Boston’s vibrant culinary scene boasts a rich tapestry of flavors, and among them, Chinese cuisine holds a special place. From historic Chinatown to the diverse neighborhoods beyond, the city offers a spectrum of Chinese dining experiences. Whether you’re a local foodie or a visitor craving authentic tastes, finding the Best Chinese Food In Boston can be an exciting culinary adventure. This guide highlights top-notch restaurants serving everything from fiery Sichuan dishes to comforting Cantonese classics and innovative fusion creations. Discover your next favorite spot for dumplings, noodles, and beyond in our curated list of must-try Chinese restaurants in Boston.
Bess’s Cafe
For a taste of home-style Chinese comfort food, Bess’s Cafe in Brookline is a hidden gem. This humble spot, run by owner Bess Lee and her family, focuses on delivering heartwarming flavors through a concise but compelling menu. Dumplings are a standout here – both pan-fried and steamed varieties are available, featuring a delicate, house-made rice dough that strikes the perfect balance of thickness and tenderness. Don’t miss their signature steamed chicken dumplings, generously doused in a spicy Sichuan sauce that adds a delightful kick. Beyond dumplings, Bess’s Cafe offers satisfying dan dan noodles, crispy scallion pancakes, and other comforting dishes that feel like a warm embrace in every bite.
Blossom Bar and the Baldwin Bar at Sichuan Garden
Elevate your Chinese dining experience with a visit to Blossom Bar or the Baldwin Bar, both creative cocktail destinations nestled within the renowned Sichuan Garden restaurants. Owner Ran Duan, a second-generation restaurateur, has gained acclaim for his innovative cocktail programs that perfectly complement the fiery Sichuan cuisine of his family’s restaurants. At Blossom Bar in Brookline and The Baldwin Bar in Woburn, you can explore a world of expertly crafted drinks alongside a menu of authentic Sichuan dishes. Pair the visually stunning, velvety-purple Halo Halo cocktail with the intensely flavorful dan dan noodles, or try the coffee and passion fruit-infused Gloria alongside the addictive Chongqing dry hot chicken. These bars offer a sophisticated and fun way to enjoy some of the best Chinese food in Boston, without the need to wait in line for a coveted bar seat – takeout and delivery options are readily available.
China Pearl
A true landmark in Boston’s Chinatown, China Pearl has been serving up Cantonese dim sum for generations. Despite reduced operating hours reflecting changes in downtown Boston, the quality of their brightly flavored dim sum remains as vibrant as ever. Whether you visit their Boston or Quincy location, you’ll find China Pearl’s signature small plates available in convenient “survival packs,” perfect for sharing or indulging in a variety of flavors. These packs are filled with classic dim sum delights such as pork and shrimp shui mai, fluffy BBQ pork buns, and savory chicken feet or spareribs in black bean sauce. China Pearl offers a taste of tradition and remains a go-to spot for some of the best Chinese food in Boston, especially for dim sum enthusiasts.
Double Chin
For a modern and playful take on Chinese cuisine, head to Double Chin, a Chinatown favorite known for its late-night vibes and fun fusion fare. This spot is where culinary boundaries blur, resulting in dishes like Sriracha-honey chicken, inventive kimcheesy waffle fries, and comforting noodle soups. Even their Hong Kong-style French toast gets a decadent upgrade. Double Chin also embraces the bubble tea craze, offering a variety of flavors, including boozy options spiked with soju. With a menu that spans from beer and sake to signature cocktail kits, Double Chin provides a lively and unique experience for those seeking best Chinese food in Boston with a contemporary twist.
Dumpling Daughter
Dumpling Daughter, with three locations across the Boston area (Brookline, Cambridge, and Weston), is a testament to the power of family recipes and homestyle cooking. Owner Nadia Liu Spellman carries on the culinary legacy of her mother, chef Sally Ling, by offering a menu inspired by the dishes she grew up eating. Expect a delightful array of pan-seared and steamed dumplings, crispy spring rolls, savory scallion pancake rolls, and comforting noodle and soup dishes. Dumpling Daughter also offers frozen dumplings, allowing you to enjoy their homemade goodness in the comfort of your own kitchen. For authentic, family-style best Chinese food in Boston, Dumpling Daughter is a consistently excellent choice.
Five Spices House
For those who crave the fiery flavors of Sichuan cuisine, Five Spices House is a multi-award-winning destination. With locations in Chinatown and Cambridge, Five Spices House has earned accolades as a Best of Boston winner for its authentic and Scoville-scaling Sichuan dishes. Prepare your palate for thin-skinned wontons swimming in vibrant chili oil, their signature whole-roasted fish, and the intensely flavorful spicy dry pot – a wok-charred stir-fry customizable with your choice of vegetables and proteins. Five Spices House delivers the bold and complex flavors that define Sichuan cooking, making it a top contender for best Chinese food in Boston if you appreciate a spicy kick.
