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I went to Spring Shanghai Pan-Fried Buns during my quick trip to Boston. I ordered the Pan Fried buns and the meatball. The buns were very fresh and served hot. I appreciated the vinegar and chili on the table to add to the buns. The buns had a chewy and crispy wrapper and the filling was seasoned well. The meatball was tender and the liquid it was braised in was flavorful.
First time seeing authentic Shanghai pan fried buns in US, I must say! From the look to the taste, I couldn't stop smiling, that's how it was supposed to be made! Highly recommend.
I love this place! Super delicious, authentic, Shanghai pan fried pork buns, I always stop by when I'm in Fenway. Limited seating but if you want to do takeout, the staff is always quick to get you your food even when it's busy. The bun is light and thin and the filling is tasty and juicy. Exactly what you'd expect. I'm excited for my next visit as I'm interested in trying some more of their food. Price for the buns is a little high at $10/4 but I guess that's not surprising since they're the only place in town that makes them this way.
2.5/3: was eager to try this place but it did not live up to my small expectations. The front door to get in is very heavy and windy so if you sit next to that door from the inside, it will blow everything off the table each time someone goes in and out. Menu is straightforward. We tried four of the pan fried buns and they all were so hard and filled with way too much dough. Luckily we just started to eat the inside with juice and the meat itself isn't too bad and packed with good flavor. The pickled pork noodle was really just noodle. Broth was ok nothing special. Service was ok, food did come out quick.
Very busy location, but understandably so as their buns are delicious! Friendly service but the wait times are a bit long (went there twice and had to wait about 10-15 mins each time for 4 buns) and a bit pricey too. Otherwise, if you have a craving or want traditional buns, this is a must try spot! They also have nice outdoor seating which is great during the spring/summer season!
Ordered delivery via Uber Eats, and Im so glad I tried this place. Their pan fried buns are LEGIT! I didn't have high hopes and that the fried dumplings probably wouldn't have any juice left once they arrive, but to my surprise, they actually had juice in them! The bottom was still crispy, and the meat filling had great flavor. I also tried the mini wonton soup, and it was just ok. The skin kinda got mushy, and the meat filling was not very flavorful. Overall, a solid place in Boston for pan fried buns. I'd definitely be coming back next time I'm in town.
The pan fried dumplings slapped!!! The best I've ever had with its crispy pan fried bottom and thin skin. The filling was tasty and had some soup. Skip the rest of the items though...the preserved veggie and shredded pork noodles were bland and noodles did not impress. Chili wontons could've been more flavorful too and not much filling. Lines are out the door but service is quick and it moves fairly fast. Sit inside or outside, it's cramped either way. Will be back for the pan fried dumplings fosho!
On a windy day, it's harder to open the door and get all your food chilled as people walk in and out...they do have outdoor seating for better weather days. Shanghai fried buns are the specialty here, and from a Shanghai visitor, they're pretty authentic, thin-skinned, a lot of juice, and crispy bottoms. You can see the ladies making them in the window. The scallion oil noodles are good on their own, and the pork chop left something to be desired as it was fatty and soggy, no knife to cut with, and don't add much to the main dish as it didn't match the flavor well as it was oily soy-sauce like the noodle but not really flavor in the meat. The minced spicy pork came out cold which wasn't great - was better when they warmed it up on the wok and then put on the noodles. Self-bus the tables. Street parking, watch the signs as resident stickers required most places.
We just tried the classic pan fried buns. Delicious! Chewiness of the dumpling skin and size and flavor of pork filling were good. Super juicy. No issues with service. Almost $10 for 4 dumplings is insane though.
This place is usually bustling with a fun window to see them wrap the dumplings fresh! I tried the pan fried buns which were really good (be warned of the splash zone) and I definitely recommend that, though a tad expensive for only 4. Friends said the other items on the menu were just alright.
