Bangladeshis have a deep love for Chinese food, but what we often enjoy here is far from authentic. The "Chinese" dishes popular in Dhaka are mostly fusion creations tailored to local tastes, blending sweet and savory flavors into something unique. Even within Chinese cuisine, there are diverse styles like Hunan and Cantonese, which are often adapted to suit Bangladeshi preferences.
Hua, a restaurant born out of passion, is on a mission to showcase Chinese culture and heritage in its truest form. Specializing in healthy, lesser-known Chinese dishes, Hua brings the rich flavors of Hunan cuisine to Dhaka.
Hunan cuisine is known for its use of spices while keeping meals healthy, with some dishes being double-cooked and spices added at the end to preserve their natural flavors. Their menu offers a wide range of dishes, from fresh vegetables like jade okra to comforting Laz Ji chicken and delicate seafood such as crab.
“I couldn’t find authentic Chinese food here,” said Ms Apple, a partner at Hua. “Since I love Bangladeshi food and noticed its similarities to Hunan cuisine, I wanted to bring the authentic taste of my hometown here to see if people would enjoy it. Chinese food isn’t meant to be sweet; it’s primarily savory and spicy,” she added, highlighting the common misconceptions about Chinese cuisine in Dhaka.
Hua aims to create an authentic and intimate experience for its guests. This is reflected not only in its cozy atmosphere but also in its reservation-only policy. By catering to a niche crowd, Hua ensures that each guest has a personalized and peaceful dining experience, making them feel like they’re part of a close-knit, welcoming community.
Food
We started our Hunan meal with Jade okra, delicately covered in a thin layer of gravy. The dish was lightly spiced, allowing the okra's natural bitter and savoury flavours to shine through.
The okra was blanched and dressed in a light garlic sauce, with the presentation adding to the appeal—the okra was neatly arranged in the centre, with the sauce at the bottom for dipping.
The crispy exterior soaked up the flavorful gravy, making each bite a delightful blend of textures and tastes. The vibrant green okra paired with the maroon gravy was a striking sight, and from the first bite, the combination left us craving more. The simple okra dish surprised us with its rich flavours, proving to be a real treat.
Next up was the Laz Ji chicken, with a crispy exterior and tender inside, topped with Chinese dried red chillies and peppercorns. The bite-sized pieces were irresistibly savoury and spicy, though the chicken was slightly too salty for our taste. The scarlet chillies might seem intimidating at first, but the dish struck a nice balance between heat and flavour.
Then came the Red Dragon Crab, a stir-fried fresh crab dish in a thick garlic chilli sauce. The crab was moist, offering a bold mix of sweet-umami tang from the meat and a savoury-spicy kick from the sauce. The garlic chili sauce complemented the crab perfectly, adding a new depth of flavor and texture that made it a nuanced and satisfying dish.
We paired all three dishes with hot fried rice, which worked well, though we realized too late that the okra and crab would have paired even better with steamed rice.
At Hua, you can enjoy a meal for one at an average cost of Tk2000.
Ambience
Tucked away in a serene corner of Banani’s bustling streets, Hua exudes a unique sense of tranquillity. The restaurant’s peaceful atmosphere is enhanced by its decor, featuring tables, chairs, and walls adorned in soothing shades of white, brown, and blue.
A waterfall and several private rooms are adding to the calm ambience, perfect for dining with your closest loved ones. One of the rooms even features a horigotatsu, a low-to-the-ground seating arrangement that reflects the Chinese tradition of dining on the floor.
Upstairs, you'll find a healing area where Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine is used for pain management and treating various ailments like sinusitis and PCOS, as well as detoxifying the body after terminal illness treatments.
This space is managed by knowledgeable doctors and teachers from Kerala. “Although this area is separate from the restaurant, both aim to provide a similar sense of tranquillity and healing,” explained Ahasan, a partner at Hua.
Verdict
We highly recommend trying the Jade Okra and the Red Dragon Crab. Hua is a place where the peaceful ambience might tempt you to linger long after your meal is finished.
If you’re looking to experience authentic Hunan cuisine, without the fusion twists, and savour the true flavours of healthy, savoury Chinese food, Hua is the place to be. Just be sure to make a reservation first.
