Hunan Restaurant — Restaurant in Bloomington

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Hunan Restaurant, one of the best Chinese restaurants in Bloomington. On a Tuesday afternoon, when my usual go-to spot (Mandarin kitchen) was closed, my son was craving his favorite dish, salt and pepper squid. Thankfully, we stumbled across Hunan, and I must say, it turned out to be a fantastic discovery!

From the moment we stepped in, we were warmly greeted by the staff who exuded hospitality and professionalism. The restaurant had a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making us feel right at home. The menu showcased a wide array of authentic Chinese dishes, leaving us spoilt for choice.

Now, let’s talk about the food! The salt and pepper squid, which my son couldn’t resist, was truly outstanding. The perfectly crispy exterior complemented the tender squid inside, and the seasoning was spot-on. Each bite was a burst of flavor, and we were delighted by the impeccable preparation. The beef chow fun was phenomonal. I like the fatter noodles and not the mdeium size.

What impressed me the most about Mandarin Kitchen was the overall quality of their dishes. In fact, I dare say that it rivals, if not surpasses, my usual Chinese restaurant. The attention to detail in both presentation and taste was remarkable, leaving no room for disappointment. It was evident that the chefs took great pride in their culinary creations.

Not only was the food exceptional, but the service was also top-notch. The staff members were attentive, friendly, and accommodating throughout our visit. They willingly provided recommendations and ensured that we had a delightful dining experience.

If you’re in Bloomington and craving authentic Chinese cuisine, I wholeheartedly recommend giving Mandarin Kitchen a try. From their delectable dishes to their attentive service, this restaurant truly exceeded my expectations. Whether you’re a fan of classics like salt and pepper squid or eager to explore new flavors, Mandarin Kitchen is a must-visit destination.

Prepare yourself for a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds singing with joy. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. I’m grateful to have stumbled upon this hidden gem, and I’m confident you’ll...

Update 10/26/23: Not as good! Something changed, different cook or recipe? We ordered sesame and orange chicken, and they both were just so-so. We are used to the supreme CRUNCH of the chicken dishes, but there was NO crunch this time for either dish. I think when we crave orange chicken we will just find panda express where we know we can count on the crunch. Im a creature of habit, I know what I want before I walk through the door. I do not like inconsistency. I no longer feel that this place will provide what I want.

Older review... This is our FAVORITE chinese restaurant in this area. EVERYTHING we have had is SUPERIOR to what we get from other places. We LOVE the "afternoon" (after 2pm) special because we WANT/NEED those leftovers to bring home!! The lunch buffett looks great/amazing but cant take any leftovers home that way, so we time ourselves for the after 2pm lunch. Our favorite foods are both egg drop and hot & sour soups (both soooo good!! Hard to choose!) Cashew chicken & Sesame chicken both with fried rice. They have both hot mustard & sweet n sour sauce right there on the table for you, which I super love! We dont live in this state, but when we visit this is the FIRST and LAST stop in town (and hopefully a few more...

The lunch buffet is always jammed packed everyday and if you arrive after 11:30am you will have to wait for tables to turn as this buffet is so popular. The buffet is priced at a reasonable and competitive price with the greatest selection of items compared to its competitors in Bloomington, Richfield, and Edina. And what I really like is that the staff does not mind if I call in advance to ask what the items of the day are on the buffet which is truly appreciated as some of their competitors get annoyed if you want to inquire on the buffet items for your favorites before making the trip or else just plain outright say call back after the buffet opens to find out what is on the buffet du jour. The staff is also courteous, friendly, and efficient, and remembers their regulars. The buffet has all the standards condiments to spice up your items as little or as much as you want - ground chili oil, Chinese mustard, soy sauce, sweet-sour etc, and with the buffet you can adjust the ratio of meat/veggies to your liking on the self-serve. Unlike other Chinese buffets this one also has soups, appetizers, and desserts and fruit with a full selection of steamed or fried rice and lo-mein noodles as well which...