Boston | Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai fellow villagers review

🍚 (Szechuan Dumpling): Arlington’s Jiangzhe Gem—Northern Praise for Dongpo Pork, Sheng Jian, and More Tucked in Arlington, this spot comes recommended by Jiangsu friends as Boston’s go-to for authentic Jiangzhe (Jiangsu-Zhejiang) flavors. As a northerner with no regional bias—just a love for good food—here’s the verdict: with 10 dishes sampled (all ordered with “less salt”), some shined, others divided, but there’s plenty to justify a return. 🔴 Must-Order: No Regrets Dongpo Pork 🍖 The table favorite. Glistening, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly with a rich, syrupy sauce. Fatty but never greasy—each bite dissolves, leaving a sweet-savory finish. Even non-pork lovers cleaned their plates. Perfect over rice (we’re already planning a solo trip for this). Mom’s Thousand-Layer Tofu Soup 🥣 A revelation. Clear, flavorful broth with tender tofu wraps (stuffed with meat and veggies). No overpowering MSG—just clean, umami-rich warmth. It’s comforting, light, and a great palate cleanser. Pan-Fried Dumplings (Guotie) 🥟 Gone in seconds. Crispy bottoms, juicy filling, and a hint of ginger—simple, but executed perfectly. The Ningbo and Shanxi crew at the table insisted this gets top marks. Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-Fried Buns) 🥢 A surprise hit—even if it’s not “Shanghai-style.” These are big, oily, and packed with scallion-meat filling (think northern Chinese “cong rou bao” in pancake form). They’re hearty (one for her, two for him fills you up) and so flavorful, everyone overlooked the “not traditional” debate. 👌 Solid, But Not Spectacular Malantou with Dried Tofu 🥬 A classic cold dish: bitter-green malantou tossed with dried tofu. The Shanghainese diner noted, “I could make this at home,” but it’s fresh and a nice starter. Pian’erchuan Noodles 🍜 Chewy noodles with crispy pork slices and vegetables. Tasty, but not mind-blowing—good for carb lovers. Fermented Rice Balls (Jiu Niang Yuanzi) 🍡 Sweet, with plump glutinous rice balls, egg drops, and goji berries. It’s rich (bordering on too sweet) but satisfying as a dessert. Garlic Sautéed Water Spinach 🥬 Standard stir-fried greens—fresh, garlicky, and a good balance to the heavier dishes. ⚫️ Divisive Picks Braised Lion’s Head 🥘 The meatballs were dry, with sauce that didn’t penetrate. “Tastes like a processed meatball,” said the Shanghainese diner—skip. Plum Sauce Ribs 🍖 The plum sauce was overly sweet, and the ribs lacked tenderness. The Ningbo friend (no stranger to sweet-savory dishes) wasn’t a fan, though the pickled plum bits themselves were crisp. 💰 Value & Vibe Price: Reasonable for portions (10 dishes fed 4 comfortably, ~$30–$40 per person). Atmosphere: Casual, no-frills, with friendly staff (they happily adjusted salt levels). Great for group meals—plenty of shared dishes to try. (Szechuan Dumpling) nails the classics that matter: Dongpo pork, soup, and those pan-fried buns. While some dishes missed the mark, the standouts make it a solid choice for Jiangzhe cravings—especially if you’re with a crew that loves sharing. 📍 (Szechuan Dumpling) Arlington, MA (check maps for exact address) #BostonJiangzheCuisine #ArlingtonEats #ChineseComfort