Authentic Hangzhou cuisine on the streets of Boston

🍲 Shanghai Fresh: Cambridge’s Hidden Gem—Affordable, Authentic, and Steps from Central Square Shoutout to my Harvard friend for dragging me here—I can’t believe I’ve been in Cambridge this whole time and missed it. Tucked right by Central Station, it’s a tiny spot with huge flavor, and at just $23 per person, it’s proof that great food doesn’t have to cost a fortune. 🔥 The Must-Orders Celandine with Shredded Pork and Rice Cakes: 5 stars. My absolute favorite. The celandine (a fragrant, leafy green) adds a bright, earthy zing, while the rice cakes are perfectly soft and chewy—no sticky mess, just melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Savory, balanced, and impossible to put down. Yellow Braised Chicken with Chestnuts: 5 stars. Rich, savory sauce coating tender chicken and sweet, creamy chestnuts. It’s a touch salty, but that just makes it better for sopping up with rice. Soy Milk & Tofu Pudding: 5 stars each. The soy milk? Brilliant—add sugar to taste (or none, if you prefer it plain). The tofu pudding? Silky, fresh, and subtly sweet once I drizzled on the syrup. I almost asked to take some home—next time, no shame. 🥢 Solid Choices Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao): 4 stars. They don’t look like much, but the thin wrappers hold a burst of flavorful broth, and the pork filling is tender. A classic done well. Ham & Pork Soup: 4 stars. Warm, comforting, and subtly savory—great for cooling weather. Only drawback: Not enough veggies (I barely spotted any bamboo shoots). Still, hits the spot. Honey-Glazed Lotus Root: 4 stars. The syrup is a little too sweet, but the lotus root itself is soft, sticky, and full of natural sweetness. 😐 The Letdown Boiled Beef: Aromatic, but surprisingly mild—more savory than spicy. It’s fine, but not a standout. 💡 Why It Works This is “affordable excellence” at its best. Portions are generous, flavors feel true to home cooking, and little touches (like customizable soy milk) make it feel welcoming. Pro move: If you’re in Cambridge, skip the overhyped spots. This is where locals go—and for good reason. 📍 Shanghai Fresh: Steps from Central Station, Cambridge. I’m already planning my return. Next up: More rice cakes, and that tofu pudding to go. #CambridgeEats #BudgetEats #ComfortFood