Chinese Food in Boston (2025)

A Chinatown institution for Hong Kong–style live-tank seafood, famous for ginger-scallion lobster and late-night industry tables. Recognized by Boston Magazine and praised by local critics for steadfast Cantonese cooking that serves the neighborhood as much as visitors.

Beloved for Taiwanese staples—beef noodle soup, scallion-pancake beef rolls, basil littlenecks—and a sprawling menu that rewards exploring. Frequently recommended by Boston Magazine and noted by food writers as a consistent Chinatown standout.

Dim sum all day from a compact upstairs room: shrimp-and-chive dumplings, congee, turnip cake, and more. Highlighted by The Boston Globe and readers of Boston.com as a go-to for Boston’s dim sum faithful.

A roast-meat specialist where duck, crispy pork, and soy chicken hang in the window and end up over rice or noodles. Featured in Boston Magazine’s Chinatown guide and Eater’s neighborhood picks for its enduring Cantonese comfort.

Half bakery, half tea café: grab char siu bao, egg tarts, and pineapple buns next door to a menu of congee, noodles, and Hong Kong–style plates. Recommended by Eater Boston’s Chinatown bakery guide and loved by locals for everyday meals.

A lively spot for Mongolian-style hot pot alongside Chinese and Japanese dishes; great for groups and celebrations. Frequently cited in Eater’s Chinatown coverage and keeps steady recent reviews confirming it’s humming along.

A longtime favorite for soup dumplings (mini juicy buns), Taiwan-style pan-fried dumplings, and late-night cravings. Named Best Dumplings by Boston Magazine and regularly surfaced by city dining guides.

Chef Yisha Siu brings Dian cuisine to the South End—think mint beef, pea jelly, and lemongrass tilapia—earning a James Beard nomination. Celebrated by Boston Magazine and Eater for expanding Boston’s regional Chinese repertoire.

An Allston favorite for homey Sichuan cooking from a Chengdu-born chef—house-cured meats, pickled fish, and mom’s pork knuckle soup. Included on Eater Boston’s best Chinese restaurants list for its soulful, low-key approach.

A family-run banquet hall and dim sum icon, newly refreshed and back with cart service on weekends. Covered by Eater Boston and confirmed by its official channels, it remains a touchstone for multigenerational Chinatown gatherings.

Tiny, cash-friendly spot specializing in Hong Kong–style clay pot rice with crispy socarrat bottoms and classic toppings. Featured in Eater’s Chinatown guide as a humble stop that delivers big flavor.