Menu said it should have been spicy but it was mild; and still so good. hubby wanted general tsu chicken, here they called it crispy chicken. he was disappointed; said the chicken was stringy. Was it really chicken???? One of the exceptional things of this chinese restaurant was the friendly, courteous waitress. Probably the best i've ever encountered. clean, decorated with style interior. you can't go wrong here!
(4)D K.
Hunan Gardens is a real gem in Kalamazoo and I feel like we're very lucky to have such a restaurant. Not only do they serve the comforting Chinese dishes that everyone knows and loves, but they also have more adventurous choices, most of which are listed on their Noodle & Szechuan menu. They have something for everyone, from the popular Kung Pao Chicken to the exotic (and delicious) Spicy Beef Tendon. From their Noodle Menu, I would highly recommend the Dan Dan Noodles, which is served in a rich, spicy sauce; the aromatic vapors will please your palate with every bite. I find the quality of food there very consistent, always excellent, and the staff very friendly and helpful. I would dare say that this restaurant could compete with any number of "Big City" Chinese restaurants in menu choices and delicious flavor.
(5)Gary L.
Excellent food. Excellent service. Fast service especially during lunch.
(5)Boomer B.
Excellent food & service. Prices are very reasonable. Fresh ingredients, large portions, skilled preparation. This restaurant is a winner.
(5)Yan Z.
One of the best Chinese restaraunt in this area. I love the authentic Szechuan food menu a lot. It is very close to the taste of real szechuan food. You get a lot of free appetizers and deserts when you dine in...love it
(4)Liz W.
I used to come here back in the day being a giant fan of the beef and asparagus in season, spicy eggplant or the golden chicken with fruit. They also had the taste sensation pickled cabbage and shredded pork soup with noodles. We come here now when in town with friends. Steve orders for us all off the special menu and it is quite tasty stuff indeed. We have a big graze together with everyone sharing. He always orders the perfect food for all and we let him, not understanding a word but in complete trust as Steve never steers us wrong. This last time we feasted on a platter full of roast duck and pork, several different types of dumplings, a whole crispy fish, some noodles with various meats and veggies, tasty fresh bok choy and a tofu dish in a mushroom sauce that was melt in your mouth delicious. When I experiment James cringes, for Steve he consumes tofu with mushrooms happily and asks why I never order it, normally he hates both items. Very good food to be had here. I have no idea if I would have discovered some of it without help though.
(4)Angela F.
Impressions after first order: Food takes ~1 hr, which I think is reasonable. Portion sizes: Only one size, which is kind of annoying, but most places do the same from what I've seen. A bit on the small side depending on what you order. Price: Sort of expensive compared to other Chinese restaurants, but they offer authentic dishes that other places do not. Delivery is free if over $15 (otherwise $1, which is still very reasonable) Food: on the bland side, which is disappointing considering that the dish I ordered (a famous szechuan pork dish: double chili pork) was supposed to be really flavorful. But it's delivery (cold food) as opposed to freshly cooked food I would get dining in, so I can understand. The menu isn't very descriptive at all for many dishes, which is better compared to other Chinese restaurants I've seen. Re-order: Yes. Just because they are able to offer so many different items I can't find elsewhere.
(4)Adam S.
I do believe this is the best Chinese restaurant in the Kalamazoo area. They have an authentic Szechuan menu (in addition to their main menu) that is all sorts of wonderful. My favorite dish is Szechuan eggplant w/ ground pork. It isn't on any of the menus, but they will make it for you if you request it. It is a bit pricey (~$10), but it is well worth it. The staff is very friendly, and the service is attentive and quick. I am sometimes amazed at how quickly food is served after ordering. The decor isn't anything fancy... but who cares? The food is what I go there for. They also do take-out, for those on a tight schedule or no desire to dine in.
(5)Dia D.
I have been here several times now for both dining in and carry out and the food is always good. I love their Szechuan style fish from the more authentic Chinese menu. One time that I dined in, the service was fast and the other time it was on the slow side (but not horrible).
(4)Matthew H.
Forget the americanese menu and have the noodle soup!
(4)Michael G.
Food was cooked properly and ingredients seemed to be of good quality. My wife and I both found the food to lack flavor, though.
