Flavor Boom! Watertown

Good tasty options for a quick bite. Gluten free options available. A couple of sits to seat, but mostly for take out.

I’m honestly glad that I waited to post my original review with a lower rating and thought through the experience a little bit more. As always, I find it a bit harder to review fusion spots. Not just any fusion either, but one that is all over the world map. It’s easy to just nitpick one dish and use it to judge everything else; but what about that is remotely fair? For example, their Beef Rendang (a dish that I’m very familiar with - including the different regional renditions) is more like a hint towards what “real” Beef Rendang is. I don’t even need to speak on behalf of the Filipinos regarding their adobo (which I also grew up on) who are infamous to show up on public forums to criticize and say “that’s not how my grandmother makes it” (lol). What did come to mind is the old quote that many often find negative but actually was meant to be a positive phrase (if the last part isn’t so often omitted). “Jack of all trades, master of none, though often times better than a master of one”. That definitely applies here with their style of food. There’s a lot going on and a good portal to the true potential of each dish. Definitely give them a try! Portions are good and the food is definitely tasty!

I was drawn to this after noticing the top rating. I confirm the suspicion of fake reviews. Single review profiles :) I have seen this scam on YouTube too. I am a data analyst I care about quality data. The food: Precooked food, did not taste fresh. Lacking flavour and rather blend. Portions are satisfactory. I am not a good cook but I do better than this restaurant. I work in business as well, we call this business model over promising and under delivering.

I got the Chicken Adobo regular size with green beans and a Large Tamarind Chicken. One was amazing, and one was very not. I ordered take-out, but then sat in the shop. I was late picking it up, and it was still nice and warm. I love a container that keeps heat well. Chicken Adobo was juicy nicely spiced as was the green beans. Verdict: RECOMMEND. Tamarind Chicken: This is where it got weird. So some of it was nicely spiced and so good, the other 1/3 of the bowl was like it was cooked by a different person, and lacked flavor. Maybe the pot wasn't stirred well, or this piece of chicken wasn't seasoned correctly? On top of the the green beans were CRAZY SALTY. I couldn't eat them. Then the rice was either overcooked, or par cooked and still hard. I ask the girl working there about this and she gives me some story about how the rice ends up being overcooked and how you are not supposed to put it all the way down to the bottom and mix it but the last person working must have. WHAT?! Then tells me she already threw some of it out. Then why the hell would you feed this to me? Not okay. The shop must have been busy because their drink case was practically empty. There is only seating for 4 with a couple tablets to speed orders. VERDICT: OKAY. I am not down for places where you may have to ask them to remake your food. But since 1/2 of it was actually really good, I am giving them 3 stars.

We ordered six entrees: Beef Rendang, Red Glazed Pork, Tamarind Chicken, eggplant, spicy veggie stew, and Pulpo (Octopus). Each dish was as the restaurant’s name suggests, very flavorful, great with rice. I especially liked the octopus, which was cooked to the perfect doneness, not too tough or too raw. It can also be served as an appetizer as I paired it with laver crackers and my guests loved it! All the dishes were very easy to reheat too. Forgot to order the shrimp curry, will try it next time!

Really great food! Glad to have more Asian fast foods in the area. I enjoyed the marbled tea egg and the tangy tamarind chicken. The burgundy braised beef had rlly nice spices! Will be coming back to try other items :) friendly service as well

Omg the “Boomin’ Beef Rendeng” was astonishingly delicious. It was very filling as well. When I ordered the food I was extremely hungry and now I feel full and also I don’t feel any stomachache that you would usually feel after eating a curry meal. It was slow-cooked beef over extremely delicious rice. I was quite a bit skeptical as a first time customer to order beef curry and I usually go with tofu in curry as many places cannot make the beef taste tender and flavorful. I was so shocked that the beef didn’t smell like beef (I don’t like smell of beef), and it was so tasty and fully cooked. I am already hooked on this meal. I hope that this lovely Indonesian restaurant have more beef food in the future in their menu. The staff were very nice and personable when I called to order the food and receive the food. Highly recommend this place. Let’s just say, the best food place so far in entire Boston. This is a takeout place btw but I don’t mind since I usually order takeout anyways. How lucky 🍀 am I that they just opened near my building! Brownie points for using eco-friendly dinnerware for takeout and being an environment friendly restaurant 💯👏 Update: I recently had “burgundy braised beef” in a catering event by this restaurant at Elan Union Market and realized how delicious the food was. So I ordered it for dine in and also saw the new cute dining chairs they have set for both inside and outside the restaurant. I highly also recommend this food besides the boomin’ beef rendang. It is mouthwatering and makes me hungry as I am updating my original review.