Gene’s Chinese Flatbread Cafe
Gene’s Chinese Flatbread Cafe, with locations downtown and in the suburbs, might be named for its flatbread sandwiches, but the true star here is undoubtedly Gene Wu’s hand-pulled noodles. Made in the style of his native Xian, these noodles are thick, chewy, and expertly tossed with a variety of flavorful options. From cumin-scented lamb to a garlicky cilantro sauce or spicy chili oil, Gene’s noodles are a textural and flavorful delight. While the flatbreads are certainly worth trying, it’s the noodles that solidify Gene’s Chinese Flatbread Cafe as a must-visit for anyone seeking the best Chinese food in Boston, particularly for hand-pulled noodle aficionados.
Gourmet Dumpling House
Gourmet Dumpling House in Chinatown is a perennially popular spot, often recognizable by the line of eager diners outside its doors. Currently open for takeout and delivery, this Shanghai-style restaurant offers a menu filled with classic dishes that are well worth the (virtual or physical) wait. Must-order items include the Shanghai-style smoked fish and spicy pork ears for adventurous eaters, while the “mini juicy” soup dumplings are a crowd-pleasing favorite. Beyond dumplings, explore options like spicy salt-and-pepper fried calamari, a Taiwanese-style oyster omelet, and the bold flavors of hot and spicy ox tongue and tripe. Gourmet Dumpling House is a Chinatown institution and a reliable source for some of the best Chinese food in Boston, particularly for Shanghainese specialties and, of course, dumplings.
Home Taste
Home Taste, with locations in Arlington and Watertown, brings the authentic flavors of China’s Henan province to the Boston suburbs. Run by wife-and-husband duo Ying and Kai Chen, Home Taste focuses on delivering a “home taste” experience, emphasizing the comforting and flavorful dishes of their region. Their menu features thick, peppery stir-fried wheat noodles, distinctive Chongqing “small noodles” topped with minced meat, peanuts, and chili oil, and unique “hamburgers” (flatbread sandwiches) filled with aromatic stewed lamb. Home Taste offers a glimpse into a less-common regional Chinese cuisine, making it a unique destination for those seeking the best Chinese food in Boston beyond the typical Cantonese or Sichuan fare.
Mary Chung
A Cambridge institution since the 1980s, Mary Chung has been a beloved spot for MIT students and Central Square locals alike. Founded by Joyce Chen alum Mary Chung, this restaurant offers a menu of comforting and flavorful dishes, including spicy dun dun noodles with chicken, refreshing Sichuan beef salad, and their famous hand pies – crispy egg roll-like creations filled with radishes or chives. A standout dish is the suan la chow show, pork wontons served with bean sprouts in a spicy, soy-based hot and sour sauce. Mary Chung’s long-standing popularity and consistently delicious food make it a cornerstone of the best Chinese food in Boston scene in Cambridge.
Mei Mei
Chef Irene Li, a James Beard-nominated chef, has been a driving force in redefining Chinese-American cuisine in Boston with Mei Mei. Starting as a food truck a decade ago, Mei Mei (“little sister”) has evolved into a takeout and delivery-focused restaurant offering a delightful menu of prepared dumplings, seasonal curries, and pantry staples. Their menu features creative and flavorful dishes, including meal kits that allow you to recreate some of their signature items at home, like their renowned sandwiches. Beyond the delicious food, Mei Mei is committed to social justice and sustainability within the restaurant industry, further enhancing its appeal. For innovative and socially conscious best Chinese food in Boston, Mei Mei is a standout choice.
Myers + Chang
Chef Joanne Chang, a culinary superstar, brings her signature flair to Asian gastropub fare at Myers + Chang. This beloved Boston restaurant offers a menu where Chinese cuisine is seamlessly integrated into a broader Asian fusion experience. Indulge in dishes like tea-smoked spareribs, their signature pork and chive dumplings, and the decadent coconut layer cake. Myers + Chang’s lively atmosphere and expertly crafted dishes make it a popular destination for both dine-in and takeout. With options for to-go beer, wine, sake, and even provisions to make your own ribs at home, Myers + Chang delivers a sophisticated and enjoyable experience of the best Chinese food in Boston with a fusion twist.
Peach Farm
Peach Farm in Chinatown offers a quintessential Boston dining experience, particularly for seafood lovers. Known for its Hong Kong-style Cantonese seafood, Peach Farm allows diners to select their own lobster directly from the tank, ensuring ultimate freshness. Beyond lobster, their menu is filled with Cantonese seafood delights, from garlicky scallops on the half-shell to whole-steamed black fish with ginger and soy. Peach Farm is a go-to destination for those seeking some of the best Chinese food in Boston, especially when craving fresh and expertly prepared seafood dishes.
