Sichuan prawns with spicy and grilled cold noodles!

🍜 Ultra Spicy Pot: Allston’s Hub for Northeastern Chinese Flavors—A Hit Even for Non-Northeasterners If it weren’t for my Northeastern friends’ constant raving, I’d never have known (Northeastern-style mala ban) is a Northeastern specialty. Turns out, this spot isn’t just a nostalgia trip for locals—whether you grew up with these flavors or not, there’s plenty to dig into, from saucy crawfish to crispy fried skewers. 🔥 Universal Favorites (Everyone Approves) Spicy Crawfish 🦐: 5 stars. Sweet, savory, and gently spicy (think rich sauce, not fiery heat). The crawfish are plump, clean, and bigger than most around town—definitely larger than those at (Youqing Kehuan). That sauce? Drizzle it over rice, and thank me later. Pro wish: More veggies like lotus root or potatoes—this dish begs for them. Braised Beef Tripe with Radish 🐄: 5 stars. The tripe is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the radish? Simmered to softness, soaking up all the savory broth. A standout—don’t skip it. Fried Chicken Strips & Tofu Skewers 🍢: 4.5 stars. Shockingly non-greasy (for fried food!) and tossed in a unique seasoning (ask for extra on the side). The chicken stays juicy, the tofu gets chewy—just like the street snacks you’d grab back home. 🥢 Northeastern Classics (Worth Exploring) Northeastern Mala Ban: Divisive, but iconic. My Northeastern pals? Obsessed—“tastes exactly like childhood.” Others? Found it “just sweet and tangy.” If you’re curious about regional eats, give it a go—it’s a cultural must-try. Grilled Cold Noodles (Kao Leng Mian) 🍜: 4.5 stars. Soft, chewy noodles with that signature Northeastern zing—my friends swear it’s spot-on for authenticity. Braised Pork Belly: 4.5 stars. Tender and rich, though a few bites were slightly chewier than ideal. Still, deeply satisfying. 😐 The “Meh” Bites Lamb Hot Pot: Flavorful, but greasy—delicious at first, but heavy after a few spoonfuls. The quail eggs? Overcooked and cracked (a letdown). Suckling Chicken Bones (Suo Luo Ji Jia): Tender and fragrant, but oily. Tasty in small doses, but not memorable. Duck Neck: Clean and lightly seasoned, but lacks bold spice (no Sichuan peppercorns here). Fine for a snack, nothing more. 🥔 A Quick Note on Di San Xian Crispy fried potatoes, eggplant, and peppers—delicious, but salty. Request less soy sauce and salt—you’ll enjoy it more. 💡 Why It Works It’s “Northeastern food for everyone.” You don’t need regional nostalgia to love the crawfish, fried skewers, or tripe. And at ~$45 per person (with tip), it’s a solid value for the portions. 📍 Ultra Spicy Pot: Allston. Whether you’re craving a taste of Northeastern China or just great crawfish, this spot delivers. Even non-Northeasterners—trust me, you’ll leave full and happy. #AllstonEats #NortheasternFlavors #CrawfishLovers