What Is a Hunan Cuisine?
Hunan cuisine is a style of Chinese food that originated in Hunan Province in south-central China. It is known for its rich, fiery flavors created by the use of chili peppers and garlic. This style of regional Chinese cuisine is also known for elaborate preparation techniques and beautiful presentation of the dishes. There are approximately 4,000 documented Hunan dishes, many of which are sweet and sour, hot and sour, or hot and spicy. Crispy duck, dong’an chicken, and garlic eggplant are some of Hunan’s best-known dishes. Smoked and preserved meats such as beef, pork, and lamb are common as main ingredients in Hunan cuisine. Other main ingredients include fish and poultry, especially chicken and duck. Hunan cuisine also features exotic ingredients such as frogs’ legs and turtle.