Service is quick and efficient, the seating space is casual and clean! It's a bit small inside so it seems that take out is a popular option. Got the panfried buns and wontons! The buns were super crispy and juicy and the skin was very thin and not super doughy. The wontons were also very flavorful! Wish the portions were a bit bigger but other than that a solid meal Also got some soy milk and wanglaoji! Very helpful bc water is not served and it balances the salty food
Soupy soupy buns oh my! Stopped by for dinner on a cold Friday night to check out their pan fried buns and soup options. The place is small with only a few tables. It was pretty busy Friday night but we managed to scoop up a table for two. You order on their touch screen monitor located to the right as soon as you walk in. I noticed there was a lot of to go orders and people kept coming in and out to pick them up. So it was popping! My bf and I wanted to try the buns so we each got an order which comes with four pan fried buns. We also shared one of their spicy pork noodle soups. The buns came out quick! And the soup was nice and hot. Perfect for the cold weather. We didn't really know how to start eating the buns and then I noticed on the wall there were instructions on how to enjoy the soupy buns! First, you take a bite and drink the broth then you dunk your bun into the black vinegar sauce (they have bottles on the table along with spoons, chopsticks) and then you enjoy! It was a lot of fun trying to not drop the soupy buns while we were trying to drink the broth using our chopsticks but we still dropped ours on our plates and spilled black vinegar everywhere! Haha The noodles soup was also very good and it was packed with tons of pork pieces. It was very flavorful and not spicy and we quickly inhailed it. We should of each gotten our own soup. I think next time I will get my own delicious soup and two orders of buns because one order was not enough! They were so good!
A hot, satisfying meal on a rainy day. The Pan-Fried Buns were delicious: large ball of meat, filled with broth, thin exterior, and crispy bottom. Wait times for them were variable: we got the first batch literally right when we sat down and the 2nd batch after 15 mins. The Mini Pork Wonton Soup was tasty too and great for warming up
Recommended by my friend, this pan-fried bun生煎 place isn't far from MFA Boston. The little place is incredibly popular and well-known among Boston's Chinese student community. Shanghai Classic Pork Pan-Fried Buns上海生煎饅頭: I was instantly hooked! It's hard to imagine finding such good pan-fried buns in the US. Almost every table ordered them, so they were all freshly made, piping hot. The bun was made with unleavened dough, making it chewy and refreshing, with a light, crispy bottom--not oily or hard. The meat filling was substantial and tender, with plenty of broth (see picture). It was sweeter than salty, incredibly umami. The chili oil was also very fragrant, and dipping it in Zhenjiang vinegar enhanced the flavor and cut through the greasiness. Shredded Pork & Preserved Vegetable Noodle Soup雪菜肉絲麵: The noodles were thin and round, with a soft, mushy texture. While the noodles were clearly machine-made, this isn't a problem in the Yangtze River Delta region; the issue was likely overcooking. The shredded pork were well-stirred, with tender meat, but the noodles lacked flavor. They had to be eaten with the pickled mustard greens雪菜 to be slightly salty, and the umami flavor was severely diluted. The tableware is all disposable, and tipping is not mandatory. It's quite affordable. read more
8 days ago
25 days ago
This place was such an unexpected delight. We came here after our Red Sox game had a rain delay. The soup dumplings were out of this world. I can't stop thinking about them. The noodles were also delicious. The food came out quickly and it was piping hot. We would definitely come back and try more dishes. read more
6 months ago
I went to Spring Shanghai Pan-Fried Buns during my quick trip to Boston. I ordered the Pan Fried buns and the meatball. The buns were very fresh and served hot. I appreciated the vinegar and chili on the table to add to the buns. The buns had a chewy and crispy wrapper and the filling was seasoned well. The meatball was tender and the liquid it was braised in was flavorful. read more
5 months ago
First time seeing authentic Shanghai pan fried buns in US, I must say! From the look to the taste, I couldn't stop smiling, that's how it was supposed to be made! Highly recommend. read more
I love this place! Super delicious, authentic, Shanghai pan fried pork buns, I always stop by when I'm in Fenway. Limited seating but if you want to do takeout, the staff is always quick to get you your food even when it's busy. The bun is light and thin and the filling is tasty and juicy. Exactly what you'd expect. I'm excited for my next visit as I'm interested in trying some more of their food. Price for the buns is a little high at $10/4 but I guess that's not surprising since they're the only place in town that makes them this way. read more
