Fantastic! This is a very unassuming restaurant near Boston south station. The noodles are soooooo…read moredelicious. Chewy and smooth, just like the sign on the wall said. We got two appetizers and three mains. The soup dumplings were very tasty. The other appetizer, lamb pancake was ok, just not our style. The Lanzhou beef noodle soup was a great mix of beef, bok choy (we added), hot chili oil, and homemade noodles. We also got a shrimp stir fry with noodles. The noodles absorbed the flavor of the sauce. Overall, we loved it!

Okay for all my fellow peanut allergies: the beef broth has peanut oil. Do not order unless you…read morewant to die! No other reviews mentioned this. I am used to LA (real Lanzhou) noodles and soup. Those tend to not use peanut oil so I can get the beef noodle soup. They also come with any size noodle that you want. Zhi Wei Cafe makes you pay $2 extra for wide noodles and they feel NOT hand pulled. They feel rolled out and cut. There is no variation in thickness and width of the noodle. Hand pulled noodles are usually a little curly/wavy and these were like pappardelle pasta. It felt also old. It was not chewy and that was a shame. The noodles make the dish. And they did not make the dish. The beef noodle soup: my sister said it felt watered down and like it was missing something. Chicken noodle soup: it was literally veggie broth made of carrot and celery. With chunks of chicken thigh and the bad noodles. You order on your phone and they bring you the food. I feel like that would affect the tip that they receive on the check. The bathroom was also clogged and I really needed to pee. I would not come back here again. Sorry

Redwhite was the best sushi I have had this year, while it seems like just 4 pieces, they're dense…read moreand heavy! Absolutely delicious though, we paired it with a No 7 Japanese Curry Ramen which was splendid too. It is a self service restaurant that has limited seating so just a heads up that you may have to wait, but trust me it's worth the wait!

Delicious vegan ramen, with less of a wait than I expected (maybe 20 minutes). The space was small…read more(I wouldn't come with more than a group of 6, and even that would be pushing it), but the whole place smelled so good! The ordering experience was a little odd, but the food came out very quickly. I got the truffle ramen with the spicy broth, and it was very good (which was not really spicy, simply well seasoned), and quite filling. Everyone else enjoyed their food as well. One of us got the non-spicy broth, and she noted that she thought the spicy broth was better (and again, not truly spicy at all), so I'd just keep that in mind when ordering. I also got the truffle mac & cheese, which I was pleasantly surprised by! It was pretty good, and came with some sort of delectable crunchies on top which I was obsessed with. I haven't had much ramen since I became vegan, so I don't really have any other vegan ramen to compare it to, but it's certainly some of the best I've had so far.

TLDR: Potentially…read moreone of my favorite Chinese restaurants in all of Massachusetts! Beautiful interior, centrally located, and delicious, high-quality food. Will definitely find a reason to come back here soon. ------ FOOD: 1. [MUST TRY] STIR-FRIED CABBAGE W/ PORK BELLY (5/5) Presentation was phenomenal (in a clay pot with its own burner underneath to keep it hot). The portion was much larger than expected, and most importantly, it tasted incredible. Generous amounts of pork in this, and the sauce was authentic and addicting. 2. SCALLION CHICKEN (5/5) Another great choice. This was a huge portion with lots of tender chicken, and the scallion was present without being overpowering. 3. CRISPY BEEF WITH FRIED DOUGH STICKS (5/5) I was expecting Chinese you tiao but these were actually the small, ultra crispy manhua twists! Paired with the beef, this was a large and unique dish that I loved. The crispiness of the mahua made this a textural delight to eat. 4. MANGO SAGO DESSERT (5/5) Big portion, wonderful assortment of toppings including grapefruit, mango, sago, and popping balls over a creamy dessert soup base. 5. PEKING DUCK (4/5) I think I'm a tough critic since I just came back from Beijing and had so much Peking duck there. We ordered the half portion here and it had a generous amount of meat for not being the full portion. There were an assortment of accompaniments, including pineapple (new to me) and sugar (like the Beijing style) which were welcome additions. The wrappers were steamed well and didn't curl up on the edges. Overall this was a solid Peking duck, but the meat wasn't as standout as I was hoping. 6. STEAMED PORK SOUP DUMPLING (4/5) Solid soup dumplings. Not the best I've ever had, but definitely hit the spot. 7. SAUTEED PEA SPROUTS (4/5) Another solid classic. 8. PORK MEATBALL IN CRAB MEAT SAUCE (4/5) This was the most unique thing we ordered. I've never had a shi zi tou meatball with crab meat sauce before. The meatball itself was large (maybe size of a tennis ball), tender, and fatty, as it should be. It was then drowned in a generous lake of traditional crab meat sauce. If you're not a fan of crab meat then this might be a bit too fishy for you, but honestly it all combined surprisingly well and I grew to like this dish more and more with each bite. I wasn't the biggest fan to start, but by the end I wouldn't have minded getting another one! ------ AMBIANCE / ENVIRONMENT: * The interior has the classic Asian style of decor, but you can tell it was recently built / renovated because everything felt new and fresh. * The ambiance also felt more new-school luxurious vs. the typical Asian establishments that are more no-frills with as many tables packed in as possible * You're still somewhat close to the tables around you, but it's not overwhelming during lunch time and we still felt like we had enough space regardless * There's a bar area at the front of the restaurant and then a large, spacious dining room in the back * This is a great place for a date or a meaningful family gathering * Right outside is Boston Common, making this restaurant very well-located for lunch before or after a nice day in the park. While there's lots of parking around the park, a spot itself can be hard to come by, so your best bet might be to use the nearby parking garage instead ------ SERVICE: * Overall the service was great and quick. They did forget our tea, but when we asked for it later they apologized profusely and were quick to bring it out for us * This place fills up quickly so be sure to come early if you don't have a reservation or if you're a big enough group, make a reservation for your desired dining time

