Find My Perfect Chinese Restaurant Near Me

Experience Authentic and Affordable Chinese Cuisine at Hot Mustard in Charleston, SC
  1. Chinese Food
  2. Chinese Restaurant
  3. South Carolina
  4. Charleston County
  5. Charleston
  6. Chinese Restaurant in Meeting Street
  7. Hot Mustard

Hot Mustard

245 reviews

Hot Mustard Photos

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Hours

Monday, 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday, 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday, 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday, 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday, 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday, 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday, 12:00 AM - 10:00 PM

About Hot Mustard

Welcome to Hot Mustard, a Chinese restaurant located at 428 Meeting St in Charleston, South Carolina. As a local Chinese Restaurant, Hot Mustard has carved a niche for itself by offering what many appreciate as authentic and flavorful "dirty Chinese" food. This establishment caters to those who value unpretentious, classic Chinese comfort food at incredibly affordable prices. While some reviews might interpret the service style as direct or no-frills, regular patrons understand it as efficient and straightforward, ensuring you receive exactly what you order without unnecessary fuss.

The core of Hot Mustard's appeal lies in its commitment to delivering delicious and satisfying meals that are kind to your wallet. If you are seeking high-end dining with elaborate presentations or fusion cuisine, this is likely not the place for you. Instead, Hot Mustard focuses on providing comforting and flavorful renditions of classic Chinese dishes. Whether your craving leans towards a hearty plate of noodles, a savory stir-fried creation, or traditional Chinese appetizers, you can expect each bite to be packed with authentic taste. This is a spot where the emphasis is squarely on the quality and flavor of the food itself.

The ambiance at Hot Mustard is described as casual and laid-back, aligning perfectly with its focus on the food. Customers who have dined in report an environment where the priority is on enjoying a good meal without any pretense. The service style complements this atmosphere, characterized as efficient, direct, and perfectly suited to the overall experience. The couple who run Hot Mustard are noted for their hard work, managing both the cooking and order-taking with impressive efficiency, ensuring that customers get exactly what they pay for in a timely manner.

One of the standout features of Hot Mustard is its exceptional value. The combination of affordable prices and generous portions makes it a go-to for those looking for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. This is a place where you can indulge in your favorite Chinese comfort foods without worrying about high costs. The focus is on providing a great meal at a ridiculously reasonable price, making it a popular choice for locals and those working in the downtown Charleston area.

Another significant aspect of Hot Mustard is its efficient delivery service. One customer who works downtown placed an order in the late afternoon and received their food within 35 minutes. Remarkably, even after waiting over an hour to eat their meal, the food was still steaming hot. This testament to their preparation and delivery process highlights their commitment to providing fresh and hot food, whether you choose to dine in or have it delivered. This reliability makes Hot Mustard a dependable option for those wanting a hot meal delivered promptly.

The term "dirty Chinese" food, as mentioned in a review, is often used affectionately to describe a style of Chinese cuisine that is rich in flavor, often featuring generous use of sauces and seasonings, and typically found in no-frills, local establishments. It's about satisfying cravings with bold and comforting tastes, rather than focusing on presentation or elaborate ingredients. Hot Mustard seems to embody this style perfectly, delivering on flavor and satisfaction without the fuss of upscale dining.

While specific details about the restaurant's decor or seating arrangements are not provided, the emphasis on a casual and laid-back vibe suggests a comfortable and unpretentious setting. The focus is clearly on the food and the efficient service that gets it to the customers, whether they are dining in or taking it away.

Promotional information is not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews. To learn about any special offers, discounts, or new menu items at Hot Mustard, it is recommended to contact them directly at (843) 958-9699 or +1 843-958-9699. Given their reputation for affordability, it's likely that their everyday prices already represent great value for the quality and quantity of food offered.