2.5/3: was eager to try this place but it did not live up to my small expectations. The front door to get in is very heavy and windy so if you sit next to that door from the inside, it will blow everything off the table each time someone goes in and out. Menu is straightforward. We tried four of the pan fried buns and they all were so hard and filled with way too much dough. Luckily we just started to eat the inside with juice and the meat itself isn't too bad and packed with good flavor. The pickled pork noodle was really just noodle. Broth was ok nothing special. Service was ok, food did come out quick. read more
1 year ago
Very busy location, but understandably so as their buns are delicious! Friendly service but the wait times are a bit long (went there twice and had to wait about 10-15 mins each time for 4 buns) and a bit pricey too. Otherwise, if you have a craving or want traditional buns, this is a must try spot! They also have nice outdoor seating which is great during the spring/summer season! read more
Ordered delivery via Uber Eats, and Im so glad I tried this place. Their pan fried buns are LEGIT! I didn't have high hopes and that the fried dumplings probably wouldn't have any juice left once they arrive, but to my surprise, they actually had juice in them! The bottom was still crispy, and the meat filling had great flavor. I also tried the mini wonton soup, and it was just ok. The skin kinda got mushy, and the meat filling was not very flavorful. Overall, a solid place in Boston for pan fried buns. I'd definitely be coming back next time I'm in town. read more
The pan fried dumplings slapped!!! The best I've ever had with its crispy pan fried bottom and thin skin. The filling was tasty and had some soup. Skip the rest of the items though...the preserved veggie and shredded pork noodles were bland and noodles did not impress. Chili wontons could've been more flavorful too and not much filling. Lines are out the door but service is quick and it moves fairly fast. Sit inside or outside, it's cramped either way. Will be back for the pan fried dumplings fosho! read more
On a windy day, it's harder to open the door and get all your food chilled as people walk in and out...they do have outdoor seating for better weather days. Shanghai fried buns are the specialty here, and from a Shanghai visitor, they're pretty authentic, thin-skinned, a lot of juice, and crispy bottoms. You can see the ladies making them in the window. The scallion oil noodles are good on their own, and the pork chop left something to be desired as it was fatty and soggy, no knife to cut with, and don't add much to the main dish as it didn't match the flavor well as it was oily soy-sauce like the noodle but not really flavor in the meat. The minced spicy pork came out cold which wasn't great - was better when they warmed it up on the wok and then put on the noodles. Self-bus the tables. Street parking, watch the signs as resident stickers required most places. read more
We just tried the classic pan fried buns. Delicious! Chewiness of the dumpling skin and size and flavor of pork filling were good. Super juicy. No issues with service. Almost $10 for 4 dumplings is insane though. read more
This place is usually bustling with a fun window to see them wrap the dumplings fresh! I tried the pan fried buns which were really good (be warned of the splash zone) and I definitely recommend that, though a tad expensive for only 4. Friends said the other items on the menu were just alright. read more
Service is quick and efficient, the seating space is casual and clean! It's a bit small inside so it seems that take out is a popular option. Got the panfried buns and wontons! The buns were super crispy and juicy and the skin was very thin and not super doughy. The wontons were also very flavorful! Wish the portions were a bit bigger but other than that a solid meal Also got some soy milk and wanglaoji! Very helpful bc water is not served and it balances the salty food read more
