By Judy Antell
Chinese dumplings
Hunan food is one of the three most familiar Chinese cuisines (the others are Cantonese and Szechuan). Hunan is the most elaborate, with classic dishes like orange beef and crispy duck, both multi-step dishes that take hours to prepare. Hunan like Szechuan, is spicy, using fresh chiles and garlic. Dishes labeled "hot and sour," "sweet and sour" and "hot and spicy" are Hunan staples. Washington, DC, home to an international population, has many Hunan Chinese restaurants.
Meiwah
Meiwah is such a popular Chinese restaurant in Washington, DC, that it recently opened a second, suburban branch. It serves Hunan classics like hot and sour soup, whole crispy fish, orange beef and sweet and sour lamb. Hunan chicken is loaded with vegetables and hot and spicy flavor. For those who need more choices, there are also Cantonese dishes and a sushi bar.
Meiwah
1200 New Hampshire Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 833-2888
meiwahrestaurant.com
Chinatown Express
At Chinatown Express, you know the noodles are fresh; someone hand pulls them in the window. Nearly every protein, from chicken to shrimp to steak, is served Hunan hot-and-spicy style. The fresh, chewy noodles star in a number of soups. The restaurant hasn't invested much in decor, or in a website.
Chinatown Express
746 6th St NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 638-0424
Hunan Dynasty
Hunan Dynasty may be a case of a name determining destiny. The Chinese restaurant has surpassed over two decades, with a hot and sour soup and hot and sour seafood soup, Hunan bean curd, lamb, duck and shrimp, all in a hot pepper sauce, and vegetable hot pots, cooked and served in clay pots.
Hunan Dynasty
215 Pennsylvania Ave. SE
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 546-6161
hunandynastydc.com
Resources
About the Author:
Judy Antell was the editor of Big Apple Parent for 13 years and continues to write for the monthly publication. Antell has been published in "The New York Times," "Parents" magazine and on numerous websites. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature and a Master of Arts degree in literature and drama from Washington University.
Photo Credits:
chinese food bun ii image by Hao Wang from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
