What became a fast-favorite in Queens has now arrived on the North Shore, offering a fresh take on Chinese cuisine with dishes designed for sharing.
Hunan Tapas opened its doors at 69 Middle Neck Road in Great Neck on July 30. The concept comes from owner Chi Zhang, who first launched at 4107 Crescent St. in Long Island City under the name Prof Chan’s earlier this year.
“We thought of a better name to represent our brand,” Zhang said, noting the Queens location rebranded in May.
The name draws from Chinese Hunan cuisine and the Spanish word for small plates.
“We use a lot of stir fry, and similar to tapas, we create multiple dishes to share with family, or eat alone,” he said.
The first location opened in February, rebranded in May, and has been selling out daily ever since. Around that time, Zhang began scouting Long Island communities that would embrace Hunan cuisine. Great Neck, he said, checked all the boxes.
“I did research on the area and most of the businesses are banks, doctors’ offices and people only get 30- or 45-minute breaks,” he said.
The new spot offers a sit-down area, but also caters to the lunch-hour rush with kiosks for quick ordering and grab-and-go meals.
Zhang was also drawn to Great Neck’s diversity.
“I want to introduce my food to non-Asian communities,” he said.
Hunan cuisine, he explained, stands apart from other Chinese-American styles. Instead of the numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns, Hunan flavors are known for their direct, fragrant and aromatic spice — featuring fresh chili peppers, aged pickles and the punch of stir-fried intensity.
“I wanted to bring, and introduce, some heat and spiciness to traditional Chinese food,” Zhang said.
Favorites on the menu include Professor’s Stir-Fried Pork, Hunan Style Sauteed Beef, General Tso’s Chicken, Fried Egg with Chili, and Spicy Pepper Century Egg — creamy preserved eggs crushed with mashed green pepper, garlic and burrata cheese, a cold appetizer rooted in Hunan tradition.
Just over a week in, the Great Neck restaurant is already making its mark.
“I’m excited to introduce Hunan spiciness to people,” Zhang said, “and have them experience authentic flavor.”
Follow along
— photos from Hunan Tapas
