Change can be interpreted in many different ways. Sometimes it’s the best thing to ever happen to a person, but sometimes it leads to utter destruction. In a town that has not changed much in the past 50 years, change is certainly a risk. Hunan Kitchen is the newest addition to the limited cuisine in Darien, CT. I took the risk and tried the new hole in the wall, so that you don’t have to.

I am someone who grew up ordering takeout constantly. One of my favorites: Tengda Asian Kitchen. The perfect balance between comfort food and a nice meal out with the family, it was a favorite of many Darien citizens. This past summer, the quaint restaurant announced that it would be shutting its doors forever. Although I, along with many others in Darien, was deeply saddened by the news, the rumor of new Asian cuisine coming to town was intriguing. Hunan Kitchen opened it’s doors this fall.

I will not lie – I was skeptical at first. My beloved sesame chicken from Tengda was not something that I was easily able to let go of. Despite my prior preferences, I ordered takeout from Hunan Kitchen with an open mind. Sesame chicken and steamed pork dumplings. My first impression was the neatness of the packaging. My order was tucked nicely in a bag that was not too big, but the appropriate size to accommodate dinner for one to be consumed in front of my TV where I had been procrastinating for the last few hours. They also threw in some fortune cookies, major bonus points. The sesame chicken blew me away. It was a perfect mix of crunchy and sweet. I also enjoyed the rice that came with it, which tasted like it came right off the stove. The dumplings were soft and flavor packed; a perfect conclusion to the cold day.

After digesting my food, I came to the conclusion that if you are looking for some good comfort food, Hunan Kitchen is the place for you. This experience has even motivated me to change out of my PJs and review the food again in person. Although it was faced with some big shoes to fill, I am confident that Hunan Kitchen will thrive in the years to come.