For food lovers who enjoy bold flavours, fiery spices and Chinese cuisine, Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine (湘香湖南菜) is a name worth discovering.
Founded in 2009 along Smith Street in Chinatown, Singapore, Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine has spent over a decade introducing diners to the rich culinary heritage of Hunan, China. As one of the pioneers of Hunan cuisine in Singapore, the restaurant has built a reputation for serving dishes crafted with quality ingredients while maintaining a welcoming, family-friendly dining environment.
Following its successful expansion into Malaysia in 2024, Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine has steadily grown its presence across the country, bringing the bold, fiery and aromatic flavours of Hunan cuisine to local diners. Today, Malaysians can enjoy the brand’s signature offerings at its outlets in Johor and Penang, including Sunway Carnival Mall in Penang, where we recently sampled some of its signature favourites and latest menu additions.
A Taste of Hunan’s Signature Flavours
Hunan cuisine is renowned for its bold use of fresh chillies, pickled vegetables, garlic and aromatic spices. Unlike some other Chinese regional cuisines, Hunan dishes are celebrated for their vibrant, layered flavours that strike a balance between spicy, savoury and tangy notes, creating dishes that are exceptionally appetising and satisfying.
During our visit to Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine at Sunway Carnival Mall, Penang, we sampled several signature dishes together with two of the brand’s newly launched creations. The experience offered a glimpse into how Xiang Xiang continues to innovate while staying true to the flavours that have made Hunan cuisine so beloved.
Signature Must-Try: Sauerkraut Fish in Golden Soup (金汤酸菜鱼)
One of Xiang Xiang’s most popular dishes is undoubtedly the Sauerkraut Fish in Golden Soup.
Served in a comforting golden broth, this signature dish features tender slices of fresh fish paired with crunchy pickled mustard greens. The rich broth delivers a delightful combination of tanginess and gentle heat, creating a flavour profile that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying.
Each mouthful offers the perfect balance between silky fish, savoury broth and the signature sour notes from the pickled vegetables. Even those who prefer milder flavours can enjoy this dish, as the spice level can be adjusted according to individual preference.
Paired with steamed rice, it is easy to understand why this dish has become one of Xiang Xiang’s best sellers.
New Launch: Pineapple Sweet & Sour Pork (菠萝蜜汁咕噜肉)
Among the newly introduced dishes is the Pineapple Sweet & Sour Pork, a creative take on a timeless favourite.
Crispy golden pork pieces are coated in a luscious pineapple-infused glaze that delivers a delightful combination of sweetness and tanginess. The addition of pineapple provides a refreshing tropical twist, creating a perfect balance that complements the savoury pork beautifully.
The combination of texture, sweetness and acidity makes this dish an ideal sharing plate for families and groups.
New Launch: Honey-Glazed Crispy Prawns (蜜汁脆皮虾)
Another new addition we had the opportunity to enjoy was the Honey-Glazed Crispy Prawns.
Each prawn is fried until perfectly crisp before being coated in a fragrant honey glaze. The result is a satisfying contrast between the crunchy exterior and succulent prawn meat within. The honey adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the natural flavour of the seafood.
This crowd-pleasing dish offers a delightful balance of texture and flavour, making it appealing to diners of all ages.
New Menu Highlight: Fruit-Infused Sour Soup Beef (果香酸汤牛肉)
Also joining Xiang Xiang’s latest menu lineup is the Fruit-Infused Sour Soup Beef.
Although we did not have the opportunity to sample this dish during our visit, it stands out as an intriguing new creation. Featuring tender beef cooked in a fragrant sour broth enhanced with fruity notes, the dish promises a refreshing blend of savoury, tangy and subtly sweet flavours.
The combination appears to embody the hallmark characteristics of Hunan cuisine while offering a contemporary twist that adventurous diners may appreciate.
Comforting Favourite: Three Delicacies Tofu Prawn Stew (三鲜老豆腐虾虾煲)
Another highlight from our meal was the Three Delicacies Tofu Prawn Stew.
This hearty claypot-style dish combines silky tofu and fresh prawns in a rich, flavourful gravy. The tofu absorbs the savoury essence of the broth beautifully, resulting in a comforting and satisfying dish that pairs exceptionally well with steamed rice.
Simple yet flavourful, it showcases the restaurant’s ability to transform quality ingredients into memorable dishes.
A Dining Experience Worth Sharing
As with many Hunan dishes, everything we sampled was designed for sharing. From the tangy and comforting Sauerkraut Fish in Golden Soup to the crispy Honey-Glazed Prawns and Pineapple Sweet & Sour Pork, each dish complemented the others while capturing the bold and vibrant flavours that define Hunan cuisine.
The comfortable setting at Sunway Carnival Mall further enhances the experience, making it an excellent venue for family gatherings, celebrations and casual meals with friends.
Bringing Hunan Cuisine to Malaysian Diners
With a legacy that began in Singapore and a growing presence in Malaysia, Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine (湘香湖南菜) continues to win over diners with its Hunan flavours, quality ingredients and dedication to culinary excellence. Whether you’re indulging in its signature Sauerkraut Fish in Golden Soup, enjoying the newly launched Pineapple Sweet & Sour Pork and Honey-Glazed Crispy Prawns, or exploring the restaurant’s extensive menu of Hunan specialties, every visit promises a delicious journey through one of China’s most celebrated regional cuisines.
For those visiting Sunway Carnival Mall, Penang, Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine is undoubtedly a dining destination worthy of a place on your must-try list.