JiangNan Boston is an upscale Chinese restaurant that focuses on elevated regional dishes, modern…read morepresentation, and a dining experience that feels more refined than a typical Chinese spot in the city. We walked into a polished, contemporary space with a clean interior design that leaned toward a higher-end, date-night or group-dinner atmosphere rather than casual takeout dining. The lighting was warm and the layout comfortable, with a steady buzz that made the room feel lively without being chaotic. The menu highlights some of the more popular and recognizable Chinese dishes, but executed in a more premium style. We ordered a few items and found standouts like Peking duck, soup dumplings, and seafood-based plates plated carefully and designed to feel more restaurant-forward than street-style. The Peking duck was carved tableside, which added a layer of ceremony to the meal, and the skin had a good crispness that held up against the hoisin and pancakes. The soup dumplings were well made, with a thin wrapper and a rich broth that came through clearly. The flavors were solid and well prepared, with an emphasis on presentation and consistency across dishes. The dining experience itself felt structured and intentional, especially with dishes like Peking duck that were prepared as part of a more formal service. The pacing of the meal felt more drawn out, but that aligned with the upscale style they are aiming for. Service was generally attentive, and the environment was comfortable for longer meals or group gatherings. The main tradeoff is value. While the quality is good and the execution is polished, the pricing felt a bit elevated compared to the portion sizes and what we have gotten at other comparable Chinese restaurants in the area. It sits in that space where you are paying more for atmosphere, branding, and presentation as much as the food itself. Overall, JiangNan Boston is best suited for when you want a more refined, upscale Chinese dining experience rather than a casual meal. The food quality is solid and the environment is polished, but it lands in a space where the pricing feels slightly higher than the value of the dishes alone.

I admittedly have high standards, but this is my go-to spot for a comforting bowl of beef noodle…read moresoup + the best spiced chicken nuggets one could ask for! A few staples are the golden chicken nuggets (top with chili crisps for maximal flavor bomb), wood ear mushrooms (delightful texture and chilled flavor), and braised beef noodle soup. Come on a weekday lunch for a $20 steal! Evenings (even on weekdays) have a wait, but scan the QR code to get on the waitlist and stroll Cambridge in the meantime. Ambiance is a little rushed with tight spacing between tables, but it's prompt service and a clean place, with soft music to maximize conversation

The chili oil beef rib noodles were fire. I got the wide noodles and the texture was good…read more The fried vegetable thing was good as well. The location is a bit snug though. Service was solid. Overall I'd come back for those chili oil noodles.

I've had my fair share of Japanese cuisine, but mazesoba isn't exactly in my usual lane. That's…read morewhat made my visit to Kenzoku Mazesoba in Fenway such a pleasant surprise. My first impression? Bright, modern, and incredibly welcoming. The space has an inviting energy, but what really stood out was the hostess. Since it was my first visit, she took the time to patiently explain the menu and made me feel completely at ease. Her recommendation of the Tan Tan turned out to be absolutely spot on. Loaded with spicy minced pork, minced garlic, onions, chives, sesame sauce, dried chili pepper, and a perfectly poached egg, this bowl was a beautiful marriage of flavor and texture. The savory minced pork stole the show, while the chewy hand-pulled noodles held onto every bit of that rich, nutty, spicy sauce. Just when I thought the experience was over, I learned the best part was still to come. After finishing the noodles, you're encouraged to ask for a bowl of rice and mix it into the remaining sauce. It transforms the leftovers into an entirely new dish, making sure not a single drop of flavor goes to waste. The entire meal felt like an adventure--one I genuinely didn't want to end. I've always considered myself a ramen guy, but this experience reminded me that it's worth stepping outside your comfort zone every now and then. Japanese cuisine really is the gift that keeps on giving, and I'm here for it!

Extremely quick but a satisfying meal! I've never tried mazesoba before so I didn't know what to…read moreexpect. We ordered the yuzu shio and tan tan mazesoba. While I preferred the yuzu shio as it was first served, once we were offered rice towards the end of the meal and mixed it into the remaining sauce, I preferred the tan tan mazesoba. I'd try it again but I might not actively seek it out on a regular basis.