(2)Christopher M.
Probably the best traditional chinese near Kalamazoo. The food is good, the staff is helpful and friendly, the decor is mediocre, and it's decently priced.
(4)Brendon C.
We were hoping to find ONE chinese place in kalamazoo that is clean enough for a veg couple. If you're vegan or vegetarian, please note that ALL their sauces contain some sort of animal product. They CAN make all their sauces from scratch but you have to be VERY careful or they'll slip you things. They also say they use clean dishes on request but their kitchen is completely out of the public view so we have no way to tell. There's also no way to tell immediately if a dish is vegetarian or vegan; we had the poor server girl (whom we tipped exceptionally well) dashing back and forth from the kitchen asking the Chinese men about certain dishes. The tofu (arguably the best part of a good Chinese meal) was undercooked and rather unsubstantial and the serving sizes were pretty small compared to other awesome Chinese restaurants we've frequented. Aside from that, the ambiance was a bit office-like. I would have liked to see a lot more decoration and some traditional Chinese music instead of the wailing little-mermaid-esque nonsense they played. That being said, the saving grace was the server, who was more than happy to answer questions.
(2)Larry B.
Amazingly great, given I am from Detroit and Chicago. Tables had fried won Tons and plum sauce. Meals were fresh and clean... Not too saucy. Chicken in sweet and Sour was high quality. Soups were excellent. Interesting egg roll and fresh mustard sauce on request. Nice staff. Overall, a real treat!
(5)Jennifer B.
I was visting Kalamazoo and found out about this place. It was wonderful. The staff is very courteous and helpful. I didn't know what to order and the waiter helped me. It was excellent. I definitely recommend this restaurant.
(5)Kim B.
Fantastic every time! I am hooked on the Moo Shu, but I do try to mix it up now and again.
(5)Ken R.
Food is not as good as it used to be and do not go on a hot day. There is very little A/C and customer complaints are met with little response. Look elsewhere for better food and service.
(2)R D.
A large menu, including a smaller menu of more authentic dishes (ala beef tendon appetizer); attractive, clean interior, professional courteous service. Hunan Garden does not hold back on the trimmings ( cloth napkins, real crab in the Rangoon, tea, plentiful sauce, and a nice shot of strawberry-banana ice to finish the meal). Glad I finally came in instead of ordering delivery!
(4)David Z.
What can I say. The establishment is one of my favorites! The wait staff is awesome and always have smiles on thier faces. the food is consistant and the ambiance is kitshy but not loud. The owner goes around and talks to people and is very attentive. And at the end of your meal. You get orange wedges and fortune cookies...plus a shot of thier strawberry bannana smoothie. thubs up to Hunan garden.
(5)Allison E.
Standard Chinese fair like you find in any Chinese/American establishment. But Hunan is like a faithful friend. I can always rely on it for a good meal and it never lets me down. Good food, Good service, good prices.
(4)Heather S.
I am severely gluten intolerant so Chinese food can be hazardous to my health. Hunan Gardens does not have an official gluten free menu, but if you call, I was told most items can be made gluten free. I ordered a seafood dish with shrimp, scallops, and veggies in a white sauce and an order of sesame balls. The seafood dish was very generous on the seafood and the veggies were extra fresh and not overcooked like at some restaurants. The sesame balls filled with red bean paste were perfectly done with a light crunch on the outside and chewy on the inside. The customer service here was phenomenal! The woman who took my order was very thorough and patient in describing ingredients and ensuring I selected good, gluten free choices. She knew the menu well enough to make recommendations. Among the information she gave me, they can substitute rice noodles or white sauce for any dish, and they only use corn starch to thicken sauces to reduce gluten contamination risk. The chef making the sesame balls even called me back to inform me that the sesame balls contained rice gluten and wanted to ensure that would be safe for me to consume--which it is. Rarely do restaurants care enough to check the ingredients for those with food allergies, let alone call to check with the customer. I was told the delivery wait would be 45 minutes, but my food was delivered in about 25 minutes. I give this restaurant 5 out of 5 stars and plan to use them exclusively when I want Chinese food.
(5)Josh M.
