Hunan Royal

Located in Norwood, NJ, Hunan Royal is one of those small, hole-in-the-wall Chinese takeout spots that every good neighborhood needs.

The layout of the joint is typical for a takeout/delivery operation. There is a small waiting area by the front door, glossy photos of signature menu offerings lining the walls and a busy kitchen where powerful BTU burners keep the woks sizzling.

The extensive menu features dozens of items covering Hunan, Szechuan and Cantonese cuisine. Vegetarian and diet-conscious options are offered as well, in addition to lunch menu combos available Monday through Saturday. All the classic Chinese-American standbys are available and expertly cooked, from spring rolls to pork fried rice. The talented cooks can easily accommodate special customer specifications and requests, so if you prefer your lo mein without broccoli, no problem.

The quality of the food is consistent, and when that means consistently delicious, it makes you appreciate the little things in life. Service is also efficient, even during busy crunch periods during the weekend. Whether calling ahead for some takeout or waiting on a delivery, it's never too long before you're snapping a pair of wooden disposable chopsticks and digging into some piping hot goodness.  Don't forget to check their website for printable coupons if you want to save a few bucks.

Also, a good tip for this place and many other Chinese food establishments is that if you are in the mood for something that isn't available on the menu, they can most likely make it for you if you just ask. Remember, the good folks running these kitchens often have hundreds of traditional, family-style recipes stored in their heads which they can prepare with the same speed and quality as your usual favorites.

For the price, speed, and the quality of the food, I give it five stars all the way.  Just remember this is a take away joint that still serves decent chop suey of all things!  And yes, I order it out of habit because I've been coming here since I was a kid.  Even though it's not "authentic  Chinese" dish, I still order it because simply put, it's delicious.  They do it well.  Not just that but the spare ribs, sweet and sour prawns, all the noodles...the food goes on and on and they do everything well there.  Not just old time memories that bring me back here whenever I'm in town, it's the food itself.  For the price you pay, I think you get an excellent deal with prompt service.

Take-out and Delivery place. The best thing on the menu is the boneless pork spare ribs. Best Chinese style ribs I have ever had my whole life. Everything else on the menu is a little better than the average Chinese take-out place.