湘 is the short name for Hunan province (named after the Xiang River
湘江).
湘菜 is one of China's Eight Great Cuisines (
八大菜系), known for dry chili heat — distinct from Sichuan's numbing
麻辣. Classic dishes:
剁椒鱼头 (chopped chili fish head) and
毛氏红烧肉 (Chairman Mao's braised pork).