Soupy soupy buns oh my! Stopped by for dinner on a cold Friday night to check out their pan fried buns and soup options. The place is small with only a few tables. It was pretty busy Friday night but we managed to scoop up a table for two. You order on their touch screen monitor located to the right as soon as you walk in. I noticed there was a lot of to go orders and people kept coming in and out to pick them up. So it was popping! My bf and I wanted to try the buns so we each got an order which comes with four pan fried buns. We also shared one of their spicy pork noodle soups. The buns came out quick! And the soup was nice and hot. Perfect for the cold weather. We didn't really know how to start eating the buns and then I noticed on the wall there were instructions on how to enjoy the soupy buns! First, you take a bite and drink the broth then you dunk your bun into the black vinegar sauce (they have bottles on the table along with spoons, chopsticks) and then you enjoy! It was a lot of fun trying to not drop the soupy buns while we were trying to drink the broth using our chopsticks but we still dropped ours on our plates and spilled black vinegar everywhere! Haha The noodles soup was also very good and it was packed with tons of pork pieces. It was very flavorful and not spicy and we quickly inhailed it. We should of each gotten our own soup. I think next time I will get my own delicious soup and two orders of buns because one order was not enough! They were so good! read more
1 year ago
A hot, satisfying meal on a rainy day. The Pan-Fried Buns were delicious: large ball of meat, filled with broth, thin exterior, and crispy bottom. Wait times for them were variable: we got the first batch literally right when we sat down and the 2nd batch after 15 mins. The Mini Pork Wonton Soup was tasty too and great for warming up read more
I want to start this review by saying that the food here is wonderful. The dumplings/buns are probably the best I've had in Boston, and the noodles had a really great and unique taste of charred scallion that was new and delicious. The reason this review is a 4/5 mainly boils down to the price and some logistical things that made dining at the restaurant during the winter a little bit of an issue. Areas for improvement: 4 buns/dumplings for $9.25 feels a little bad. They're good, but over $2 for a bite or two feels a little steep. On top of that, the restaurant is small and packed - and there are at least 3 tables right by the door which receive a blast of cold air each time the door is opened, making napkins go flying through the air each time - which is a lot given how busy they are with deliveries. Maybe having a small barrier or something would help this - I wore my coat, hood, and hat and was still quite cold. They have a lot of outdoor seating though, so I'd imagine that this isn't an issue at all during the warmer seasons. Even with that, the good things definitely shone through here: Scallion Oil Noodles ($8.95): Although the portion size could have been a bit larger, these tastes amazing. I have never had scallion oil noodles before, but the slightly charred green onion taste here was subtle yet delicious. There was a salty hint and with just a touch of chili oil added, these were amazing. They were great without the chili oil as well though, so I recommend having them both ways. Shanghai Classic Pan Fried Buns ($9.25): These were also quite good - they had a lot of soup in them and half of the skin was pleasantly crispy. With just a touch of vinegar, I could have 10+ of these, but the price is a bit prohibitive of having them en masse. Still, eating them nice and slow was a good experience, and I'll definitely come back if I have a craving for this dish. I'd love to come back and try the dry Shanghai noodles as well - which I didn't see on the printed menu but I did see on the ordering tablet inside. read more
5 stars for the pan fried buns here! Beware, this place is very crowded. My friends and I came just after 11, and the doors were already open and people were seated even though the store officially opens at 11:15. There's indoor seating but it's not enough for how popular this place is. The service is great though, they tried to find us multiple seats when there wasn't enough. You can order quickly on a screen, and the food came out at a decent time. This review is mostly for the buns because we didn't tried the noodles, and the menu is rather limited. The buns were piping hot and fresh. It's actually a little different from the buns I'm used to, the dough is thinner and there's a little soup inside. It's like a cross between a xiao long bao and a shenjiang bao. It was cooked to perfection though, well seasoned, and fried to a golden crisp. The only problem is they're rather small, and 4 isn't enough to fill one person! I'd probably get 5-6 next time for myself. The wontons were also good, it's coated with a peanut/chili oil sauce, the peel was thin and smooth, and the filling was robust. Overall, would definitely order from here again! What a great little place. read more
One of my friend's favorite so she brought me here. We had the Shanghai Classic Pan Fried Buns and they were pretty good. Since we were on a time crunch, we ordered for pickup so when we picked up the buns were unfortunately lukewarm. On one hand I would've loved it to be hotter, on another, I did squirt the juice over myself so I appreciated that I didn't get burned. We sat on the benches that they had outdoors and it was great because of the great weather. read more
