Find My Perfect Chinese Restaurant Near Me

Discover Chef Hunan: An Affordable Local Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco
  1. Chinese Food
  2. Chinese Restaurant
  3. California
  4. San Francisco County
  5. San Francisco
  6. Excelsior
  7. Chinese Restaurant in Mission Street
  8. Chef Hunan

Chef Hunan

106 reviews

Chef Hunan Photos

Chef Hunan 1Chef Hunan 2Chef Hunan 3Chef Hunan 4Chef Hunan 5Chef Hunan 6Chef Hunan 7Chef Hunan 8Chef Hunan 9Chef Hunan 10

Hours

Monday, 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday, 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday, 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Thursday, 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Friday, 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Saturday, 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday, Closed

About Chef Hunan

Chef Hunan is a Chinese restaurant located at 4661 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112, USA. Situated within the Chinese Restaurant category, Chef Hunan offers a range of Chinese dishes and can be contacted at (415) 333-5588 or their mobile number +1 415-333-5588 for inquiries or orders. Based on the available customer reviews, Chef Hunan presents a somewhat contrasting experience depending on individual preferences and expectations.

One reviewer, identifying as a Chinese customer, expressed significant concerns regarding both the food and the service. This customer felt that the food style leaned towards an Americanized interpretation of Chinese cuisine, which they believed did not justify the price. Specifically, while they found the fried rice to be acceptable, they described the soup they ordered as extremely unpleasant and inedible. Furthermore, this reviewer reported feeling rushed by the staff to finish their meal, which they found perplexing. Overall, this customer suggested that Chef Hunan needs considerable improvements in both its culinary offerings and its service approach.

In contrast, another reviewer paints a different picture of Chef Hunan, describing it as a "mystery place" that appears "super old" but serves "really good affordable Chinese food," primarily frequented by locals. This reviewer highly recommends anything fried on the menu, stating that these dishes are exceptionally well-prepared. Their fried rice is also praised as being of top quality, with the reviewer noting the freshness of the ingredients and the indication that everything is freshly made.

This second reviewer offers insights into the dine-in experience, acknowledging that it might not be the most aesthetically pleasing. They mention that the interior and tables might appear rundown and almost dirty, though they clarify that they are, in fact, clean. Despite the basic ambiance, a notable positive aspect of dining in is the provision of a fresh pot of tea, even for solo diners. The reviewer also highlights the affordability of dining at Chef Hunan, stating that it is one of the few places in San Francisco where one can have lunch for under $15 with food that is genuinely appealing.

A particular highlight for this second reviewer is Chef Hunan's chili oil. They were unsure if it is made in-house or purchased, but they lauded its quality, describing it as not burnt, with a clear deep red color and a perfect balance of heat and flavor. This chili oil is explicitly recommended as a must-try.

Considering these two distinct perspectives, Chef Hunan appears to be a local establishment that excels in certain areas, particularly its fried dishes and fried rice, offered at an affordable price point. The dine-in environment is described as basic but clean, with the added touch of complimentary tea. However, there might be inconsistencies in the quality and authenticity of other dishes, such as the soup, and the service experience can also vary, with at least one customer reporting feeling rushed.

For local users in San Francisco, especially those residing in the Mission District, Chef Hunan presents an option for affordable Chinese food, with a potential strength in its fried offerings. If you appreciate well-made fried rice and other fried dishes and are less concerned about an upscale dining ambiance, Chef Hunan might be worth a visit. The positive remarks about the fresh ingredients and the quality of the fried items suggest a focus on these particular aspects of their menu. The value proposition of being able to dine in for lunch under $15 is also a significant advantage in the often-expensive San Francisco dining scene.

However, it is also important to be aware of the potential downsides mentioned in the reviews, such as the perceived Americanized style of some dishes and the possibility of inconsistent service. If you are seeking highly authentic Hunan cuisine or a refined dining experience, Chef Hunan might not fully meet those expectations. Nevertheless, for those prioritizing budget-friendly and satisfying fried Chinese food in a local setting, Chef Hunan could be a hidden gem, as suggested by the reviewer who noted its popularity among locals. Trying their recommended fried dishes and chili oil might offer a positive culinary experience.

Chef Hunan Location

4661 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112, USA

Customer Reviews

4.0
106 reviews
R
Ryan R
Aug 02, 2024

As a Chinese customer, I sincerely suggest to the owner that this restaurant needs significant improvements in both its food and service. The style of the food is quite American, which does not match its price. I ordered a fried rice and a soup. The fried rice was acceptable, but the soup was extremely unpleasant. I didn’t even finish it. When I was about to take a break and check my phone, the staff unexpectedly urged me to eat quickly. I really don’t understand this behavior. In short, I hope this restaurant can make changes and improve their food and service.

H
Hanim Lim
Feb 17, 2024

This is a mystery place that looks super old with really good affordable Chinese food but no one except locals seem to go to. Anything fried, they do exceptionally really really well. Their fried rice is top quality and their ingredients are fresh. You can tell everything is freshly made. Ok so the dine in experience isn't the best. Their rundown indoor and table almost look like it could be dirty but they are not. You get a fresh pot of tea even if you dine alone and not many places in SF you can dine in for lunch under $15 that actually has food you want to eat. Oh forgot to mention their chili oil. Don't know it's in house or bought but it's so good. Not brunt and clear deep red with just the right amount of heat and flavor. Recommend.

J
Jeff Ho
Jun 24, 2024

Very good basic Chinese restaurant. They were almost full at 6pm on a Monday evening. Props to the single waiter that handled the dine-in, to-go and phone orders all by himself. I started with a wonton soup $7.80. The broth was not a fancy broth. The chef ruined it with broccoli in the soup adding this vegetable taste to it. My house special crispy noodles $11 was fine. I noticed a lady adjacent to me ordered the same dish and her's was a lot bigger than mine. O well. Good job staff at Chef Hunan. My dinner was fine tonight.

D
DaeJohn Davison
Dec 02, 2024

Very uncomfortable, unprofessional, I got sick The very next day. And they Couldn't get my order right both times. It's not fair to be Welcomed To One Of my Favorite Cultural dishes Asian cuisine and it's not what I imagined it to be. Honestly I would Go to Cambodian street food In Oakland,ca. It's a drive but Worth it... Happy New Years

T
The K Green Show
Oct 06, 2022

As someone else said earlier.. very basic Chinese restaurant in San Francisco. Ordered two meals.. one was a hit and one was a miss. Orange chicken was good and had good flavor and the sweet and sour chicken had no taste at all. Meal size was very large, staff was nice, price was reasonable for the area. Restaurant overall has seen its heyday a few years ago.

MORE