The new steamed buns in Boston are something

🥟 Kung Fu Kitchen: Brookline’s New Dumpling Spot—Pleases Both Americans and Chinese Diners Touted as New York’s “best dumplings,” this new Brookline spot made me skeptical at first—packed with non-Chinese diners, I worried it might be too “westernized.” But I left impressed: its biggest strength? It satisfies both American tastes and Chinese palates. 🌟 The Standouts Pork Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao): 🐷 The star. The wrappers are a touch thick, but the broth inside is abundant—so much that you’ll want to pierce a hole and slurp it first (trust me, I learned the hard way after a messy explosion). Juicy, savory, and true to form—no weird “fusion” twists. Spicy Beef Hand-Pulled Noodles: 🍜 A pleasant surprise, especially for Northern Chinese tastes. The noodles are chewy and springy (a must for hand-pulled), with a rich, flavorful broth. 可惜 (可惜) the chili oil ruins it—it’s harsh, raw-tasting, and lacks fragrance. Stick to the original (non-spicy) version. Pro tip: Carb lovers, ask for extra noodles—the portion is small. Beef Pancake Wrap: 🥙 Crispy scallion pancake layered with braised beef, wrapped with green onions and sweet sauce. Crunchy, savory, and satisfying—simple but well-executed. 😐 The “Meh” Sichuan Pork Ear Salad: 🐷 Overly salty and underwhelming. The texture is fine, but the seasoning is one-note—skip it. ✨ Why It Works Balanced Appeal: From the menu to the decor, it’s clearly designed to attract non-Chinese diners, but it doesn’t dumb down flavors. As a Chinese diner, I found it authentic enough to enjoy—even with low expectations, it surprised me. Convenience: Perfect for a quick bite while shopping in Brookline, or for introducing (foreign friends) to Chinese comfort food. Budget Score: 4/5. Affordable, with decent portions (just add extra noodles if needed). Kung Fu Kitchen isn’t revolutionary, but it’s solid. For satisfying dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, and a crowd-pleaser vibe, it’s worth a stop. 📍 Kung Fu Kitchen 1353 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02446 #BostonDumplings #BrooklineEats #ChineseComfortFood