tried this place for the first time and unfortunately won’t be returning. I ordered the chicken adobo and was really disappointed—it didn’t taste like adobo at all. I’m filipino and grew up with this dish, so I know it well. while the chicken was tender, the flavor tasted like a completely different recipe. on top of that, the green beans were clearly canned, which was another letdown. I expected fresh ingredients at the very least. sad to say this was a miss.

I'm honestly glad that I waited to post my original review with a lower rating and thought through the experience a little bit more. As always, I find it a bit harder to review fusion spots. Not just any fusion either, but one that is all over the world map. It's easy to just nitpick one dish and use it to judge everything else; but what about that is remotely fair? For example, their Beef Rendang (a dish that I'm very familiar with - including the different regional renditions) is more like a hint towards what "real" Beef Rendang is. I don't even need to speak on behalf of the Filipinos regarding their adobo (which I also grew up on) who are infamous to show up on public forums to criticize and say "that's not how my grandmother makes it" (lol). What did come to mind is the old quote that many often find negative but actually was meant to be a positive phrase (if the last part isn't so often omitted). "Jack of all trades, master of none, though often times better than a master of one". That definitely applies here with their style of food. There's a lot going on and a good portal to the true potential of each dish. Definitely give them a try! Portions are good and the food is definitely tasty!

I was actually introduced to Flavor Boom through the Yelp Elite event at the Jamaica Plain location a while back. Since I was biking around Watertown and was already familiar with the place, I decided to stop by for dinner. I actually ordered in advance and picked up when I arrived, so I didn't have too much interaction with the staff. The restaurant was fairly small, but there was seating available. I ordered the Spicy Pork Jjigae (Seasonal Special), which I don't think I'd order again. It was pretty tasty, but a bit too oily, and didn't include vegetables. Next time, I'd go with something that feels a bit healthier.

This is a solid place. It's small, so it's really more for takeout/delivery. The dishes are packed with flavor. They have 3 sizes of rice dishes and you pick the toppings. The toppings flavor the rice as the sauces ooze into the rice. The only reason they don't get a full 5 is the value. I feel like the platter size is more due to the amount of rice they give. Additionally, these dishes are pricey in general for the amount of protein they give.

Red Glaze Pork (4/5): This was just like the braised pork my mom would make for us growing up. Good flavor and tender meat. Spicy Chicken Karahi (4/5): A very simple chicken and rice dish with just the right amount of heat and a subtle sweetness too.  RATING SYSTEM 5 - Great (Need to get this again) 4 - Good (Would get this again) 3 - Ok (Might give this another shot) 2 - Not Good (Won't get this again) 1 - Bad (Telling people to avoid this)

I came to this Watertown location only because we keep passing this in a car ride. Food is what I remembered from the Jamaican playing location, but this takeout was basically self-service kiosk and not even sure if they took cash which worked fine for me and once you place it you get your food. It's a little impersonal honestly, but it's such a tiny space to sit down like two tables and they have this whole back section which seems to be the kitchen I think, it was quite blocked off. Nice to know of this location I think this is just a good place to just take out.

If you're looking for a culinary adventure that's as satisfying as it is delicious, look no further than Flavor Boom. This hidden gem has quickly become a local favorite for its bold, authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients. From the moment you take your first bite, you'll be transported to a world of taste sensations. Whether you're craving the fiery heat of their spicy chili or the comforting richness of their slow-cooked braised beef, Flavor Boom delivers on every level. The menu is a beautifully curated selection of international dishes, each one showcasing the chef's skill and passion for good food. (P.S. The limited Chicken Adobo - dish from the Philippines - is delicious! Highly recommended)

Can't wait to try more from here but my first go was: Spicy Chicken Karahi. It was super good, definitely has a kick so make sure you have a spice tolerance! Love the chicken and rice used.