Best Shanghai pan fried buns I've had in the East coast! Must try! Super juicy, with crisp bottom and flavorful fillings. They are a lot more efficient now, so can get the buns relatively quickly after placing order. Limited dine-in space (and there are always people waiting for pick up during busy times). A little pricey. read more
I heard about the frightening long lines when this spot first opened so I waited for the hype to die down before trying them for the first time. I stopped by for an early dinner on a Saturday and was glad to see that the restaurant was half empty. We got an order of the Shanghai classic pork pan-fried buns ($9.25), the scallion oil noodles ($8.95), and the Shanghai cold wontons ($13.95). After trying the food, I think this spot truly deserves all of its hype. Sure, the pan-fried buns are a little pricey at almost $10 for only 4 small pieces, but the experience of biting through a crisp and chewy dough to get bombarded by a savory hot broth and tender pork is worth the price. The scallion oil noodles had a very fragrant aroma and were cooked to the perfect al dente texture. I was also impressed by the cold wontons which were actually on the warmer side from being freshly boiled. The nutty sauce was really tasty with the pork filling in the wontons and I also liked how the wonton skins were tender without being mushy. I'm not sure how vegetarian-friendly or no-pork-friendly this place is, but would highly recommend it for anybody who loves dumplings and noodles! read more
4 months ago
1 year ago
So good! My friend and I were looking for a quick bite to eat in the area and this was perfect. We ordered on the kiosk and food came out quick. We shared the wonton soup and pork pan fried buns. The food was so good and fresh. This was also the perfect amount of food to order if you need a quick bite but you don't want to be too full. I can't wait to come back! read more
Food was great! Would really recommend reading the menu before you go if you have any restrictions about meat or pork. The only dish meat-free was plain noodles. My fault for not checking the menu first. Super cute and clean inside, I appreciate that they had hots ready on the tables as part of the set ups. read more
Holy. Moly. I was getting hyped up reading all the enthusiastic reviews, and this place still blew my expectations out of the water. These were the best SJB I've had outside of Shanghai. Honestly, they're probably just as good as the ones I used to get outside my grandma's house by Hongqiao. We actually got them to go, rode the bus all the way home, opened up the bag, and they were STILL crispy. AND THE SOUP. The freaking soup was heavenly. Meat so tender. Oh my gosh, so good. I'm just so happy right now. We've gotten SJB from other places in the area like Taipei Gourmet and Formosa Taipei, and no offense to those restaurants, but SJBs aren't really their strength. They were barely even fried on the bottom. Basically just bao zi. This place tho? LEGIT. We actually had to wait almost an hour during the lunch rush on Saturday. It was definitely worth it, but hopefully we can plan around it next time. You can watch the 阿姨s making the SJB through the front window. So legit. Only complaint is the price. Almost $10 for 4... But it's a price I'm willing to pay. Please be kind to the servers as it looks like they're still scaling up their operations and the lines are probably overwhelming. read more
I see myself craving these pan fried buns. Perfect crisp bottom, soft top, meat filling, and soup ratio. The pan fried buns are very nostalgic. They taste similar to the ones I've had in China. The food is also ready quick. A bit overpriced but I haven't been able to find buns as authentic as these so it balances out. I'll definitely be back here to eat more pan fried buns and try the noodles. read more
Stopped here on a weekday for lunch and they were so busy. I ordered the SJBs. You can see them being handmade and prepared from the window. My order took a little over 45 minutes, I was so hungry I ate a gyro next door and came back and it still wasn't done. It seems like the other dishes might take a little quicker. If you order from the kiosk and put your number in, you will get a text when the order is ready. The buns were good, but nothing spectacular. Buns had a little crisp to it and were filled with soup. They include a side of vinegar sauce. Good flavor, not salty. Probably best to go during off peak hours to try the buns. Would try again in the future if the wait isn't very long but not worth a special trip. read more
