It's so good that I want to use this new restaurant as my cafeteria!
š Lanner Noodles & Bar: Cambridgeās Hidden GemāJiangsu-Zhejiang Flavors, Spicy Chicken, and Hand-Pulled Perfection Tucked on Pearl Street in Cambridge, this tiny spot is easy to miss (Google Maps might not recognize the nameājust plug in the address). But arrive early (they open at 11:30 AM) and youāll be rewarded with some of Bostonās most satisfying Chinese comfort foodāthink tender ribs, spicy chicken, and noodles that taste like home. š The Must-Orders Sweet and Sour Spareribs š A revelation. Tender ribs with crispy bits of cartilage, tossed in a balanced sauceāsweet without being cloying, tangy enough to cut through the richness. Itās bright, flavorful, and tastes like a authentic Jiangsu-Zhejiang classic. Pair it with riceāyouāll want to soak up every drop. Big Plate Chicken (Da Pan Ji) š¶ļøš The star. Juicy, tender chicken (no āmushyā texture here) with melt-in-your-mouth potatoes in a spicy, savory broth. Do not skip the noodlesāthick, chewy hand-pulled strands tossed in the sauce? Thatās the soul of the dish. Ask for less spice if youāre sensitiveāitās bold by default. Shredded Cabbage Stir-Fry š„¬ Simple, but spectacular. Crisp cabbage tossed in garlic and chili oilāsmoky, slightly charred, and addictive. Itās the perfect side to cool down the spicy chicken. š Noodle Standouts Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Noodles š Generous chunks of tender beef in a clear, savory broth, with hand-pulled noodles that have that satisfying āchewy-springyā texture. A classic done rightāwarm, comforting, and filling. Tomato Egg Noodles š š³ A homey favorite: al dente noodles tossed in a sweet-savory tomato egg sauce. Itās simple, but packed with nostalgiaālike momās cooking in bowl form. š° Value & Vibe Price: ~$30+ per person (with tip, for 3 people)āshockingly affordable for the portions and quality. Atmosphere: Casual, bustling, and no-frillsāthink a neighborhood spot where locals line up early. The focus is on food, not decor, and service is quick (even when busy). Lanner Noodles & Bar earns its 5-star rating. From the sweet and sour ribs to the big plate chicken (and those essential noodles), every dish feels crafted with care. Itās already on my list for a dinner returnānext time, Iām saving room for dessert. š Lanner Noodles & Bar 24 Pearl St, Cambridge, MA 02139 (Pro tip: Use the address for Uber/navigationāskip Google Maps for the name.) #CambridgeEats #ChineseComfortFood #HiddenGems