I am so glad Flavor Boom Boom opened up a second location in Watertown! They have a small parking lot of the side. I got the shrimp curry and it was pretty good. You get a good amount of shrimp and rice. I wish there was some sauce on the side but overall, amazing!

Food is really good. Also service always very caring. You guys always give samples I love it. Great place to eat.

Wow! Small, unassuming newer place, but had such a fantastic experience! Of note, this is a take out only restaurant with very fast, pleasant service. A group of us did share size of many items on the menu since this place boasts of cuisines around the world so I was able to try a good majority. Quick, fast service, generous portions and really really tasty items. Amongst the dishes I tried included the beef rendang, chicken karahi, black pepper pork, eggplant zaalouk, shrimp curry tamarind chicken, glazed pork, braised beef, and garlic pulpo. The flavor is out of the world! Well seasoned and packed with flavor, I really enjoyed each bite. I also enjoyed the bed of rice, as it really soaks up the delicious sauces. There were also several vegetarian options on the menu, which my group appreciates. The beef dishes really tasted like slow cooker home cooked meals. The chicken dishes were high quality chicken, likely breast meat perfectly cut and slightly shredded. As a seafood lover, hands down my two favorite dishes were the octopus and shrimp curry. Gone are the days where you have to go to a high end sit down restaurant and pay $20 for a small grilled piece of octopus. I was impressed by the tenderness and flavor packed in. The shrimp curry is one of the tastiest curries I have tasted. Packed with flavor and heat as well as a very generous portion of perfectly cooked shrimp, I know I'll be coming back to this dish many times. Of note, the entrees that do mention spice really are packed with flavor and spice, so read carefully (such as the spicy chicken karahi). I personally love spice so loved the kick added to these dishes. Especially in times of COVID, I am glad that this restaurant popped up. Perfect for quick take out lunch stop or a night in with friends.

The perfect quick lunch spot! I thought the flavors were so delicious, and to top it off, it came out within 5 minutes of me ordering! Tasted like a home made meal. Will definitely be stopping back on another work lunch break.

Good healthy options and great labeling! Ordered for delivery through UberEats. Spicy Karahi had a bit of a kick but very tasty. Great portions. Each bowl is enough for 2 meals. The farmhouse (veggie) bowl is an excellent high protein veggie option. My only qualm with the farmhouse bowl is that it could use some black pepper. They do low salt very well which I appreciated.

Best food out there. Like home cooked food, but better. Taste unreal, too. Nice guys who run the place and staff are excellent.

I was so pleasantly surprised to find this hidden gem! The food is outstanding, the place is spotless and bright, and the service was welcoming and cheerful! Natalie suggested I get boomin beef rendang- and boy was that the best suggestion I've had all day. The beef was melting in my mouth, the spices were never like I've had before- so aromatic and melding incredibly well with the braised beef, potatoes, and rice. And to top it off this dish is both gluten free and dairy free! I'm bringing my son back tonight to get dinner! The prices are more than ok, and Natalie was so helpful and sweet, and on point, that I feel like I made a friend as well! Awesome stuff Flavor-Boom!!!! Go see this place! It's right on Arsenal st halfway to Target!

Great service and food was fresh and good. Great takeout spot and going into regular rotation.

My new go to place for when I want exciting food and fast! I live down the street and to be honest I find a lot of places in town to be pretty standard and even boring options for an after work dinner that can be picked up. Flavorboom will certainly be my new favorite. The process of ordering is simple and efficient, you may either order ahead on your phone or at the kiosk in the restaurant. The menu is smaller than your typical fast food but options are unique and after sampling three, I'm excited to try the rest! I ordered the Boomin' Beef Rendang, Zoom Zoom Zaalouk, and Supernova Crab & Scallop Curry. All were 10/10. The ingredients were high-quality, fresh, and clearly chosen thoughtfully. Aside from the obvious being great tasting dishes, what I love about the restaurant is the variety in choices of unique Asian/Mediterranean flavors, ranging from Moroccan to Thai and beyond. It's hard to choose a favorite so I'll just say each option is truly reflective of the restaurant name and packed with strong and authentic flavors that I personally have not found all in one place! Looking forward to coming back soon!

