Boston hidden pan-fried god shop! Cooked and served, soup full!
š„ Spring Shanghai Pan-Fried Buns: Bostonās Cozy Spot for Soup-Filled Dumplings & Nostalgia Canāt believe Iāve been eating here for a year without raving about it. This tiny shop keeps things simple: a short menu (started with just pan-fried buns and scallion noodles, now with wontons and pork chop noodles) that nails the āless is moreā vibe. No need for a big groupāgrab a stool, order a bowl of noodles and a plate of buns, and itās like being back in college: broke, full, and happy. š The Stars of the Show Pan-Fried Buns (Sheng Jian Bao): š„ The reason to visit. Made fresh to orderāyou can watch the chefs speed-wrap the filling through the window. Perfect sheng jian need a crispy, thick bottom, thin skin, and a burst of soup inside. These deliver: each bun holds a generous pool of savory broth. Pro move: Poke a small hole, blow gently, sip the soup (slowlyāburning your mouth is a real risk, trust me), then dip in black vinegar to cut the richness. The crispy base + juicy pork filling? Pure perfectionārivals the best Iāve had in Shanghai. Scallion Oil Noodles: š Simple, but stunning. A bowl of plain noodles tossed with fragrant scallion oil and soy sauceāno frills, just bold, aromatic flavor. The scallions are fried to golden perfection, infusing the oil with a nutty, oniony kick. Itās humble comfort food at its best. š The āMehsā Wontons & Pork Chop Noodles: š„¢ Decent, but not memorable. The wontons have a good filling, but the broth lacks depth; the pork chop is tender, but the noodles donāt stand out next to the scallion version. Stick to the classics. ⨠The Vibe Cozy & Quick: No fancy decorājust a few tables, the sound of steaming buns, and that warm, homey energy of a neighborhood spot. Itās perfect for solo meals or a quick bite. Nostalgia Factor: Thereās something about that first bite of sheng jian that takes you backālate-night snacks after class, the joy of simple, well-made food. Budget Score: 4/5. ~$15 per person for a filling, satisfying mealāunbeatable value. Spring Shanghai Pan-Fried Buns doesnāt need a long menu to impress. It does two things flawlessly, and thatās more than enough. For a taste of Shanghai street food (and a hit of nostalgia), this is a must. š Spring Shanghai Pan-Fried Buns 90 Peterborough St, Boston, MA 02215 #BostonChinese #ShengJianBao #ComfortFood