Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more! China Hunan: A Rising Star in Ranelagh's Dining Scene
Nestled in the heart of Ranelagh, Dublin 6, China Hunan is a newcomer that's already making waves. With its grand opening just four weeks ago, this restaurant has a story that's as intriguing as its cuisine.
The Year of the Fire Horse
In Chinese culture, timing is everything, and China Hunan's opening aligns perfectly with the lunar calendar's reset, marking the Year of the Horse, specifically the Fire Horse. This year, associated with speed, stamina, and enterprise, carries an extra spark with the element of fire, symbolizing heat, brightness, and momentum.
A Culinary Legacy
China Hunan is the brainchild of the same team behind renowned establishments like China Song in Monkstown, Hakkahan in Stoneybatter, and Little Dumpling and Nan Chinese Restaurant on Stephen Street. With such an impressive pedigree, it's no surprise that the menu mirrors the best of China Song's offerings, featuring Hunan, Sichuan, and Cantonese specialties, including an abundance of offal and, of course, the signature Peking duck.
A Contemporary Twist on Tradition
Stepping into China Hunan, you'll notice a stark contrast to the rich reds of Monkstown. The interior design is a study in restrained elegance, with a palette of black, grey, white, and deep green. Dark patterned tiles, marble-topped counters, and traditional landscape screens create a polished and inviting atmosphere. As families celebrate the New Year with steaming dumplings and whole sea bass, you'll feel like you've stepped into a modern interpretation of a classic Chinese dining experience.
Dumplings: A Symbol of Wealth and Prosperity
As we approach the Chinese New Year, dumplings take center stage as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. We indulged in the classic Cantonese wonton soup, a delicate broth filled with thin wrappers enclosing sweet pork and prawn fillings. The crisp bok choi added a delightful contrast, making this dish a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Crispy Squid: A Delicate Delight
The crispy squid, prepared in the typhoon shelter style, was a revelation. Lightly dusted and fried to perfection, the crumb was fine and sandy, creating a soft crack upon biting. The garlic and dried chili added a subtle fragrance without overwhelming the delicate squid, which was tender and sweet at its core. This dish is a testament to the chef's skill and attention to detail.
The Star Attraction: Peking Duck
The Peking duck at China Hunan is an experience in itself. Air-dried for two days and then blasted with fierce heat, the duck is carved tableside, revealing bronzed, gleaming skin stretched tight. The skin, dipped in sugar, shatters cleanly, melting warm fat and capturing a brief sweetness. The breast and leg meat are sliced into even pieces, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. But the real showstopper is the remaining duck, chopped through the bone and wok-fried until the edges are crisp and caramelized, adding a muscular flavor to the dish.
A Sweet Finale
For dessert, we indulged in a Cantonese charcoal lava bun, a steamed dough filled with a golden yolk custard, paired perfectly with coconut sorbet. This sweet treat is a wonderful way to end a meal, leaving you with a lasting impression of China Hunan's culinary prowess.
China Hunan has set a high bar for itself, matching its Monkstown sibling dish for dish. The Peking duck, in particular, is a standout, feeling just as special as its predecessor. The contemporary room design and impeccable cooking standards make it easy to predict that this restaurant will become a Ranelagh favorite. With a smaller hot pot restaurant opening next door, the future looks bright for this stretch of Sandford Road.
Dinner for two, including a bottle of wine, came to €150.50. A brilliant addition to Ranelagh's dining scene, China Hunan is a must-visit for anyone seeking an exceptional Chinese dining experience.
But here's where it gets controversial... With such high praise, do you think China Hunan can live up to the hype? And this is the part most people miss... The attention to detail and respect for tradition make China Hunan a true gem. What are your thoughts on this rising star? Share your agreement or disagreement in the comments!
