I C.
Yelp
What are these naysayers of this place talking about anyway? I disagree. :)
As someone that is constantly searching high and low, wherever I go, for good value plays (especially in this brutal must-watch-every-penny economy!), THIS PLACE FITS THE BILL. And believe me, I have searched high and low in the Reston/Herndon/Dulles area for tasty, fresh, quality Chinese food for the money. And THIS PLACE IS THAT PLACE.
* Everything is freshly made to order and made quickly. Call in for pick up and stop in to pick up in 10-15 minutes - the amount of time you need to jump in your car and hop on over. The back kitchen always has sounds and aroma of a sizzling wok cranking out Chinese classics - THAT fresh.
* They don't skimp on portion size for the price here. I truly have not found a Chinese carry out that has better prices and value for the money.
* Fresh, fresh ingredients. Listen - their Moo Goo Gai Pan has quality chicken slices but beyond that, the veggies in the dish are all fresh, brightly colored and crunchy good. This last time I ordered, I noticed sliced pieces of ASPARAGUS in the dish! WOW - impressive! What a pleasant surprise to see!
* I observed a steady stream of customers and delivery drivers picking up orders. Again, not sure what the naysayers are talking about. Steady stream. Young, old and in between, all classes of people. (A side benefit of lots of customers is the constant turnover of meats and veggies - nothing sits around for too long, everything is fresh and you can tell by looking and tasting.)
* Located in the Hunters Woods Shopping Center, this place is conveniently located - very visible shopfront, loads of convenient lot parking right in front for quick and easy in-and-outs. There are a few tables and chairs inside for dine in but it's definitely more of a carry out place although I will stop in occasionally for their LUNCH SPECIALS and eat in right there.
* More about pricing and "good value" - they have the typical Lunch Specials we have come to know and love about Chinese joints - made-to-order hot and fresh cheap eats, large portion sizes and lots of classic dishes to choose from on the lunch menu. With their regular sized entrees, we can usually get a couple more good-sized leftover servings the next day (or two!). For dine-in, sodas and bottled water in their refrig case are $1 each. These guys know their customers and the need to price smartly to keep customers coming back. #respect
* These are some of our favorite dishes: Sweet and Sour Chicken, Moo Goo Gai Pan, Moo Shi Pork (or Chicken) with plum sauce and housemade wrappers - really, anything you order here is good.
Bottom line: Eating out has become a tough line of business to be in these days. Small mom and pops like this place are taking the biggest hit and are the most vulnerable. Hunan Cafe's longevity (I see reviews going back 10 years) speaks for itself. You can't stay around that long (not to mention through Covid!) and not offer quality food at reasonable prices.
Disregard all the naysayers - definitely check this place out, see if you agree with me. :)