Hunan Taste

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Family Legacy, Four Decades in the Making

The Hsiung family's relationship with Chinese cuisine stretches back to the 1970s, when they opened their first Sichuan restaurant in New York City's Chinatown. From there, the family expanded to Queens and Long Island, steadily deepening their craft before bringing their vision to northern New Jersey. In 1986, they opened Hunan Taste in Denville — inside a converted roller-skating rink, meticulously redesigned to evoke the architecture of an ancient Chinese pagoda. The building has since become a recognizable landmark in downtown Denville.

That combination of deep roots and distinctive setting has earned Hunan Taste a long list of recognition, including the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, Zagat Survey's "Best Chinese Food" designation, and placement on MSN.com's "Best Restaurant in Every State" list, among others.

Sichuan, Cantonese and Mandarin Under One Roof

The menu draws from three distinct regional traditions — Sichuan, Cantonese and Mandarin — unified by secret family recipes passed down through generations. The kitchen's philosophy is straightforward: fresh, high-quality ingredients, all-natural zero trans fat vegetable oil, and a careful balance of flavors in every dish. Even the dumpling sauce, the restaurant notes, contains over 20 ingredients. Gluten-free options are available, and the kitchen is well-practiced at accommodating vegetarians and other dietary needs.

For guests who want to go further, a separate carte features traditional Chinese dishes aimed at the more adventurous diner. The Denville location also offers an extensive wine list and full bar, and it was precisely this attention to beverage pairing that contributed to its Wine Spectator recognition.

Two Locations, Two Distinct Atmospheres

In 2016, the Hsiungs opened a second location in Upper Montclair, NJ. While the menu shares the same generational recipes, the atmosphere takes a different direction — an old-world European setting designed as a counterpoint to Denville's pagoda grandeur. Each space is intentional, crafted so that guests feel transported the moment they walk in.

Back in Denville, the restaurant remains a community anchor, known for its fine dining approach to Chinese cuisine, its ornate décor, and a warmth that comes from nearly four decades of the same family in the kitchen. Chinese New Year festivities are a particular highlight, with new dishes introduced each year as a celebration of culture and community.