Boasting one of the oldest and largest Chinatown districts, downtown Boston, Massachusetts, has numerous authentic Chinese restaurants where you can chow down on the best dumplings, dim sum, and Kung Pao chicken, and other favorites. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, authentic, or a little different, Boston has you covered. Keep reading to learn more about the best five Chinese restaurants in the Boston area.
Golden Temple
Located on Beacon Street in Brookline, Golden Temple seems to transform itself depending on the day and time. During the week, the restaurant feels like a serene temple that serves the finest in American-Chinese cuisine paired with an award-winning wine list. On weekend nights, however, the establishment turns into a bar, complete with a DJ spinning Top 40 hits.
When it comes to the menu, the restaurant offers an extensive selection featuring hormone-free meat for its ribs and crispy orange beef. Specialties include ginger Chilean sea bass, Chardonnay chicken, and ginger scallion lobster. Another popular dish is the shoa-mai, which is a traditional Asian dish of steamed dumplings.
Gourmet Dumpling House
Found on Beach Street, the Gourmet Dumpling House is a favorite among local chefs, especially when it comes to its house-made dumplings. These dumplings come steamed or pan-fried, and the restaurant fills them with numerous options, including fish and shrimp, pork and cabbage, and chicken and cabbage. Its menu also highlights some Szechuan-based dishes, including the chilled spicy pork ears and spicy salt and pepper shrimp.
House of Chang
Located on Concord Avenue in Cambridge, House of Chang has a menu that features Taiwanese, Mandarin, and Szechuwan fare. Everything is cooked fresh to order, which allows you to receive fresher, lighter flavors. Order the spicy Taiwanese mushroom salad or the fiery volcano chicken, which the restaurant marinates, fries, and then combines with five spices. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.
New Shanghai
At its location on Hudson Street in the heart of Chinatown, New Shanghai offers authentic Chinese cuisine specializing in Beijing- and Szechwan-style cooking. Diners come to this restaurant for its dumplings, which are available either steamed or friend, and its buns.
Before enjoying your main course, dig into an array of cold appetizers, including dishes that are pickled, salted, and smoked. The restaurant encourages customers to order from both sides of the menu. Szechwan dishes include twice-cooked pork belly and rabbit hot pot. Beijing specialties include braised pork loin or the leek case, which is a pastry turnover stuffed with scrambled eggs and leeks.
Taiwan Cafe
To get to Taiwan Cafe on Oxford Street, you have to venture down a side street and up a flight of stairs. But don’t let the difficult location deter you. The restaurant’s sprawling menu features more than 100 items so there’s bound to be something for everyone. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the duck tongue or pork intestine.
Walking the streets of Boston’s Chinatown can flood you with aromas of garlic, fish sauce, and soy. Try the food at these five Chinese restaurants, and you will enjoy flavorful and fresh cuisine.
Image by Jeremy Keith is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0
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