The Hummingbird's Kitchen — Restaurant in Bozeman

This is a gem of Bozeman and I am so happy that I was able to get a spot at the popup dinner. My advice is plan ahead and reach out to secure a spot for a popup dinner.

Chef Linda makes the best Chinese food in Bozeman but she can also hold her own against the other Chinese restaurants in other bigger cities. Bozeman is lucky to have her.

The menu was Shanghainese and I was familiar with all the dishes on the menu. She didn’t disappoint at all. It was a 10 course meal and you will leave with a happy full tummy.

The meal started out with a sliced tofu and arugula “salad”. Seasoning was simple but just hit right. The sesame oil added depth and then you get hit with some peppery notes. The tofu gave some texture to the flavor party.

My other favorites of the meal were the scallion ginger chicken, red cooked pork belly and the pan fried pork buns.

The scallion ginger chicken was tender and juicy with all the pops of herby freshness from the sauce. I could have eaten the whole plate but it was family style so… The pan fried pork buns were juicy and the skin leaned thicker. Even with the thicker skin on the bun, it was still fluffy and had a nice crisp to them. The pork filling had all kinds of layers of flavor from the ginger, scallion and soy sauce.

Now the red cooked pork belly is one of my favorite things. It’s a reminder of home and childhood. This one was a tad sweeter than I am use to but still so scrumptious. I had to control myself to not eat the whole bowl. The cubes porky goodness was an art. Each piece had layers of fat and meat. The meat itself was tender and the fat just melted in your mouth. It coated every orifice of your mouth with hints of sweet savory piggy juices. I am drooling just at the thought of it. The dish is like a hug from grandma that smothers you with kisses as well.

It was an excellent meal that was balanced and you could taste all the love she put into each dish. To say I was satisfied is an understatement, I left elated. It was a trip to the happy memories of childhood. Thank you, Chef...

I want to share a little story about Linda and hummingbird kitchen.

It was a busy working day with Linda—one of those days where time seems to slip through your fingers. As noon approached, she turned to me with her usual calm and asked, “Do you want a quick lunch? I’ll make something simple.”

Moments later, the kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma of something familiar and nourishing. She had made Szechwan Fish with Pickled Mustard Greens (酸菜鱼)—a dish so light, tangy, and refreshing, I found myself savoring every bite, all the way down to the last spoonful of soup.

Linda often reminds me, “Food is medicine—for your body and your soul.” And in that quiet, heartfelt meal, I truly felt the truth of her words. It brought back memories of my childhood. No matter how busy my mother was, she would always go to the fresh market after work to pick out the best meats and vegetables. She never relied on frozen food—only fresh ingredients, prepared with care and love.

I realize now just how lucky I was. My mother’s home cooking wasn’t just nourishment; it was an act of devotion, a quiet rhythm of love. And whenever I visit Bozeman, Linda brings a piece of that love back into my life. She always cooks with the freshest ingredients, pouring her heart into each dish—not just for me, but for the whole community.

I’m so grateful for her, and for the reminder that food is more than sustenance. It connects us to memories, to people, and to the simple rituals that make life rich...

The best intimate dinner experience in Bozeman takes place at Chef Linda's Hummingbird's Kitchen. You will be transported to different areas of China one bite at a time. The sign up list can seem daunting but be patient and trust me it's worth it to experience the fun of these dinners. Bozeman is sorely lacking for diversity when it comes to Chinese Food and if you have a special occasion or want to treat yourself this is my suggestion. Linda's warmth, kindness and unbridled joy come through in every bite of her delicious food. You do not want to keep missing her...