Handmade noodles... no need to say more! I'm in! I was not disappointed. The restaurant is small,…read morecozy, casual nestled unassuming on the edge of bustling Chinatown. For an appetizer my friend and I had the spicy salmon tartare which was excellent. Thick cubes of salmon poke tossed in a bright yuzu vinaigrette that enhanced the flavor of the salmon excentuated by bursting ikura added another level to a refreshing texture. The saffron threads added aesthetic and a perfectly delicate garnish. For entrees, we had to try both the homemade soba and udon noodles. Both were so soft with great flavor that provides the essential reminder that homemade is superior. The soba noodles, if you have never had them, are almost sweet. The tofu in the yasai soup was a delightful fluffy pillow of fried tofu skin thinly cut and same flavor as inari tofu. I added a poached egg and the flavor of the yolk mixed into the noodles is unrivaled. I want to eat it for breakfast. I will definitely be back to try more of the menu.

Somenya is a cozy Japanese noodle restaurant tucked away in Boston's Chinatown, specializing in…read moreudon and soba with a mix of traditional dishes and a few Korean-inspired options. We walked into a warm, intimate space with a detailed interior that gave it the charm of a small neighborhood restaurant you might come across in Japan. The room was modest and inviting, with wooden accents and soft lighting that made it easy to settle in for a comforting meal, and the quiet energy of the dining room encouraged lingering over a bowl of noodles rather than rushing through a quick stop. The noodles are the main reason to visit. We ordered a few bowls and found the udon having a satisfying chewy texture, while the broths were light, savory, and well balanced without feeling overly heavy. The beef sukiyaki udon stood out with its rich, slightly sweet broth and tender slices of beef, and the kimchi beef udon brought a warm, spicy kick that added a different layer to the meal. The curry udon was another strong option, with a thick, aromatic sauce that clung to the noodles and made each bite feel hearty and comforting. The cold soba was a refreshing choice for a warmer day, with a clean, nutty flavor that paired well with the dipping sauce. The appetizers were also worth ordering alongside the noodles. The takoyaki came out hot and crisp on the outside with a soft, savory center, and the crispy squid tentacles added a nice textural contrast to the meal, with a light batter and a good balance of seasoning. The restaurant is fairly small, so it could fill up quickly during dinner and weekends. Service was fast and friendly, and the staff were happy to answer questions about the menu. Portion sizes may feel a little modest considering the price, especially for some of the beef dishes, but the quality of the ingredients and preparation helped make up for it. We also appreciated the attention to the overall dining experience. The décor added a lot of character without feeling overdone, making it somewhere that was enjoyable to sit down and take our time rather than simply grabbing a quick meal. It was easy to share a few appetizers before digging into our own bowls of noodles. Somenya is a great choice if you are looking for quality Japanese udon or soba in Boston. The cozy atmosphere, flavorful broths, and well-prepared noodles make it a place worth returning to, especially when we are craving a comforting bowl of noodles.

I really want to give Gene's a five star review however with this location, it's just impossible. I…read moredid vamp it up to four from a 3 1/2. My real rating is a 3.5 star review here we go.: Food : 5 Star; I don't think anyone in the Chinatown area can match. The quality of the homemade hand pulled noodle that is served here. The menu was extremely limited to about 10 or 12 dishes. All include hand pulled noodle or homemade hand pressed dumplings. I've been here number of times every dish is delicious. Staff : 5 Star; I want to give a shout out to Kittie who works the counter is extremely polite goes the extra mile and to help the customer. The kitchen seem to be clean, kept and engaged in work. Cleanliness : 2 Star; I might be stretching it to give them a two just simple things like posters in the window have been there for 10 or 20 years soup on the back the trim everything is worn out and looks like it should be thrown away and replaced it needs an updating and a good good good cleaning a deep cleaning. Parking : 2 Star; if you're lucky there are a few meters outside as usual. The parking gods in Chinatown look down upon me and I got a meter half a block away. Otherwise you have to go get the early bird special and pay by the garage which means you're gonna be paying more for the parking than you are for the meal.

I brought my friends here this time, and the quality control seemed inconsistent…read more Cumin Lamb Hand-pulled Noodle孜然羊肉拌麵: The portion was really generous, especially the lamb--they were really lavish with it, and it was very fragrant. However, the noodles, soaked in the sauce, became a bit sticky, and they were too thick, as if they were just quickly stretched and cooked. Chilled Noodles涼皮: A weekend limited edition, icy cold, which was nice for summer. But the garlic flavor was too strong, extremely spicy, almost masking all the other seasonings. The presentation was just a box lid, which was a bit too perfunctory. Lamb Skewers羊肉串: Completely cold, and with an extremely strong gamey smell. I really don't understand how they dare to sell this?