Consistent. Always good and the family that own it are so polite and curtious. Probably the highest quality chinese you can get in Kalamazoo. Comparable to Chinn Chinn yet a different experience all the same. Certainly the best egg rolls in Kalamazoo.
(5)Joe V.
Five stars for consistency over time. This restaurant should be called "old reliable". It does very good chinese food well every time. Yes, Chinn Chinn is better, but this is closer to most of us, isn't it? The servers are all really good at their job, and the whole place runs like a clock. So much takeout flies out these doors too. I could make a meal of the shrimp rolls. they are always delivered piping hot to the table. I never get enough Hor Fun noodles. Stir fried please! All my special requests have been met without a hiccup in the past. Dinner for two is around $25 without drinks. and you get a lovely strawberry banana smoothie at the end of it all. What a treasure for Kalamazooo!
(5)Paul U.
Hunan Gardens features very authentic Sichuan cuisine, and they'll even bring the spiciness up to reasonable levels, on request. This restaurant provided a great topper to an otherwise great day at the beach. I strongly recommend this place to anybody seeking authentic Chinese cuisine.
(5)Beth C.
We are from out of town and picked this restaurant based on good reviews online We were expecting better. We ordered appetizers and an entree. Started with old fashioned egg rolls, which can be hard to find, but delicious. Also got an order of fried dumplings. I think they all went through the same deep fryer. These egg rolls were dry and over cooked. The dumplings were deep fried rather than pan fried and steamed the way they should be, and the dough was much too thick. The Double Cooked Pork was very mediocre. There was an interesting "authentic menu, with fried beef tendons and pork intestines cooked five different ways. All in all, I would not recommend this and will not go back.
(2)Ana G.
This review is written by someone who lived in China for a year. Started with Hot and Sour soup (perfectly spicy!!!) and Crab meat rangoons, both excellently prepared and delivered quickly! Hot tea on every table is a nice touch. Adorable, super friendly waitress who spoke English just well enough to add to this very authentic Chinese restaurant. Beef and scallop dish was awesome with brown sauce served on a sizzling platter. Nothing looked bad at this place. Half chicken Cantonese style was good but a bit dry.
(4)Michael P.
Very good spot for Chinese food. Hot and sour soup was very nice...been struggling to find a decent execution of this staple...lo, it's in freaking Kalamazoo! Fried dumplings were a little heavy and dipping sauce could have had more pop...but not bad. My wife and I shared Szechuan chicken and roast port fried rice. Both were very good. I'd have liked more heat with the chicken, but the rice was great with nice chunks of pork...another reason to visit my son at school.
(4)Alisha W.
Hunan Garden was my Sunday afternoon go-to in college. For a broke college student, getting a delicious meal with soup and two Crab Rangoon on the side for $6.00 was the greatest discovery of all time. As I've gotten older and my taste have matured, my love for Hunan Gardens has remained the same. The best part about Hunan Gardens is that there are so many things that really set them apart from other Chinese restaurants. The ingredient quality is five stars. The meat (including the chicken, and we all know how sketchy Chinese food chicken can be) is so delicious and top notch. I've had chicken, steak, and shrimp on several occasions and I honestly can't say which is better. The soups are incredible. Hunan turned me into an Egg Drop Soup snob. The texture is perfect; not overly oily like you'll find with many places. The Crab Rangoons are the absolute best I've ever had. Even the fortune cookies have a delicious vanilla flavor and are a higher quality cookie than the cardboard ones I've had at other restaurants. The space is very clean and inviting. You'll enjoy a nice lunch or dinner complete with soft music and a table cloth. The staff is so incredible friendly and welcoming. This is the very best Chinese restaurant in the Kalamazoo/Portage are and probably the very best I have ever been to. Whenever I make the five hour trip to come home to Kalamazoo, I always plan a visit to Hunan. In the past 8 years nothing has changed because nothing needed to. It's perfect!
(5)Pooja R.
I went here for dinner today and had an horrible experience. I had chowmein which was more like veggie noodle soup. Ordered for hot and spicy schezwan chicken which tasted sweet and made us request for adding additional spice. I asked for a dry chicken noodle a typical Chinese stir fry but they said all their noodles would be either soupy or saucy . I hate the brown sauce which tastes too sweet. The meal spoiled my mood tonight :(
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