Wojia Hunan Cuisine — Restaurant in Albany

Overcoming my initial disappointment on the closure of V- pot, one of my favorite quick Hunan soup spots, I was at first struck with the care taken to changing the interior, and totally rebranding the restaurant. Not sure what happened, but the place seems a little more upscale, and has a number of traditional Hunan dishes not often available on this side of the bay. (Like Aorta of ox) In the chinese food culture, and especially in Hunan cuisine, there is a strong "snout-to-tail" element, using bits and pieces of meat not generally liked by westerners. And many of the dishes on the menu reflected this, Pig intestine, tendon, and other offal are all featured.

I opted to try one dish I'm very familiar with, and one that I was not. I ordered Dan Dan nodles, (# 7 on the menu) a Hunan favorite, and was surprised to find that they came without pork, which was a slight oversight by a new cook, which was quickly taken care of once I pointed it out. Like Dan Dan noodles, are supposed to, they were covered in spicy chili oil, with some crushed peanuts and cilantro over some very fresh tasting noodles. It was delicious.

The main course, (# 12 on the menu), spicy beef combination in clay pot, was a revelation.

I used to come to this restaurant for the Mao Cai, spicy Hunan combination soup, which often came with noodles, in a large bowl. The version here came in a heavy steel bowl, and was quite a bit more refined, and less salty then its predecessor here under old ownership.

Spicy, fragrant, and very subtle, with numbing peppers, and several different cuts of beef including tripe, skirt steak, and tendon, the combination came together beautifully in a soup that I highly recommend. I'll be coming back here to try out the other Hunan dishes, with the great waiter, Eddie, from Oakland. Give this place 4 out of 5 stars, and love the quiet atmosphere. it's not cheap, but not expensive and definitely a special place to bring someone.

SECOND VISIT: as fate would have it, I met a man waiting in line at the local produce store, and overheard him having a conversation about how he was the chef at Wojia Hunan. Sensing an opportunity I introduce myself and asked him if he knew how to make JaJang noodles, since it is difficult to find them prepared in the traditional Chinese way. He invited me down to the restaurant, and today I ordered so JaJang noodles, and the sauteed Hunan beef, and the noodles knocked my socks off. Simply amazing noodles. I noticed the place bustling with customers, and speaking with a Hunan native outside in the parking lot he explained to me how difficult it was to find authentic Hunan food, and that the name wojia itself means "my home" he was there with his entire family, proving once again, that when you are looking for Superior Chinese food, one only has to follow the local Chinese Community to the best spots. Wojia is an amazing place, with an amazing chef, and I look forward to getting outside of my comfort zone and trying some exotic stuff I've never had before.

Third visit: I tried the delicious steamed spareribs, covered in some combo of sticky rice and corn and the Chopped Bak Choy Both great. No misses here yet.

Check it out! You will not be disappointed. (Never had an Ox aorta...

The family was craving authentic Chinese food, so we decided to return to Wojia. This was my first time at Wojia, and though I'd heard the raving reviews of my family members from their previous visits, I was wary due to my history of having a low spice tolerance. However, I must say that Wojia thoroughly satisfied our cravings, and more.

The food is authentic, well-crafted, and plated beautifully. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I not only could tolerate, but went back bite after bite for each spicy dish. There is something here for everyone: from spice-neophytes to spice-aficionados. My brother and dad, both spice-lovers, pointed out that the spice was not only to their liking, but appropriately spiced as marked. Even dishes with a spice level of "one pepper" do not disappoint in terms of flavor delivery.

We ordered two vegetable dishes and two meat dishes: sautéed pea sprouts with garlic, griddle cabbage with pork, grilled pork chops with cumin, and hunan style sautéed lamb. The dishes were generous, flavorful, and made with precision and an attention to detail. I must say, each dish, upon served, immediately had me digging in and going back for more! The steam coming from the dishes contributed to their delectable quality, knowing that our food was thoughtfully prepared and served fresh and hot from the kitchen. The vegetable dishes were light, yet packed with juices and flavor. I was most impressed with the pork chops. As one who often appreciates the extra detail and time put into a plate's presentation, I will say that these pork chops were quite pleasing. Each chop had the perfect amount of crunch topping atop the perfectly grilled meat. The crushed peanuts and pepper seasonings complemented the meat, which was first crispy but then melted in your mouth.

As for our dining experience itself, the interior was clean, airy, and well-decorated with a mix of modern and Chinese touches. The service was quick and attentive. Overall, a very pleasant and memorable dining experience! I will return to Wojia for Hunan food again when visiting Berkeley...

My wife told me that Sichuan people like to say, I can take spicy dishes. Whereas Hunan people like to say, I'm scared that this dish is not spicy enough! (Hope I didn't butcher that saying). Regardless, you get what I mean.

Since moving to the East Bay, my wife and I were looking for some legitimate Chinese food. Not the greasy, starchy, Chinese food that is catered toward an American palate, but Chinese food that showcases the cuisine of China. Wojia is proudly Chinese and highlights the spicy delicacies that Hunan has to offer.

As another reviewer has mentioned, there are a total of 108 items to choose from. Regretting not bringing friends to join us, we only had the capacity to choose three items. Bring your friends and family people!

Items we ordered were as follows:

Glutinous rice balls: Wow! This is a unique item that I've had as a sweet dish, but never as savory. Perfectly fried glutinous rice balls that are filled with black sesame tossed in sweet, salty, and spicy dry seasoning as well as deep fried chilli to go with it. Beautifully presented and couldn't stop eating them.

Spicy Hot pot noodle with lamb: Spicy with not so subtle hints of cumin and chilli oil that coats your mouth with deliciousness. This dish is simple but good. It's got a good ratio of lamb, choy, and noodles in a spicy broth you'll want to slurp.

Steamed enoki mushrooms: The accountant in me screams at me for ordering this, but it's so good! Perfectly steamed, the texture of the mushrooms gives it a nice snap with each bite. The flavor is slightly tangy with salted chilli to remind you that you're in a Hunan restaurant.

All items we got were promptly devoured. We were stuffed, but wondering when we could come back... with more people next time. Thanks Wojia. You make me proud...