I was so excited to try this place out once I saw it was open. They are currently doing a soft opening, so the restaurant doesn't look like much now, but their food is delicious! You can either order online or order on an iPad inside - they are still working on getting a kiosk up. Given it's a small menu, we tried most of the dishes. We had the Boomin' Beef Rendang, Burgundy Braised Beef, Spicy Chicken Karahi, Red-Glaze Pork, Tea egg, and the Stupid Hot Chopped Chilis. The bowls appear on the smaller side but they are very filling. There's a generous portion of meat in each dish. The food definitely does the name of the restaurant justice. Each bowl complex and flavorful. Although dishes are primarily Asian, many of them are inspired by various different countries. Since I eat a lot of spicy food, I found that I used about a half of the container of chopped chilis for my entree. If you like spicy food, get some chili's on the side to add as needed. We also got their kids meal, which comes with rice crackers and a pop tube toy. My niece loved everything! I can't wait to work my way through the entire menu.

Excellent food! We had the Boomin' Beef Rendang and it was delicious! The woman serving was very nice and friendly and let us sample a few things before deciding since it all sounded so good. We sampled the Burgundy Braised Beef and the Spicy Chicken Karahi which were both delicious too! The restaurant is small with only 2 or 3 tables. Highly recommend!

We got family style portions as take out and everything was delicious! Definitely lives up to the name Flavor Boom.

A new small restaurant in Watertown that doesn't have much to it besides a table with a kiosk to order from. We ordered online and decided to try the red glazed pork and the black pepper pork sharing sizes. In hindsight, it would've just been better to get the single portions and not have to deal with cooking rice, but at least it's an option. Both of the pork meats were good, it falls apart easily and it's tender. The flavoring for the reg glazed was a bit sweeter, while the black pepper pork was a bit spicier from the pepper. After eating both together with rice, the flavors all mashed up together and it wasn't anything special. They also have other offerings from chicken, tofu, and eggplant, so maybe you'll have better luck trying something different. They have kid portioned meals that come with a pop tube toy and are currently also offering a Thanksgiving sampler for 4 people.

Food is delicious. I love the eggplant and rice. I do think that sizes are in the small size for the price, and not too keen on paying extra for 5 beans. However, I really think the food is good.

Pretty darn good, very good for the money. This is a regular and it was almost enough for me I think I'd probably do a large if I go again. 100% my kind of food, braised stuff over rice. Veggies are extra. This would be a 5/5 if garnishes flavors were a bit more on point, Ive tried 3 things here and they are all good, but very one note. In my photo I added fried garlic and green onions to the pork, and it took it up another level. A little garnish or some accoutrements, and this would be an easy 5/5, very well priced, good flavors , if regrettably one note.

Good service! The food is flavorful!!! I a little spicy! Great place for grab a to go dinner or lunch!

JAMAICA PLAIN LOCATION ( not showing up) O M G !!! Amazing I could write volumes, but suffice to say, it's DELICIOUS!! Really interesting flavor combinations! All 3 meat groups & s vegetarian. Super great quick fresh FAST cafe with cool vibe!! I'm most definitely coming back several times!!

The food was very tasty. It was advertised as super spicy, but I didn't find it so. Just right, really. They're 8 or 10 different choices, and about seven of them look like something I'd really like to try. Portions were great-- I ordered the regular and had plenty of food. My only real complaint, and it's not a big one, is that the meat had a little more fat on it than I like.

My husband got take out from here and honestly when he brought it home, I was unimpressed. The portions seemed small and the meat wasn't very tender. The dish that surprised me the most and easily became my favorite was the pulpo. It was so soft and tender and worth the 18 dollar cost. I knew this restaurant deserved 4 stars when my 1 year old gobbled up his meal and kept asking for more! They seem to be in a soft opening right now so I'll probably be back in the future when they fully open.

