Can Boston's northeast cuisine be a little more robust?

🍖 Northeast Eating Club: Brookline’s Go-To for Northeastern Chinese Fare—Solid, But with Room to Grow When a friend from Houston specifically craved guobaorou (crispy sweet-and-sour pork), this Brookline spot was my first thought. Thanks to a guobaorou-obsessed buddy, I’ve become something of a connoisseur, chasing the dish across North America (Boston, NYC, LA, Dallas—you name it). While this place delivers a decent fix, Boston’s Northeastern Chinese food scene still has room to step up its game. ✅ The Standouts Guobaorou: 🐷 A Harbin-style take that hits the mark. The batter is crisp, evenly coated, and satisfyingly chewy—no sogginess here. The sauce is tangy with a subtle sweetness, though it leans a touch heavy on the sour (missing that extra layer of richness). Still, it’s the best version in Boston. Di San Xian: 🍆 A must-order. Eggplant, potato, and bell pepper are fried to golden perfection—crisp outside, tender inside—tossed in a savory sauce that’s incredibly addictive with rice. Consistently flavorful and comforting. Roasted Lamb Ribs & Lamb Soup: 🐑 A highlight for groups. The ribs are fragrant, tender, and seasoned with cumin, while the accompanying lamb soup is rich, warming, and packed with herbs. Pro tip: Go with a crowd—this dish is made for sharing (and I’m always down to join a lamb rib crew!). Roasted Pig Trotters: 🐷 Fall-off-the-bone tender, with a sticky, crispy glaze. Salty, savory, and full of that satisfying street food vibe—hard to stop eating. ❌ The Letdowns Huxinrou (Pig Heart Meat): 🥩 Fishy and tough, with a gamey aftertaste that even seasoning can’t mask. Skip it. Northeastern Cold Salad: 🥗 Limp, under-seasoned, and forgettable. The veggies lack crunch, and the vinegary sauce is bland—opt for the spicier “tiger vegetable” salad instead. Roasted Eggplant: 🍆 Soggy and flavorless. No char, no seasoning, just… meh. 😐 The “Meh” Middle Ground Grilled Skewers: 🍢 Lamb skewers are tender but drier than the juicier versions at Yan Lan. Chicken rack and gizzards are fine—nothing memorable, but edible. Da Lapi (Mung Bean Noodle Salad): 🥢 The noodles are slippery and fresh, but the sauce is mild—good, not great. ✨ The Verdict Value: 5/5. ~$20+ per person gets you stuffed with meat, carbs, and more. For the price, it’s unbeatable. Consistency: Some dishes (di san xian, guobaorou) shine; others feel rushed. It’s a mixed bag. Northeast Eating Club is solid—especially for the price—but Boston’s Northeastern Chinese food scene can do better. Here’s hoping they step up their game. 📍 Northeast Eating Club 320 Washington St, Brookline, MA 02445 #BostonChineseFood #NortheasternCuisine #GuobaorouLovers