In conclusion, Hot Mustard at 428 Meeting St in Charleston, SC, offers a unique and appreciated experience for those seeking authentic and affordable "dirty Chinese" food. With a focus on flavorful classic dishes, efficient and straightforward service, and remarkably reasonable prices, it has become a gem for locals who understand and appreciate its value. Whether you're craving noodles, stir-fries, or classic appetizers, and whether you choose to dine in or take advantage of their reliable delivery service, Hot Mustard promises a satisfying and genuine Chinese dining experience without any unnecessary frills. If you appreciate great food at a great price and value honest, efficient service, Hot Mustard is definitely worth a visit.

Customer Reviews

3.0
245 reviews
C
Cameron Wasilewsky
Jan 03, 2025

Hot Mustard in Charleston is an absolute gem of a Chinese restaurant, though it's clear from some reviews that not everyone understands what makes it special. Let me set the record straight: this is a five-star experience for those who know and appreciate authentic "dirty Chinese" food in all its glory. First, let's address the so-called "rude" service. This perception likely comes from Americans unfamiliar with the no-frills, direct style typical of many traditional Chinese establishments. Here, the couple running the show—cooking and taking orders—are incredibly efficient and helpful, ensuring you get exactly what you pay for. It's not rude; it's refreshingly honest and straightforward. And what you pay for is an incredibly affordable, flavorful meal. The dishes are exactly what you'd hope for: comforting, unpretentious, and absolutely delicious. Whether you're craving noodles, stir-fried dishes, or classic Chinese appetizers, every bite is packed full of authentic flavor. This is not the place for fine dining or fusion creations. It’s a place to indulge in classic Chinese comfort food done right. The ambiance? Exactly as you'd expect—a casual, laid-back vibe where the focus is solely on the food. We dined in and had an unforgettable time. The service was as expected: efficient, direct, and perfectly fitting for the environment. Hot Mustard is not for those seeking high-end or experimental cuisine. It's for people who love great food at a ridiculously reasonable price and can appreciate the charm of a hardworking, no-nonsense kitchen. If you approach it with the right expectations, you'll find it’s an incredible example of what a local Chinese restaurant should be. In short, Hot Mustard delivers exactly what it advertises: delicious, affordable Chinese food served with a side of unpretentious honesty. I couldn’t recommend it more for anyone craving authentic, no-frills Chinese dining. Just don’t come expecting luxury—come expecting a great meal and a genuine experience.

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Arianna Drayton
May 12, 2024

I work downtown I placed an order at 4:40, received my order at 5:15. I wasn’t able to go on my break until 6:15, my food still has steam coming off of it!! So good I recommend to anyone wanting hot food delivered!

K
Kevin Castro
Sep 11, 2023

Walking through the front door you will be met with quite a dirty establishment. I walked in to a bag of trash on the first table I saw. Dirty floors, walls, ceilings, tables. The menu board looks outdated and hard to navigate. The lady that took my order was cold and un-friendly, bordering on rude. Her hands and fingernails were visibly very dirty which was disconcerting given she was directly packaging food/steamed rice and in contact with outgoing orders. One good thing is the food came out in about 60 seconds, piping hot. How they managed to make chicken and broccoli that fast is beyond me; but good on them! The chicken was moist, but incredibly oily. It was salted correctly but as for flavor... lacking. No garlic, onion, and no extra flavor. Nothing at all to get excited about. It was sopping with oil. It also seemed to have been colored with a red hue. Obviously intentional, but unable to tell if it is just red food coloring or what. The sauce was really more oil than sauce. The ONLY flavor/ingredient detectable was soy sauce. I am not sure how others have said this is the best Chinese they've ever had. It saddens me to hear that. Save your money and keep hunting the Charleston area. I contemplated on leaving a review. The last thing I want to do is hurt a business. But I also didn't find any of these important descriptors that would've been helpful to my decision on coming here.

M
Miguel Carvajal
Jun 14, 2024

If you want to waste your money this is the right place! I ordered the “house fried rice” and I couldn’t even eat it. It went directly to the trash bin right away. I don’t know what type of meat they serve in that place.

c
charles bingham
Mar 05, 2025

Best Chinese takeout downtown. Been ordering for 20 years with quality staying excellent throughout.

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