You know a dish is that good when you keep coming back for it. And that’s exactly what happened on our third visit to Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine 湘香湖南菜—this time at AMK Hub. We already had high expectations from our past experiences, but once again, their Hunan pork belly blew us away.
What Makes This Hunan Pork Belly Stand Out?
First off, let’s talk about the star of the show: their Hunan stir fry pork, made with a heavenly combo of Iberico pork belly and lean pork. It’s a dish that really brings out the spirit of Hunan cooking—bold, fragrant, slightly spicy, and loaded with green pepper aromatics. The pork belly is wonderfully fatty and tender, with that unmistakable richness that Iberico pork is known for. The lean pork adds a nice balance so it doesn’t get overly unctuous.
And then there's the rabbit ear fungus. Yes, rabbit ear fungus—also known as Mu Er or Yunnan black fungus. It’s not something you find every day, but Xiang Xiang Hunan uses it to great effect. The crunchiness of this ear-shaped ingredient adds a contrasting texture that elevates the dish. While it doesn’t carry a ton of flavor on its own, it soaks up the pork oil beautifully and adds an exciting chew factor that’s hard to describe but undeniably enjoyable.
Every bite is replete with the fragrance of green pepper—an assertive, slightly numbing presence that brings an unmistakable Hunan flair. It's a dish that hits you in waves: a bit of spice, a splash of oil, a fragrant burst of green pepper, then that tender, juicy pork belly melting into the bite. For $19.90, it’s a value-packed dish that feels indulgent without being excessive.
Other Dishes Worth Mentioning
Of course, we didn’t stop at just the Hunan pork belly.
Suan Cai Yu (Golden Broth Sour and Spicy Fish) - $32.90
This was a scene-stealer. The sauerkraut fish, or Suan Cai Yu, came swimming in a golden, piping hot broth full of lemon zest, Sichuan peppercorns, and delicate fish slices. The soup alone was enough to get us refilling our bowls, and it paired like a dream with rice. The flavor was sour, spicy, and intensely aromatic—a visceral feeling that warms your soul.
Claypot Tofu Stew - $15.90
This was a solid dish. Comforting, hearty, and good—but compared to the stars of the meal, it played a supplementary role.
Garlic Sautéed Lettuce - $11.90
Fresh, lightly garlicky, and well-executed. A bit basic, sure, but it did its job as a green companion to all the rich flavors.
Steamed Rice Pot - $7.90
We were surprised by the price at first, but the ample portion and fluffy, perfectly cooked rice made it clear this wasn’t your average bowl. It absorbed all the flavors like a champ.
Xiang Xiang Hunan Service: Still Top Notch
We’ve been to a few Xiang Xiang Hunan outlets before, and their service never misses. At AMK Hub, it was the same swift, friendly, and efficient experience we’ve come to appreciate. Honestly, their service standard could give many restaurants a run for their money—a defining trait that makes every visit smooth and fuss-free.
The Verdict: Slightly Pricey Zi Char with a Punch of Personality
Here’s the thing: Xiang Xiang Hunan dishes may remind you of upscale zi char, but they bring along superior ingredients (hello Iberico pork!), unique textures, and a service standard that elevates the whole meal. Is it cheap? Not really. Is it worth it? Undoubtedly, especially for dishes like the Hunan pork belly.
If you're a fan of spicy, fatty, and flavorful stir-fries with exciting textures and bold aromatics, this one's a no-brainer. Just don’t expect it to be dainty or delicate. This dish assaults the senses—in the best way possible.
Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine 湘香湖南菜 Opening Hours and Location
Address: 53 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, #02-26 AMK Hub, Singapore 569933
11 am - 10 pm Daily
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