This place is amazing! I was in Boston for the weekend and looking for a new place to go eat. I found this up and coming restaurant and all the great reviews that they had. Figured I'd have to stop in and try it. Immediately as I walked in, I was greeted by the friendly owners. Jim and Harry were kind and took the time to walk me through all of their dishes and gave me recommendations based on what I would like. They were so friendly and really made me feel at ease while ordering (something that's sorely lacking these days). Onto the food. It's rare that a restaurant can explore so many different cuisine options and hit them all. From the garlic pulpo to the beef rendang to the red rocket pork. The dishes that I tried were all packed full of flavor. They reminded me of home style cooking which I believe is the concept they're going for. The dishes were simple but so enjoyable! The portion sizes are very reasonable as well. I will definitely be coming back for seconds and to try out the rest of the dishes on their menu. Give Flavor Boom! a try. If anything, stop in and say hi to these wonderful owners.

The food here is delicious! The Garlic Paprika Pulpo is definitely a must have! The only down side is the updating of the updating of the website for the food selection that is available. But everything else was perfect!

This place is so freakin good. I was craving something simple, just chicken and rice, but i wanted it to not be a boring meal. This place hit ALL those marks! Also, make sure you like spicy food before you order because there's definitely a kick. Its a little tricky to find because its brand new and the signage is still getting out up, but the chef personally came out to give me my order and introduce himself! Keep an eye on this place!

Food was delicious. Staff was very sweet. Music is chill and the place is nice and clean. I recommend the Boomin' Beef! Think Pot Roast but more rich. It came apart to the touch the was so savory and warm. My friend got the Tangy Tamarind Chicken. It was also super soft and melted in the mouth. I'll be back next time I am in town.

New spot opened near me, got the beef rendang and it was pretty good. Will be back to try their other dishes.

Saw some great photos on line for the food and decided to go here. We orderd three dishes. Octopus, Eggplant and Beef. Octopus tasted like it came from a can as opposed to the octopus I am used to having traveled to Japan and it had no vegetables. The eggplant was just not good. I took one bite because it was my wifes dish. I had a beef dish and it was dry and just not good also with no vegetables. I thought I was going crazy when I saw all of the 5 star reviews on Yelp. I then saw a 2 star review that somebody wrote about Boom and I felt comfortable to write my review. Maybe they had a bad day. Do not know if I would give them a second chance. I almost gave them 2 stars based on how friedly they were. Gentleman asked me where I was from with a very warm smile. Then a women came out from the side entrance with a friendly smile to say hi. I just wish the food was delicious!

I had the fortune to sample 7 dishes from Flavor Boom, and WOW, all so amazingly delicious! This is truly bringing gourmet international flavor to your own home. Impossible to pick a favorite as I love them all, but if I had to, I'd say the scallop in curry coconut milk broth. It has the perfect balance between a spicy curry flavor and creamy coconut taste. Just yummmmm!

We finally had a chance to try the aptly named Flavor Boom! Bought three rice bowls, the Burgundy beef bowl, spicy chicken Karahi, and the eggplant. Beef would be great on a cold day, and tasted fine. Spicy chicken hit the mark has a nice kick to it with a wonderful flavor profile. I am sure it would be great on a roll! Surprise favorite was the eggplant with chick peas. I think I was supposed to share that!! Congratulations to the owners on what will surely be a big hit, Flavor Boom! We shall return to work out way through the menu. Looking forward to it all!

Food was delicious!! Garlic paprika pulpo (octopus). I'll definitely order from them again! (Note: I removed the garlic cloves bc, while I love the taste, I don't like biting into large chunks. Still, the octopus, rice and seasonings were especially delicious!!)

My son and I stopped in for some "healthier" take out. We were greeted by a very friendly person, who we believe is the owner. He guided us through each of the dishes and even gave us a few samples. Everything was amazing. Fresh, clean, soooo tasty -and what a welcoming ambiance/environment! Definitely recommend! We each got "regular" sized bowls - they look small (especially in the photos) but are actually quite big and filling!

