Hunan Garden in Rosenberg, TX

Chinese Food in Texas

This is the strip center where Hunan Garden is located. 

The cozy place reminds me of some of my favorite Chinese restaurants we used to frequent, in St. Louis. It took Don and me about 2 decades of living in the Houston area, to discover it.  Just 20 minutes from home.

Chinese Food Here and There

Don and I aren't experts, but we've eaten a lot of Chinese cuisine over the years. We've traveled with our kids in China and we've enjoyed Chinatown feasts in New York and San Francisco. Houston has the biggest "Asia Town" in the U.S. 

But our fondest memories are from places like King Doh and Mandarin House, in St. Louis. These family owned operations were in modest strip centers. So many memories of sharing platters of spicy Hunan dishes, kid-friendly sweet and sours... and of course St. Louis favorites like, Shrimp Toast and Crab Rangoon. 

Hunan Garden in 2020

It was in January, just before the pandemic, when Don and I parked next to this fine dragon fountain for the first time. 

I love a festive fountain and this totally delighted me.

Festive Decor

The interior was festive as well.

Lots of bamboo and gold and red.

​Decor

There were people seated below this impressive framed piece, so I snapped above heads quickly.

The curious image covered the wall, above 4 booths. 

Cozy

We were seated in a booth in front, but I peeked back behind the partition and saw 2 fishtanks. I was reminded of 30+ years ago.

Oh how our kids used to love going to Chinese restaurants with their grandparents! Don's dad and my mom took them often and they loved a good fish tank.

My Kung Pao in January of 2020

I searched my phone and found this photo of my lunch special on that January day. The Kung Pao Chicken & Egg Roll was even more appetizing when I added the sweet sauce!

Don and I were both pleased with our meals that day. We were eager to become regular diners, because it seemed like everyone who entered was greeted warmly by the owners.  
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4 Months Later

We didn't have a chance to become loyal customers right away. Shortly after our visit, Covid 19 hit the news. Our world suddenly changed.

By May, we were feeling comfortable enough to get carryouts, but we were a long way from dining in. I don't think we were able to snag any masks yet, judging by Don's kerchief. 
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4 Years Later

​It's been 4 years since Don masked up and got our very first pandemic carryout order, at Hunan Garden. Since that time, we became grandparents. Charlie was born during the pandemic and got a late start in the world of dining. By age 3 she was a big fan of restaurant dining.

On a summer morning in 2024, Don and I picked up Charlie in Austin and drove her to Sugar Land. After 2.5 hours of driving, we announced we were going to stop at a restaurant before getting to the house. She was giddy.

Greeting the Dragons

Charlie already loved Japanese, Mexican and Indian food, but this might have been her first Chinese Restaurant outing.

She was delighted to say hello to the dragons. The fountain seemed to be missing some water, but she didn't notice.

​The Back Room

The restaurant was fairly quiet on a Saturday at noon. We were greeted right away by staff. I'm assuming at least 1 or 2 were members of the Wang family who have owned the business since 1984.

An older gentleman ushered us to the back room, through the elaborate opening.

Fish!

The man ushered us to a corner table.  

He gestured to the fish tank and it was clear he understood this would be good entertainment. It was!

Efficient

Our server brought menus right away. Maybe he mistook us for regulars because he seemed to think we knew what we wanted before we glanced.  

It actually didn't take long to decide. Don and I got lunch specials, which began with soup. My Hot and Sour was hearty and flavorful.

Egg Drop Share

Poor Don only had a taste of his Egg Drop Soup. Charlie spotted it and thought it was queso.

The buttery flavor was nothing like queso, but she requested a taste and then went to town.  She loved it!

Egg Roll Time

Don ordered the Shrimp with Vegetables. He was equally excited about his egg roll.

He was eager to try a new technique he'd learned about from some local food show. He sliced the crispy roll and opened it like a baked potato.

Then he flattened the steamy egg roll, before adding spicy mustard and sweet and sour sauce. No longer a finger food, but pretty fun! It looks like a sauerkraut sandwich in my photo!

Sweet and Sour Chicken

I ordered the Sweet and Sour Chicken. It came with sauce on the side, just as my Kung Pao did 4 years ago. 

I usually don't choose this dish, but it was a fall-back option in case Charlie didn't like her noodles. She ended up only stealing a little pineapple and a cherry from me. 

Kid Friendly Food

There were a few good options on the kid's menu, for around 6 dollars. But Charlie is a fan of noodles, so we ordered Chicken Lo Mein from the regular menu.

Charlie looks like she's scalding her tongue. But honestly, it's just a funny expression. Her mother on the other hand, was the same age when she let out a bloodcurdling scream in a Chinese restaurant. The scary moment came after she poked her finger into a freshly deep-fried crab rangoon. Every guest gasped and the waiter ran to the table with ice. We have been cautious with little diners, since.

The noodles were a big hit! The only thing that would have made it better might have been... chopsticks. We just forgot to ask.

This is Charlie eating Japanese Gyoza when she was 2. Chopsticks is usually a part of the Chinese dining adventure!

Heading Off

I'll always remember our cozy meal in the back room of Hunan Garden. We had the space to ourselves, along with the goldfish. Charlie seemed so content in that private little world, as if she was a celebrity who needed to be away from adoring fans.

Our waiter complimented Charlie's good job. "You ate so much!"  Charlie looked a tad embarrassed. A new facial expression was added to her repertoire, As we headed out into the main dining room, Charlie shielded her face with her hands, as the gracious staff waved goodbye. Before stepping outside, she asked for her sunnies and quickly covered her eyes like a disguised movie star. When we got in the car I asked how she liked the meal. "It was yummy!" she began, "But I was a little shy." 

What a fun and funny meal. Charlie's first Chinese restaurant, on the day she became shy. 
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