- Attraction: Hunan Taste Chinese Restaurant
- Location: 67 Bloomfield Ave, Denville, NJ 07834
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.hunantaste.com/denville
Since 1986, the Hsiung family has been transforming ordinary dinners into theatrical experiences at this red palace adorned with carved dragons.
Walking through those ornate wooden doors feels like crossing into a completely different world—one where goldfish swim through walls, lanterns cast a warm glow across jade-toned dining rooms, and tropical cocktails arrive with tiny umbrellas that somehow don’t feel out of place.
This establishment has earned its reputation as one of Northern New Jersey’s most distinctive Chinese restaurants, racking up awards like “Best Chinese Food” nine years running and consistently high Zagat ratings.
This isn’t your typical strip mall takeout joint. The building itself commands attention from Route 46, and the interior delivers on that promise with an atmosphere that blends old-school Polynesian tiki vibes with traditional Chinese elegance.
Whether celebrating a special occasion or just craving authentic Hunan cuisine served with serious flair, this Denville destination offers an experience that goes well beyond filling your stomach.
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Keep Exploring →Menu Highlights
The Peking Duck: This signature dish gets carved tableside with skilled precision, and you’ll wrap tender slices of meat and crispy skin in delicate pancakes with scallions and hoisin sauce.
It’s a showstopper that deserves advance planning—consider calling ahead for the freshest preparation. The Hunan Duck offers a spicier alternative, featuring generous portions of duck with mixed vegetables in a bold sauce.
Grand Marnier Dishes: Both the chicken and shrimp versions shine here, featuring crispy protein sautéed with fresh fruit, cashew nuts, and a sweet golden Grand Marnier sauce that balances richness with brightness.
The combination of textures and flavors creates something memorable that stands apart from standard Chinese-American fare.
Pu Pu Platter: Perfect for sharing and sampling, this appetizer spread arrives on a hibachi grill with flames dancing underneath. You’ll get shrimp toast that’s actually crispy and flavorful, plus egg rolls, BBQ spare ribs, beef skewers, dumplings, and more—all the classics done right without the greasiness that plagues lesser versions.
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Discover MoreSeafood Specialties: The menu offers impressive surf-and-turf combinations, like lobster and shrimp in white sauce paired with filet mignon in brown sauce.
Crispy walnut shrimp comes sautéed in a tangy red sauce, while the seafood combo delivers lobster meat, jumbo shrimp, and scallops with fresh vegetables in your choice of preparation styles.
Triple Crown & Triple Feast: These platters let you sample three proteins at once—typically chicken, pork, and beef—with assorted vegetables in savory sauces. They’re generous enough to share and give you a solid overview of the kitchen’s capabilities across different meats.
Dumplings: The soup dumplings arrive hot with delicate wrappers, while the spicy chicken dumplings pack genuine heat. Pan-fried versions offer a satisfying crispy bottom, and you can even order dumplings in hot oil for an extra kick.
Sesame Chicken: This crowd-pleaser features tender white meat chicken with just the right amount of sweetness in the sauce. It’s familiar comfort food executed well, making it a safe bet for less adventurous eaters in your group.
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Keep Exploring →Authentic Options: Beyond the Americanized favorites, the menu includes genuine regional specialties from Hunan, Szechuan, and Mandarin cuisines. There’s even a Chinese-language menu for those seeking more traditional preparations that showcase the chefs’ full range.
Tropical Drinks & Bar
Polynesian Cocktails: The drink menu reads like a vacation itinerary, featuring classics like Mai Tais, Singapore Slings, Planter’s Punch, and Zombies. The Scorpion Bowl arrives as a communal drink meant for sharing. Expect real rum selections ranging from white to dark to overproof 151, mixed with tropical fruit juices.
Signature Mixes: House favorites include rum and mango combinations, along with specialty creations using Tito’s vodka, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, pineapple juice, and fresh-squeezed lime. These aren’t throwaway drinks—they’re crafted to complement the meal.
Sake Selection: For those who prefer Japanese options with Chinese food, you’ll find several sake choices with tasting notes ranging from floral and powerful to dry and full-bodied.
Full Bar: Beyond the tropical theme, the restaurant maintains a complete bar with beer and wine options to suit various preferences.
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Discover MoreAtmosphere & Décor
Visual Drama: The interior genuinely impresses with its commitment to creating an immersive environment. Saltwater fish tanks are built directly into walls throughout both dining rooms, filled with colorful, exotic fish that provide living artwork.
A koi pond greets visitors outside, while carved wooden accents, ornate gold ceilings, and red lanterns create layers of visual interest everywhere you look.
Stepping Into Another World: The design doesn’t hold back—it embraces maximalism with flair and extravagance that either enchants you or overwhelms you, but certainly never bores you. Wood carvings, intricate details, and thoughtful touches appear around every corner.
Family-Friendly Sections: The restaurant features different dining areas, including spaces where children can watch the fish tanks while eating. The layout works well for both intimate date nights and large family gatherings.
Spacious Layout: With two levels and ample seating capacity, the restaurant handles crowds without feeling cramped. The dining rooms fill up during peak times, especially on weekends, but the design prevents that claustrophobic feeling you sometimes get in popular spots.
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Keep Exploring →Formal Presentation: White tablecloths, uniformed servers, and elegant plating elevate the experience beyond casual dining. Hot towels arrive after your meal—a thoughtful touch that adds to the upscale feel.
Other Considerations
Pricing: Expect to spend around $25-35 per entree, with appetizers ranging from $5-15 and specialty dishes climbing higher. For dinner with drinks, couples should budget roughly $80-120 before tip.
The pricing sits well above typical takeout joints but compares reasonably to other upscale Chinese restaurants. Portions tend to be generous—you’ll likely leave with leftovers.
Value Assessment: While not cheap, the combination of quality ingredients, theatrical presentation, and memorable atmosphere justifies the cost for special occasions.
If you’re just looking for quick, affordable Chinese food, there are better options. But if you want an experience alongside excellent cuisine, the pricing becomes more reasonable.
Parking: The restaurant features its own two-level parking lot, which is a genuine luxury in a downtown area where street parking can be frustrating. You won’t need to circle blocks or feed meters.
Reservations: Strongly recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings when both dining rooms fill up. You can call ahead or book through their website. The restaurant stays busy even on weekday nights, which speaks to its popularity.
Takeout & Delivery: Available for those who want the food without the full dining experience. The quality travels reasonably well, though you’ll miss the showmanship and atmosphere. Note that during peak times, they may stop accepting takeout orders when capacity is reached.
Pacing: Service tends to be efficient and moves at a steady clip. During busy periods, the pace quickens as tables turn over. If you prefer lingering over your meal, visiting during off-peak hours gives you more breathing room between courses.
Best Times to Visit: Tuesday through Thursday evenings offer a more relaxed pace. Weekend dinners require more patience but deliver the full bustling atmosphere. Lunch service provides a quieter alternative.
Dress Code: Business casual works well here. While you can show up in casual clothes, the elegant setting invites guests to dress up a bit. It’s that rare Chinese restaurant where people actually dress for dinner.
Dietary Accommodations: Vegetarian and vegan options appear on the menu. Gluten-free requests can be accommodated with advance notice—calling ahead to discuss specific needs works better than making assumptions at your table.
Hot Towels: After finishing your meal, warm towels arrive on a serving tray—a small luxury that rounds out the experience nicely and makes you feel genuinely pampered.
Hunan Taste Chinese Restaurant
📍 67 Bloomfield Ave, Denville, NJ 07834
