Hunan Cafe

- 137-40 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354

When New Yorkers are searching for an authentic, powerful, and palate-awakening dining experience, the diverse culinary landscape of Flushing, Queens, often holds the answer. Among the myriad of exceptional establishments, Hunan Cafe stands out as a premier destination for genuine Chinese regional cuisine, specializing in the fiery and complex flavors of Hunan. This restaurant, located right on Northern Boulevard, is a must-visit for anyone eager to explore the bold spices, fresh ingredients, and distinctive cooking styles that define Hunanese, or Xiang, food.

Hunan cuisine is one of the Eight Great Cuisines of China, renowned for its dry heat, deep flavors, and skillful use of chili peppers, shallots, and garlic, often complemented by smoky and savory preserved meats. Hunan Cafe brings this celebrated tradition right to the heart of New York City, offering a culinary journey that goes far beyond the typical Chinese-American menu. Whether you are a dedicated enthusiast of Chinese food or a local resident looking to try something new and exciting, Hunan Cafe promises a memorable meal built on authenticity and flavor.

The restaurant's focus is squarely on delivering traditional recipes with uncompromising quality. While many associate spicy Chinese food with the numbing qualities of Sichuan cuisine, Hunan cooking offers a different kind of heat—a direct, robust, and aromatic spice profile. This distinction, coupled with an extensive menu featuring everything from fresh seafood to comforting braised pork, cements Hunan Cafe’s reputation as a cornerstone of authentic Asian dining in Queens.

Location and Accessibility

Hunan Cafe is conveniently situated at a highly accessible location in the bustling neighborhood of Flushing, Queens, a major hub for authentic East Asian culture and cuisine in New York City. The address is:

137-40 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354, USA

Being located on Northern Boulevard places the restaurant on a main thoroughfare, making it relatively easy to reach by car, though street parking can be typical for the area. For those using public transportation, Flushing is well-served by the MTA. The restaurant is a short distance from major transit points, connecting it seamlessly to the rest of the Queens and the greater New York metropolitan area. Furthermore, the establishment ensures a welcoming experience for all patrons with a wheelchair accessible entrance, reflecting its commitment to community accessibility. This central Queens location makes it an ideal spot for locals and visitors alike to gather for lunch, dinner, or a quick bite.

Services Offered

Hunan Cafe provides a flexible and accommodating dining experience for the fast-paced life of New York residents, with multiple ways to enjoy their authentic cuisine.

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy a meal in a casual and cozy atmosphere. The dining space has been noted for having a modern, good atmosphere, and is often described as spacious, welcoming both small groups and larger family gatherings. Table service is provided during lunch and dinner hours.
• Takeout: For customers in a rush or those who prefer to eat at home or work, the full menu is available for easy pickup.
• Delivery: Bringing the bold flavors of Hunan cuisine right to your doorstep, making it a convenient option for residents across the local service area.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which is particularly helpful for groups or during peak dining times like dinner and weekend outings.
• Alcohol Service: The menu includes an offering of alcohol, beer, hard liquor, and wine, providing a range of choices to complement the spicy and savory dishes.
• Catering and Group Dining: The venue is noted for being good for groups, making it suitable for larger gatherings and special events. They also feature private rooms, an ideal amenity for family celebrations or private parties.

Features / Highlights

Hunan Cafe's appeal lies in a combination of its authentic regional menu, a focus on traditional preparation methods, and its overall welcoming dining environment in a highly competitive market like Flushing.

• Authentic Hunan Cuisine Specialization: The core feature is its specialization in Hunan-style fare, known for its deep, aromatic, and dry heat. It offers a distinct alternative to Sichuan cuisine, emphasizing chili, garlic, and preserved meats.
• Signature Spicy and Flavorful Dishes: The menu boasts a rich selection of Hunan Specials. Highlights include the extravagant Gold Double Flavored Fish Head ($68.95), the rich, savory, and less spicy Chairman Mao's Red Braised Pork, and the intensely flavored Stir-Fried Eel Yellow Throat With Pickled Pepper ($38.95). Other notable spicy options are Spicy Hopping Frog ($38.95) and Beef With Crisp Pepper ($26.95).
• Extensive Menu Diversity: Beyond the intense heat, the menu is extensive and caters to various tastes, featuring comforting casseroles, a wide selection of fresh fish and seafood dishes, and numerous staple options like different styles of fried rice and rice noodles, such as Pig Trotter Rice Noodles ($12.95) and Yangzhou Fried Rice ($15.95).
• Casual and Cozy Atmosphere: Patrons describe the atmosphere as both casual and cozy, making it suitable for a relaxed lunch, a family dinner, or solo dining. The environment is notably spacious and comfortable, which is a significant amenity in the New York City dining scene.
• Accommodation for Diverse Dining Needs: The restaurant is popular for lunch, dinner, and is considered suitable for children, with amenities like high chairs available. Its accessibility and inviting environment make it an excellent choice for family-friendly outings.
• Dessert Options: The menu offers traditional Chinese desserts that provide a sweet balance to the spicy main courses, including Brown Sugar Glutinous Rice Cake ($7.95) and Sweet-Scented Osmanthus Rice Dumplings ($15.95).
• Speedy Service: Customer reviews frequently highlight the fast service, ensuring a quick and efficient dining experience, particularly valuable for a lunch break or pre-event meal.

Contact Information

For New York residents planning a visit, takeout, or delivery, you can easily reach Hunan Cafe using the following information:

Address: 137-40 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354, USA

Phone: (718) 353-1808

It is always recommended to call ahead for reservations, especially when planning a visit with a large group or during busy weekend hours, to ensure the best table service experience.

What is worth choosing

For a New Yorker seeking an authentic and robust culinary adventure, Hunan Cafe in Flushing is an exceptional choice. The commitment to authentic Hunanese preparation—known for its fresh river fish, preserved meats, and complex spice profiles—makes it a standout Asian restaurant in a city filled with diverse Chinese dining options.

You should choose Hunan Cafe if you are looking for dishes with a powerful, aromatic heat that differs from the numbing Szechuan peppercorn experience. The restaurant's signature offerings are a testament to this, such as the grand Gold Double Flavored Fish Head, a communal dish perfect for groups, which is a true regional delicacy and a visual spectacle. The Chairman Mao's Red Braised Pork is another must-try, a famous, rich, and savory preparation of pork belly that is flavorful and less focused on spice. Customers have also praised the flavorful pork over eggs and the free-range chicken dish for their authentic, home-style taste.

Moreover, the restaurant provides excellent comfort food options, including a range of appetizers and stir-fries like the Minced Pork & Bean Curd Sheets W. Hot Sour Sauce or the adventurous Stir-Fried Three Tender (Pork Liver, Pork Loin, Yellow Throat). With plentiful options for lunch and dinner, from quick bites to small plates and full-service seating, this spot is ideal for both the dedicated foodie and the casual diner. The spacious and newly renovated interior, noted for its modern touch, provides a pleasant setting for family-friendly dining or a night out with friends. When in Queens, for an authentic taste of Hunan, with all its bold flavors and aromatic spice, Hunan Cafe is an unmissable culinary destination.

The diverse menu also offers plenty of options for those who enjoy seafood, such as the various fish preparations like Soft Tofu Fish and dishes featuring eel and clams. The variety of noodles, rices, and unique dry pot types, including the Dry Pot Fat Intestines and stews, ensures that every visit can bring a new discovery. For a truly authentic regional Chinese meal in New York that is both cozy and professional, Hunan Cafe is highly recommended.

Hunan Cafe

137-40 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354, USA