Qingdao Garden
Qingdao Garden in Cambridge brings the flavors of northern China to Boston. Reflecting the region where wheat is a staple, their menu features a variety of dumplings and noodles. Beyond these staples, explore dishes like crunchy stir-fried vegetables, crispy fried flounder, spicy lamb hot pot, and anything from their dedicated “Northern Style” section. Qingdao Garden offers a taste of northern Chinese cuisine, making it a worthwhile destination for those seeking diverse best Chinese food in Boston options.
Shanghai Gate
In Allston, Shanghai Gate offers a no-frills approach to well-made, traditional Shanghainese dishes. This unassuming spot is a reliable source for comforting classics like porky soup dumplings, delicate rice wine and ginger-scented seafood, and tender lion’s head meatballs. Their lion’s head meatballs, a Shanghainese specialty, are served as a hearty “casserole” with steamed bok choy. Shanghai Gate focuses on delivering authentic and satisfying best Chinese food in Boston without unnecessary fuss.
Silk Road Uyghur Cuisine
For a truly unique culinary journey, venture to Inman Square in Cambridge to discover Silk Road Uyghur Cuisine. This rare restaurant specializes in the cuisine of the Uyghur minority from northwest China, offering a fascinating blend of Turkic and Chinese culinary influences. Follow the enticing aromas of lamb- and onion-filled naan, flavorful marinated lamb kebabs, and pumpkin manto (dumplings) to experience this distinctive regional cuisine. Silk Road Uyghur Cuisine provides an opportunity to explore a lesser-known facet of Chinese food, making it a must-visit for adventurous diners seeking the best Chinese food in Boston with a cultural twist.
Sumiao Hunan Kitchen
Sumiao Hunan Kitchen in Cambridge introduces Boston to the distinctive flavors of Hunanese cuisine. While often spicy, Hunanese food differs from Sichuan cuisine, emphasizing fermentation, smoky notes, vinegar, and a different kind of heat. Explore colorful dishes like fried cauliflower and pork belly with duo jiao (a chopped-chili sauce), or the “beef on fire” with Fresno pepper, cilantro, and banana pepper. Sumiao Hunan Kitchen offers a flavorful exploration of Hunanese cooking, expanding the definition of best Chinese food in Boston beyond the more commonly found styles.
Taiwan Café
Taiwan Café in Chinatown, part of chef Peter Wang’s “mini juicy buns” empire, is a street-food focused spot that has been serving up Taiwanese and Chinese favorites since 1998. While known for their soup dumplings (also available at Dumpling Café, Dumpling Kingdom, and Dumpling Palace), Taiwan Café offers a broader menu of craveable dishes. Enjoy crispy pan-fried dumplings, flaky scallion pancakes rolled with roast beef, succulent fried pork chops, and garlicky sautéed watercress, among many other options. Taiwan Café is a bustling and flavorful destination for experiencing a wide range of Taiwanese and Chinese street food-inspired dishes, making it a strong contender for best Chinese food in Boston in the Chinatown area.
Winsor Dim Sum Café
Winsor Dim Sum Café in Chinatown is a beloved spot for dim sum enthusiasts. While they currently operate without the traditional dim sum carts roaming the dining room, you can still order your favorites by checking off selections on a menu slip. Expect a feast of shumai, savory spare ribs in black bean sauce, wok-charred chow fun noodles, and even Sichuan-style beef stomach for adventurous palates. Winsor Dim Sum Café remains a reliable choice for experiencing the best Chinese food in Boston in the form of classic dim sum, whether for takeout, delivery, or when their dining room reopens.
Zoe’s Chinese Restaurant
Zoe’s Chinese Restaurant in Somerville offers a diverse menu spanning from Sichuan and Hunanese specialties to familiar takeout classics. Explore flavorful Peking ravioli, mouth-numbing ma po tofu, and dry-fried beef or chicken with hot peppers for a taste of authentic regional Chinese cuisine. For those seeking more familiar fare, Zoe’s also delivers solid versions of takeout staples like orange chicken and lo mein, packed with fresh vegetables. Zoe’s Chinese Restaurant provides a wide-ranging menu, catering to various preferences and making it a versatile option for best Chinese food in Boston in the Somerville area.
Exploring the best Chinese food in Boston reveals a diverse and delicious culinary landscape. From historic Chinatown to the surrounding neighborhoods, these restaurants offer a range of flavors and experiences, ensuring there’s a perfect spot for every craving. Whether you’re seeking spicy Sichuan dishes, comforting Cantonese classics, or innovative fusion creations, Boston’s Chinese food scene is ready to be explored and savored.
