A Food Lover's Recent Thoughts in Boston

Just flipped through my photo album to see what I've been cooking these past two months 🍳 — wondering if I'll still have the energy to keep it up as I start going back to the office more often... Lately, I've realized that the older I get, the more I crave those simple, home-style flavors from my childhood 🏡. But after dining out at several spots in Boston recently — whether Chinese restaurants or Michelin-noted Western ones — it hit me again: my Hunanese roots run deep, shaping a pretty “particular” (okay, strict 🙊) palate when it comes to Chinese food (let's be real — mostly just Xiang cuisine for me!). To me, true flavor lives in Hunan food 🌶️. Since moving from NYC to Boston, genuinely good — or even just decent — Hunan restaurants have been rare… and only those few ever earn a return visit from me. I do eat Sichuan food now and then, but it’s hard to find places with real wok hei (that beautiful wok breath!). Too often, the chili oil overpowers the ingredients 🥘. Italian and Spanish tapas are tasty too — but they’re more like occasional mood foods for me. When I want seafood or clean, delicate seasoning, I lean toward Cantonese style 🥢 — and honestly, some overseas restaurants run by first-gen immigrants do it even better than big chain spots back in Guangdong or Shenzhen. Take roasted pigeon, for instance — it’s freshly made daily, never pre-made 🐦. Quick bites on recent eats: Yi Xiang Wei Fang 🏮: New Hunan spot — tasty! Great variety of cured meats, solid wok hei. I’d guess the owner’s from western Hunan — their clay pot dishes feel legit. Toro Boston 🥘: NYE menu was just okay. Truffle looked pretty but had no aroma 😅. Space felt too cramped — maybe going for that tapas-bar vibe, but not my thing. Too Hot (Tu Huo) 🔥: Went last night. Love the space — comfy and smartly designed, even underground. Great for catching up with friends over pretty Chinese food. Flavors didn’t quite win me over, though — based on taste alone, probably won’t rush back (I’m picky, I know 😝). But their spicy chicken? Pretty good 👍! In the end, eating is always a mix of flavor, memory, and mood. Looking for “that taste” far from home might just be a long journey of recognition and nostalgia. #BostonLife #HunanCuisine #MissingGoodFoodInChangsha