Boston Soup Dumplings 烹小鲜

Great homey dumpling spot. Their soup dumpling skins aren’t too thick and there’s a good amount of soup in each one. I also like their crystal shrimp dumplings. The shrimp is well-deveined and everything comes out piping hot.

The space itself is nice and clean. Ordering is easy via QR code but paper menus are available if you prefer those.

I thought I would get this place since Gourmet Dumpling House in Chinatown closed. The steamed pork dumplings were very good. the pork wontons in chicken soup was also excellent - although there was very little soup. It really wasn’t enough broth to call it a soup at all. The scallion pancakes were just ok.
The name of the place being “Boston Soup Dumplings”, I was surprised that they only had one type of soup dumpling on the menu. I wish they had a few other types.
What I wasn’t fond of was the ordering by QR code on your phone. I don’t think any of the employees actually said anything to us. They simply dropped the food off at the table after I ordered it on my phone. This was actually less interaction than you would get at McDonalds.
When it was time to pay, you indicated this on your phone and they come over with the payment screen to scan your credit card. They prompt you for an 18%, 20% or 22% tip.
I always tip 20%+ when I dine out. But I usually have a server that takes my order and actually checks on the table to see if everything is ok. This is not a waitstaff, they simply hand you food and walk away.
I still tipped 17%, but I’m still not sure why. I feel that 10% would have been more than generous for this level of service.
Maybe people like this type of restaurant. I find it very impersonal. I give the food maybe 4.25/5 but the service 2/5.

Excellent food! The staff are great. You can ask for the menu or just scan the QR code to order. It was super easy to split the bill with my friend, too. The portions are great, you don't really need to order extra meat/veggie. They do give you a ton of noodles, if you are into that. We got, “Sliced Beef and Ox Tongue in Chili Sauce”, it was with Sichuan pepper; very spicy and numbing. It was great for me, I would recommend you try it! We did go in on at 11 AM on Sunday. It was not busy, and the food came out pretty quick.

Ordered Braised Beef Noodle Soup, above expectations! Dine-in experience was also joyful. 9.5/10 recommended

Great spot for Chinese noodles and dumplings in Allston.

Recently came here for a weekday lunch and was surprised to find the place with a bustling crowd. With a mobile ordering system accessible via barcode, customizing my dish down to the spice level and sauce quantity was a breeze.

Starting with appetizers, I tried the Sliced Beef and Ox Tongue in Chili Sauce and the Sichuan Spicy Wontons. Both dishes had their merits, but the wontons edged out slightly for me. Enveloped in a delicate skin, the pork filling was complemented exquisitely by the green pepper oil, adding just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the palate.

I also tried their signature Chongqing Noodles with Minced Pork. As someone who doesn't particularly enjoy the numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns, I appreciated the ability to tailor the dish to a milder spice level. The noodles were cooked to perfection, boasting an ideal chewy texture. However, the dish was a tad on the salty side, which slightly eclipsed the otherwise well-seasoned minced pork.

Overall, Boston Soup Dumplings offers an authentic and customizable Sichuan food experience. Despite some minor flaws, it's worth a try, especially for lovers of spicy, complex flavors.