JiangNan Boston — Restaurant in Boston

Are the other reviews paid or something? There is no way this place is any more than disappointing. Had dinner here and ordered quite a few things. The main detractor is the "peking" duck. It is not peking duck that they serve and they should frankly be ashamed to call it that. It is a roast duck - and a very mediocre one at that. The skin of a Peking duck should have none of the fat under it. Usually this is done by injecting air under the skin and cooking the duck very slowly in very specialized ovens to allow all the fat to render out and the skin to become crispy. JiangNan has skipped all of this and simply roasted the duck in the oven. There is a thick layer of fat underneath the skin and the skin itself isn't even crispy which even better roast ducks accomplish. The duck is presented flambe'd and cut tableside topped with gold leaf. This is like setting some excrement on fire and adding gold leaf to it. It is completely unnecessary and only serves to try and elevate this sad sad use of a perfectly good duck.

The sheer audacity to name this "peking duck" and have it as the main draw of your restaurant is shocking. Service is not well thought either. The waiters are friendly enough however, every single time a peking duck was ordered by another table, I would have to move my chair to allow the cart to pass and some of the grease from the cart would get onto my clothing. Authentic duck is sliced tableside by an expert chef who has had years of training. Our server struggled to cut the duck and arrange it in any passable way. It took him 15 minutes to cut the duck in front of us. The best part of the duck was actually the salt and pepper duck bones that we had to pay a $15 ransom to get back.

Dishes that we ordered came one at a time spaced apart by enough time where we would finish the first dish before even getting the second. This is not how Chinese food is eaten and it's no fun eating waiting around sharing just one plate of stir fried greens.

The rest of the food was hit or miss with some high highs. The stir fried pork liver was very authentic and the liver was cooked with great skill that left it tender fragrant with the aroma of the wok. The flavor of the liver was accentuated, not masked by the seasoning. This dish was much better than can be had anywhere else in Massachusetts. Likewise the sautéed water spinach is a dish that is offered everywhere but nowhere done with the finesse that Jiangnan can do it. The Kung Pao chicken was average and the use of canned bamboo in place of fresh bamboo was not welcome.

Do not order the Peking duck if you have any experiences eating authentic Peking duck. You will be disappointed. If you would like to spend nearly $100 on a roast duck that is worse than the $30 roast duck you can get at the Super 88 food court, then so be it. If you know what dishes specifically are good here, then you could make this into somewhat of an enjoyable dining experience - oh just hope you get a table not in the center of the restaurant either unless you want to get your clothes ruined.

If the "peking duck" were completely removed from the menu, this place would get 3.5/5 stars but as is, 2/5. If you are looking for an authentic Peking duck experience in Massachusetts unfortunately it still does not exist. You will have to drive to JuQi in Flushing...

Jiangnan, a shining addition to the city's Chinese culinary scene, genuinely lived up to its hype.

Arranging a reservation proved somewhat tricky, as bookings were only accepted via phone, and available slots were elusive, even for early dinners. Undeterred, we opted for a walk-in and were not disappointed. Although Jiangnan touts itself as a Chinese fusion restaurant, it felt more akin to a modern reinterpretation of traditional Chinese cuisine.

For the appetizers, we opted for the home style crispy fish. Resembling sweet, cold, dried anchovies, it was passable but failed to stand out amongst the other offerings. Similarly, the steamed pork and crab meat dumplings were satisfactory but not exceptional. While generally enjoyable, the broth lacked depth, and the crab meat flavor was regrettably too subtle, especially when compared to some Chinatown alternatives that boast richer flavors at lower prices.

Where Jiangnan really shined through was its entrées. The Deep Fried Sliced Eel, although initially intimidating with its hefty coating of dried chili, was a pleasant surprise. While the eel lacked distinctive flavor, the crispy batter and the subtle kick of chili elevated the dish, rendering it far from bland. Another highlight was the Braised Stripe Bass, a house special. The use of lime lemongrass, pickled pepper, and onions successfully dispelled any hint of fishiness, instead leaving a lingering citrusy aftertaste that was nothing short of delightful.

Pao Cai, pickled cabbage drizzled with chili oil, served as a delightful palate cleanser between dishes. It paired particularly well with the Braised Pork Belly, the pickled flavors cutting through the richness of the meat. The pork belly itself was remarkably tender, served in a sublime black tea sauce that accentuated the savoriness of the pork. Living up to the expectations of fine dining, the service was also professional and courteous, adding to the overall positive experience.

Overall, Jiangnan promises a delightful meal through modernized Chinese cuisine. Despite a few minor misses, the overall experience is highly positive, making it a restaurant well...

Title: A Culinary Adventure in the Heart of Boston

Review:

Jiang Nan has breathed new life into the former Teatro space, creating an upscale Chinese fusion experience that stands out among the city's culinary offerings. Located just outside Chinatown, this gem quickly became one of my favorite restaurants in Boston.

Highlights: Soup Dumplings - A must-try! The perfect balance of delicate dumpling skin and rich, flavorful broth. Wontons in Chili Sauce - A delightful mix of spice and savory goodness, these wontons are a treat for the taste buds. Sweet and Sour Pork Tenderloin - A classic dish with a modern twist, the pork is tender and juicy, and the sauce strikes the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Mapo Tofu with Minced Meat - A comforting, spicy dish that warms you from the inside out. The tofu is silky smooth, and the minced meat adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Sautéed Eggplant with Minced Meat - A delicious combination of tender eggplant and savory meat, this dish is a must-order for any eggplant lover. Steamed Lotus Roots Stuffed with Sticky Rice - A unique and beautifully presented sweet dish, perfect for sharing with a group. The gold leaf adds a touch of elegance to this delightful dessert. Peking Duck - A showstopper! The presentation is stunning, and the duck is expertly prepared. A must-try for any special occasion.

Skip: Sliced Pork Belly with Mashed Garlic Sauce - While the presentation is interesting, the dish falls short in flavor and texture. Served cold, the thin slices of pork belly don't quite hit the mark. Pineapple Beer - Cute presentation, but not worth the price. Made from a combination of Budweiser, pineapple juice, and Sprite, it's a novelty that doesn't live up to its cost.

Overall, Jiang Nan offers a delightful dining experience with a lovely interior, attentive staff, and an extensive menu of delicious dishes. The complimentary marinated cabbage and chili oil salad is a tasty start to the meal, and don't be afraid to ask for more.

5 - star experience. Can’t...