If you like soup dumplings but are looking to change it up with Shanghai pan-fried buns, this is a spot to try. Like other reviewers, they are pricey at 4 for $9 but still good. They are crispy but not greasy, but you need to eat them like a soup dumplings unless you want to spray your dinner partner with hot dumpling broth. The chili wontons were good, but the pork and shredded pickle greens were forgettable. There are so many noodle shops who make fresh noodles and these were plain Jane fried noodles. Stick with the panfried buns, and you'll be happy. The buns are a 4/5 stars, wontons are 3.5/5 and the noodles were a 2/5 stars read more
11 months ago
We stopped by this little restaurant on Saturday after running some errands in Fenway. It was very crowded (especially with food delivery pickups) but we were able to order very quickly and snag a table inside. The place is pretty small so unless you're willing to wait or eat outside, I'd recommend take out. The buns were very nice but came out about 15 minutes after the soup/noodles. The scallion noodles were simple yet delicious, especially with some chili oil on top! My husband's soup was really tasty and we both agreed we would stop back in if we are in the area again. read more
5 months ago
We finally made our way to try this place. Unfortunately, it was during the recent heat wave and the temps were about 95 degrees with high humidity. This place was packed on a Wednesday (Juneteenth) afternoon. We ordered on the kiosk and had to wait about 45 minutes to get our 2 orders of dumplings. In that time span, we went next door to get dine-in thai food and came back after only 25 minutes. This tells you how long it took them to make the dumplings. Food: - We only ordered the pan fried dumplings. The bottom was perfect and nicely crisped. The dough was not overly thick, which was good. The meat inside was tasty, but a tad on the salty side. Most of the dumplings had a little juice...could've been juicer IMHO. I understand they're not soup dumplings. - I find that about $2.50 per dumpling is not that great of a deal. The dumplings are not big. - I'd rather go to chinatown and get these much quicker at the old dumpling house location...or better yet, save my cravings for a trip to NY where these are much better and faster prepared. - I didn't order anything else but noticed a lot of people also bought their soup, for which I observed each bowl was filled half way. I was there for a LONG time so I observed a lot of samples. Positives: - The place is new so everything looked clean inside - The staff seemed pretty friendly, although interaction is limited to "did you call my order yet?". Her response was to the effect of "No, we're not even close to your number!" - There are a few tables - Kiosk ordering made it easy - Great to see this type of food in this area Opportunities: - SUPER hot and humid inside. They have 2 of those ductless AC units and they were either off or just not good enough to handle 95 degree weather. - Wait times are super crazy for just-ok pan fried dumplings. I would not do it again for this. - I feel its overpriced for what you get and for how long you'd have to suffer to wait for them to cook - They have 3 woks and the line is super long. Why not use at least 1 other wok (it was unused) to prepare more dumplings??? Its not like the one chef could not handle it, there was a lot of "downtime" while he waited for it to steam. I do like this place and the location is good. I hope they can improve on efficiency. I'd also like to see them offer frozen dumplings to go, so that we can make them at home. Please fix your air conditioning system or improve it! read more
I've had many Shanghai pan fried buns and these are probably the best I've ever had in the states! The buns were super crispy on the bottom and the pork filling was so juicy that it was literally bursting with soup! I came on a Saturday around 1 and it was packed. You order at the kiosk and then you wait for your number to be called out in Mandarin and/or English. There are indoor and outdoor seating and they're first come first serve. I got the Shanghai Classic Pan Fried Buns which came with 4 buns for $9.25. They made them one batch at a time and they were busy so I waited around 25 minutes before I got mine. They were definitely worth the wait though! Happy to see more authentic Chinese eats open up in Boston! read more
A great addition to the Fenway food scene. Sandwiched among other delicious food options, Shanghai pan fried buns offers freshly made to order pan fried buns (clever name). Dining is casual with several tables inside and outside dining. Easiest ordering is via tablet when you walk in. Plan accordingly as they do run out towards the end of the night. Commenting on the food. It was well worth trying. Not to discredit the review as everyone is suspicious of Asian restaurants rated highly by white people, I will summarize those I went with who grew up with Shanghainese food the quality. While not as good as from China, this is the best they've had in the US. read more
