Hunan Taste Restaurant Review:
A must try spot in Denville, NJ

Hunan Taste
67 Bloomfield Ave., Denville, NJ

Hunan Taste is an iconic Chinese restaurant located in a striking pagoda-style building. Established in 1986 by the Hsiung family, the restaurant combines ornate, traditional Chinese décor with a menu that spans familiar favorites and more adventurous regional specialties, making it a destination for both casual diners and special occasions.

Cuisine

Fare: Chinese cuisine with a rich blend of Cantonese, Szechuan, Shanghai, and Hong Kong influences

Price: Expensive

The kitchen is led by experienced chefs bringing skills directly from China, with the Hsiung family maintaining a consistent culinary vision for nearly four decades .

Culinary Style:

Hunan Taste specializes in authentic Hunan, Szechuan, Cantonese, and Mandarin cuisines. The menu balances Chinese-American classics with genuine regional specialties, and there's even a Chinese-language menu for those seeking more traditional preparations .

Menu Highlights:

Peking Duck: Carved tableside with precision, served with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce
Hunan Duck: A spicier alternative featuring generous portions of duck with mixed vegetables
Grand Marnier Shrimp/Chicken: Crispy protein sautéed with fresh fruit, cashew nuts, and a sweet golden Grand Marnier sauce
Soup Dumplings: Delicate wrappers with hot, flavorful filling
Sesame Chicken: Tender white meat with a well-balanced sweet sauce—a crowd-pleaser
Pu Pu Platter: Arrives on a flaming hibachi grill with shrimp toast, egg rolls, ribs, beef skewers, and dumplings
Scallion Pancakes and String Beans: Frequently mentioned as new favorites

Ambiance

Décor:

The building itself is a Denville landmark—a pagoda-inspired structure with curved, layered rooflines, ornate trim, and vibrant colors that stand out on Bloomfield Avenue. Inside you'll find carved details, rich colors, and artwork that creates an old-school sense of occasion .

Vibe:

Classy yet welcoming. The restaurant has a relaxed, cozy atmosphere enhanced by softly glowing fish tanks built into the walls and a live goldfish pond outside .

Striking Features:

The fish tanks are a signature element—both large aquariums near the bar and smaller ones between dining rooms. Kids especially love watching the fish while waiting for food.

Table Spacing:

Tables are spaced for private conversations, and the restaurant features a split dining room layout—one side for families with kids, another for quieter dining.

Noise Level:

Moderate to average—lively when busy but not overwhelming .

Outdoor Dining:

Available

Service

Staffing:

Approximately 30 employees, with an unusually high staff-to-table ratio that results in attentive service.

Service is fast, efficient, and professional, though diners can be slightly rushed during peak time. Servers are nearby without being intrusive.
Hot towels are brought out before dessert—a nice old-school touch

Other Factors

Alcohol/Bar Service:

Full bar with beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. The Polynesian cocktail menu is a standout, featuring Mai Tais, Singapore Slings, Planter's Punch, Zombies, and the communal Scorpion Bowl. There's also a sake selection and craft cocktails using Tito's vodka and St. Germain.

Child-Friendly?:

Yes—high chairs available, kids love the fish tanks, and the split dining room helps families enjoy their meal without disturbing other guests.

Best For:

Special occasion dinners
Family gatherings
Date nights (request a table near the aquariums)
Groups seeking a memorable dining experience
Those who appreciate old-school Chinese-American restaurant charm

Not Ideal For:

Diners seeking a quick, inexpensive takeout-style meal
Those wanting strictly authentic regional Chinese without any Americanized options
Budget-conscious diners—prices lean toward the higher side for the area

Parking:

Free parking lot behind the building (two levels) plus free street parking. This is a notable advantage in Denville, where parking can be challenging.

What Sets Them Apart From Competition

Three factors distinguish Hunan Taste from other Chinese restaurants in Morris County:

The Building Itself: The pagoda-style structure is a recognized historic landmark in Denville—you simply don't find architecture like this at typical Chinese restaurants . It was converted from a roller skating rink in 1986, and the transformation is complete.
Four Decades of Family Ownership: The Hsiung family has operated the restaurant since 1986, with roots in New York's Chinatown restaurant scene dating back to the 1970s . This continuity explains the confident, steady cooking that regulars have relied on for generations.
Full Bar with Serious Cocktails: Most Chinese restaurants in the area don't serve alcohol at all. Hunan Taste has a complete bar program with Polynesian cocktails, sake, and wine—making it a genuine night-out destination rather than just a dinner stop.

Managing Expectations: A Balanced Look at Your Visit

To really enjoy Hunan Taste, it helps to align your expectations with what the restaurant is designed to be.

Best mindset to bring:

Hunan Taste is not a hidden gem—it's a well-known institution In Morris County. That popularity means expectations should be calibrated accordingly.

The Upside: You're getting a dining experience, not just a meal. The ornate décor, fish tanks, attentive service, and tableside duck carving create a sense of occasion that justifies the higher prices for many diners. The Peking Duck and Grand Marnier dishes are genuinely special and worth the visit.
The Reality Check: This is not the place for strictly authentic Hunan cuisine in the traditional sense. The menu leans toward Chinese-American favorites, and those seeking truly regional preparations might find it lacking compared to restaurants closer to New York City.
Service Variability: During busy times, diners can feel rushed or experiencing slow drink refills during busy periods. The restaurant gets crowded on weekends, and the efficient service style can feel brisk to some.
Value: Portions are generous, but prices are on the higher side for the area. Lunch specials offer a more accessible entry point.
Bottom Line: Come for the atmosphere, the Peking Duck, and a cocktail from the tiki-inspired menu. Go in expecting a beloved local institution rather than a cutting-edge culinary destination, and you'll likely leave understanding why Denville has kept coming back since 1986.

Updated: October, 2026