I enjoyed the Pulpo entree when I visited Flavor Boom! this week. The worker there was friendly and helpful, and the space was clean and laid out nicely. Each dish is truly packed full of flavor, and it strikes a perfect balance between light & healthy but also hearty & filling. I can't wait to come back and keep trying more dishes!

irst time ordering from Flavor Boom was at their Watertown location some weeks back- I didn't go in with too much expectation and wound up being tremendously impressed by both the speed the food was served up and (more importantly) the content of meal itself: the flavors of the burgundy braised beef and eggplant zalouk were absolutely wonderful! The beef was cooked to a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and the eggplant had a perfect blend of spices, typical to traditional Chinese cooking (the kind you'd find in ma's kitchen, not the overly salted flavor one typically gets in a lot of Americanized fast-food restaurant versions of Chinese food). If you're up for trying something authentic and that has a fun fusion twist, Flavor-Boom offers both. We had Favor-Boom catering an event for us this past week and was equally impressed by how consistent the quality of the food was for all the dishes ordered, and how the owner/ manager (Jim) was so accommodating in delivering the food to us ahead of time and making sure everything was to our satisfaction. Would highly recommend giving Flavor-Boom a go, the prices are fair (even a bit low for the quality of food here) and the flavor is exactly as the name would suggest: on point.

Ordered the boomin' beef rendang and it was very underwhelming. It was dominated by way too much allspice (I think it was allspice, but either way some clove/nutmeg-type spice that was way too much). The photo also showed beef chunks, but the bowl only had essentially pureed beef. I've had it in the past and it was better, so they need to improve their consistency. I took off a star since they used to include green beans in the dish and now you have to pay an extra 1.50 for it. They also really pad the portions with rice, and the ratio is off.

We love Flavor Boom food and service! The individual servings and catering platters are generous! We are a new, growing company in Watertown and order from Flavor Boom often. And they are conveniently located on Arsenal Street to grab dinner for home. Pick up is easy and packaging is excellent. Keep up the super work!!

Really good food. The service here is excellent! I loved the supernova shrimp curry. The curry has got just the right amount of heat, and the shrimp is tasty. 10/10 I will eat here again.

Great flavors but honestly they need more sauce/gravy. That said, the flavors for the Rendang and the chicken dish were really on point. The right level of spice. The rice was cooked perfectly. I will be ordering more from her. Add some sauce and you are on to a winner.

I've been living in Watertown for the last 6 years, so when a new spot opens up in my neighborhood, I take an extra special interest it. I've already been here 3 times since its been open, and I'm definitely making my way through the entire menu. The name says it all, each dish brings with it a burst of flavor - savory, citrusy, and overall delicious. I love how the head chef is still adding items to the menu and I look forward to how creative he'll get as time goes on. Flavor Boom has become my newest go to spot for after work dinners for me and my hubby.

Well ladies and gentlemen it finally has happened, A young skilled chef with a great vision has moved into our humble town. I would highly recommend stoping by to check out the unique selection of dishes offered.

Great addition to Watertown! My husband and I are so glad to have a new favorite spot. So far we've tried the red-glaze pork, burgundy beef, and rendang - all delicious. The food is fresh, hearty, and full of flavor - it tastes homemade in the best way! Looking forward to trying more of their menu!

The food was really yummy! I didn't know what to expect since the place is so new, but the owner was very friendly and the food was great. I'd definitely recommend the tiramisu.

Solid meal. Very tasty stuff. We got the Beef Rendang and Braised Beef. Both dishes were tasty but there was something about the proportion of sauce to rice that was off. Once they adjust that you'll hopefully not be left with a half bowl of rice after you polish off the meat :)

The tamarind chicken was a BOOM of flavor without a burn. The shrimp curry was little disappointing - definitely flavorful but not enough curry sauce.

Disappointing after the other great reviews. Meat was good. Needed more gravy. Accompanied by a huge amount of rice. Also green beans, and potatoes. Two starches? Green beans overdone. Felt like too much filler and not enough main dish.