A tiny shop on a busy food street, Shanghai Pan Fried Buns offers a limited menu with delicious foods. LOCATION: A small shop with a few tables inside and a few outdoor picnic tables. Parking can be very hard - street parking only. MENU: Only pan fried buns, noodles, and wontons only! Prices are fairly reasonable for the items. WAIT: The wait time varies depending on when you order. They steam and pan fry in batches so it's all luck. If you get lucky, you can get your buns order within 10 mins, however, if you just missed the batch like me, the wait can be up to 20-30. It wasn't too bad but it was very chaotic! There's limited space inside so we waited outside but it was hard to know when your food was ready. The person working inside would scream out the numbers inside and only in mandarin at first so if you're not inside or if you don't understand mandarin, it would probably be confusing. BUNS: It comes out piping hot so be careful before taking your first bite! They were actually pretty delicious and worth all the praise but maybe not the wait. SERVICE: Chaotic and busy, the person I interacted with was probably stressed because they were a bit mean and rude but I guess that's what makes it authentic ? read more
2 years ago
This has earned the Shanghai Resident's Seal of Approval™. My Shanghai partner verifies the authenticity of the cooking methods and ingredients. It's a fun vibe inside because there's not that much available seating so you might find yourself seated with strangers. You order at the counter and then they bring your dish out. It was my first time trying most of the dishes but we ordered: - pan fried pork buns: these were better than any shanghai bun I've tried! The crisp of the bun was unmatched and the soup in the bun was SO hot and flavorful. - wonton soup: Although I prefer a wonton with a generous filling, apparently the authentic way is to put in just a bit of filling and leave a lot of the wrapper unmarred by the meat. It does feel silkier going down this way, but I still prefer a curvier wonton. - pork chop noodle soup: the pork chop was super tender and savory. The breading isn't supposed to be crisp and that point I think. It serves as a vessel for the broth. The noodles were a bit over cooked so they lacked a nice spring. The prices are extremely reasonable and I'm already excited to come back just for the buns! There's also a number of other noodle dishes that looked really good so I want to come back and give them a try. read more
1 year ago
I don't understand the hype and all the high ratings. It's ~$10 for four small fries bottomed soup dumplings that are impossible to eat off the cheap plastic soup spoons. Self order off the kiosk and wait up to 20min for your order. Basic relatively clean small spot with a handful of tables. It was ok but I won't be rushing back. read more
Very casual small dumpling spot in Fenway that plays Chinese music (think C-Pop and C-drama). You order at a kiosk to order to go or eat in. There are about 4 tables indoors and 6 picnic tables outdoors with umbrellas. The menu consists mainly of dumplings and noodle soups. We tried their braised meatball which I think may be a Lions Head meatball in disguise. One of the best ones I've had in the US where the meat inside was tender and flavorful. There wasn't a thick and overly salty sauce, simple and tasty almost like how my grandma in China makes them. Then we got their Shanghai style fried buns which were very juicy and soupy in the inside and crispy bottom. One of the best we've had in the US, even comparable or possibly better than ones we've had in SF at a restaurant where they were known for their Shanghai buns. The preserved pork noodle soup was pretty good, but I personally would've chosen a different noodle to pair with like a vermicelli. Finally we tried the wontons in chili oil. They were a bit more chewy/tough, chili oil was good but flavor fell a bit flat (needed a bit of salt). Overall it's pretty authentic in taste and you can see the Asian chefs through the window preparing the food. It's efficient and they get the food out fast even with lots of orders coming through. Pricing is also not bad, comparable to other places in the neighborhood. Shanghai buns are just under $10 for 4 and soups are between $10-13. Good spot for a quick bite and near some other cool spots to try out like Phinsta coffee and more. read more
Tried out several different things on the menu but the only thing worth coming back here for are the fried shanghai buns. I was a huge fan of the bun bottoms as they were fried very well, had an awesome crisp, and did not feel greasy at all (unlike a lot of other places). The pork filling however needed more work. Went to Kung Fu Kitchen in Brookline on the same night and their shanghai bun fillings were much tastier. read more
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