Top 10 Iconic Hunan Cuisine Dishes: Fiery Flavors from the Land of Chili Peppers

Hunan cuisine (湘菜 xiāng cài), celebrated for its bold spiciness and smoky aromas, thrives on fresh chilies, fermented sauces, and fearless combinations of là (辣, spicy) and suān (酸, sour). From Chairman Mao’s favorite stews to rustic mountain delicacies, here are 10 dishes that embody Hunan’s unapologetic culinary fire. 1. ​Steamed Fish Head with Chopped Chili​ (剁椒鱼头 duò jiāo yú tóu) ​Origin: Changsha​Signature Heat: Fresh fish head smothered in fermented chopped chili (剁椒 duò jiāo), steamed until the collagen melts.​Cultural Code: The red chili symbolizes Hunan’s fiery spirit; often served at celebrations. 2. ​Chairman Mao’s Red-Braised Pork​…