Best Hunan — Restaurant in Columbia

Truly a disappointment. It’s always a hit or miss with Americanized Chinese food. And, while I usually give takeout places some wiggle room in these reviews, there’s no mistaking what happened on my order.

I ordered takeout around 7 one evening. This should mean two things: it is freshly made because it’s peak dinner rush, and that I should have to wait at least 20-30 minutes from placing an order. I waited at the location and picked it up as soon as it was ready, which wasn’t long. The food was so old and stale it was bordering on being inedible.

Although there was quick service, the fact that it was so quick should be a red flag to anyone that they’re giving you food that has been sitting around for quite a while.

I thought about giving two stars but, honestly, I live here, I want to see this place improve, and it was simply unacceptable for the price. The price wasn’t even typical of Chinese takeout. For the same price, I might as well have set $30 on fire, walked across the street, and ordered a sub from subway. That, easily, would have been a better experience for the money.

We legitimately threw the food out after trying to muscle down a few bites, eventually giving up on trying to justify the purchase.

I will give this place a second chance and update my review later. So, I encourage the...

A humble location inside of a winding strip mall of sorts, this place caught me off guard in the best way possible. A simple interior, a few dining tables and a basic takeout area. I am not here to review the atmosphere, which I think is also perfectly acceptable for a Chinese takeout spot, and people should reconsider insulting the interior in these reviews. Anyway, I say all this to say, the general tsos chicken (a dish you should probably use as your litmus test for an American Chinese spot) was some of the best I have had in YEARS. I frequently gulp this dish down, often times visiting a different spot. The chicken here was plump, juicy, perfectly crispy yet delicate, and the sauce was an amazing ratio of sweetness, umami, appropriate viscosity, and just enough spice to remind me what I'm eating. I am so thrilled that this is essentially in my back yard. I will be eagerly returning with hungry...

I ordered here for the first time yesterday. I placed an order over the phone. Before hanging up, I was asked if I was paying with a card or cash. I said I'd pay card in person.

When I arrived to pick up my food, cash was demanded. I told them I didn't have enough cash and would have to cancel the order then (keep in mind there is a sign right in front of me that says credit card minimum $10 and my order was over $50). I was again asked to pay in cash and again said I don't have enough cash to cover it. I was told to give all the cash I had, and then I could use my card for the rest. I only had $20 in cash, so the remaining $30+ went on my card (I left a tip as well).

When I got home with the food, there was no duck sauce, no hot suace, and no soy sauce. We ordered 3 entrees and 4 egg rolls. Also, no fortune cookies. The food wasn't that great either. I definitely won't...