Boston Slips into Winter:A pot of hot, spicy soup that warms the heart

🐷 Hanmaru Gamjatang: Allston’s Long-Reigning King of Spicy Pork Bone Soup When Boston’s winters hit, this Allston staple is the answer to cold nights. Billing itself as New England’s best gamjatang (spicy pork bone soup), it lives up to the hype—serving up heaping bowls of fiery, comforting broth that warms you from the inside out. 🌟 The Star: Hanmaru’s Signature Gamjatang A medium-sized pot arrives piled high like a mountain of ingredients: 5 pork spine bones: Meat falls off the bone, tender and flavorful, with plenty of marrow to scoop out. Veggie bonanza: Watercress, bean sprouts, cabbage, potatoes, rice cakes, and glass noodles—all soaking up that rich broth. The base? A bold, spicy doenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste) broth that’s immediately warming. Pro tip: Sip the broth early—simmering longer makes it saltier, but that depth of flavor is part of the appeal. Spoon after spoon, it’s a heatwave for your soul—perfect for chasing winter chills. 😐 The “Mixed Bag” Pork Trotter with Lettuce 🦶 Tender, but the collagen-rich bits have a crunchy texture (not the soft, (sticky) consistency some might expect). Wrapping it in lettuce with garlic and chili helps mellow it, but it’s overshadowed by the soup. Stick to classic pork belly next time. 🍲 Why It’s a Winter Must This isn’t just soup—it’s an experience. The communal pot, the steam fogging up glasses, the slow burn of the spice—it’s everything you need to feel cozy when the temperature drops. 💰 Value & Vibe Price: Affordable (medium pot feeds 2 easily, around $30–$40 total). Atmosphere: Casual, bustling, and unpretentious. It’s a neighborhood favorite, with tables full of people huddled over steaming pots—no frills, just good food. Hanmaru Gamjatang earns its “Allston staple” title. That pork bone soup is the reason to visit—spicy, hearty, and exactly what winter ordered. 📍 Hanmaru Gamjatang (Allston location—check their site for exact address; worth the hunt.) #AllstonEats #BostonWinterWarms #KoreanComfort