Chen Liu opened Hunan Kitchen at 20702 Katy Freeway South in March 2018 after working in Houston’s Energy Corridor. Originally from the Chinese providence Hunan, she said she noticed there were only a few restaurants in the Katy area that offered a menu of authentic Chinese flavors. “I opened the restaurant because I know there are a lot of Chinese people here, and there are a lot of energy companies, and they do a lot of international business,” Liu said. “And they cannot find good Chinese food in this area.” Although Liu has never owned or worked in a restaurant before, cooking is her passion, she said. Managing the restaurant has not been easy, she added. “Six restaurants were out of business in Katy area at the end of last year ,” Liu said. “Competition in Katy is fierce. ... [And] we are willing to hear any feedback from customers.” Hunan Kitchen serves original recipes by a chef with more than 20 years of experience cooking in China, Liu said. The menu offers Hunan-, Sichuan- and American-style Chinese dishes. “Most Chinese people come in, and they like us because we can make the flavor they want or are used to,” she said. “People have told me, ‘We don’t have to travel to Bellaire to get Chinese food.’” Hunan Kitchen primarily serves two types of guests, Liu said. The first are travelers who have lived or been to China and know the flavors. The second are those who have never visited China and want to try authentic cuisine. One of her favorite aspects of the restaurant is educating guests about authentic Chinese cuisine, she said. To encourage guests to try new dishes, Liu said the restaurant offers small complementary plates to taste. Usually spicy, the dishes can be adjusted, she said. “The contents of dishes are very simple, but the flavor is full,” Liu said.

Hunan Kitchen

20702 Katy Freeway S., Katy 832-321-4632 www.hunankitchenyum.com Hours: Sun.-Mon. 11:15 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Tue. closed, Wed.-Thu.,11:15 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11:15 a.m.-10 p.m.