Flavor Boom is one of those places I appreciate having nearby when I didn't bring lunch and need something fast, filling, and actually tasty. The people there have always been nice, and the food has a home-cooked quality to it. It's not fancy, not really a sit-down place, but comforting in a weekday lunch kind of way. There might be a tiny table for two, but I would think of this as a takeout spot. I've tried a handful of dishes here. The black pepper pork is probably my favorite and, in my opinion, the strongest thing on the menu. The chicken adobo is solid, the tangy tamarind chicken is good, and the chicken karahi was tasty, though the chicken itself was a little dry. I also tried the beef rendang, which was not really beef rendang to me. Maybe beef-rendang-inspired? It read more like a beef stew with potatoes. Still tasty, but I would not go in expecting traditional rendang. A couple caveats: friends have mentioned that the rice can be a little dry or uneven at dinner time, and I do think some dishes can get salty toward the end of the day. Maybe the sauce has been sitting and reducing? Unclear. I usually go for lunch, and that seems like the move. Price-wise, it does add up if you're getting lunch here every day. My recent order (large size) came out to about $17 after tax and tip. If I get the large, I can usually stretch it into two meals, so that feels more reasonable, but these are "pleasantly full" meals, not "I have defeated myself" meals. My practical advice: if you're nearby, rushing for lunch, and forgot to bring your own food, this is a very useful spot. If you're not ravenously hungry, get the large and split it into two meals. Also, I wouldn't necessarily add string beans because it seems like they already include a small amount. I probably wouldn't eat here every day because I think I'd get bored, but I'm glad it exists. While Flavor Boom is not my every-day lunch, it is indeed my "I forgot food and need something warm, filling, and tasty before my next meeting" lunch. read more

Flavor Boom - Spicy chicken karahi - Asian Fusion Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

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Had their large burgundy braised beef bowl. Came with tender spiced beef on a bowl Of white rice and green beans. It was delicious. Great size and tasty.. read more

Flavor Boom - Burgundy Braised Beef (GF DF) - Asian Fusion Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

I'm honestly glad that I waited to post my original review with a lower rating and thought through the experience a little bit more. As always, I find it a bit harder to review fusion spots. Not just any fusion either, but one that is all over the world map. It's easy to just nitpick one dish and use it to judge everything else; but what about that is remotely fair? For example, their Beef Rendang (a dish that I'm very familiar with - including the different regional renditions) is more like a hint towards what "real" Beef Rendang is. I don't even need to speak on behalf of the Filipinos regarding their adobo (which I also grew up on) who are infamous to show up on public forums to criticize and say "that's not how my grandmother makes it" (lol). What did come to mind is the old quote that many often find negative but actually was meant to be a positive phrase (if the last part isn't so often omitted). "Jack of all trades, master of none, though often times better than a master of one". That definitely applies here with their style of food. There's a lot going on and a good portal to the true potential of each dish. Definitely give them a try! Portions are good and the food is definitely tasty! read more

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I was actually introduced to Flavor Boom through the Yelp Elite event at the Jamaica Plain location a while back. Since I was biking around Watertown and was already familiar with the place, I decided to stop by for dinner. I actually ordered in advance and picked up when I arrived, so I didn't have too much interaction with the staff. The restaurant was fairly small, but there was seating available. I ordered the Spicy Pork Jjigae (Seasonal Special), which I don't think I'd order again. It was pretty tasty, but a bit too oily, and didn't include vegetables. Next time, I'd go with something that feels a bit healthier. read more

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Red Glaze Pork (4/5): This was just like the braised pork my mom would make for us growing up. Good flavor and tender meat. Spicy Chicken Karahi (4/5): A very simple chicken and rice dish with just the right amount of heat and a subtle sweetness too.  RATING SYSTEM 5 - Great (Need to get this again) 4 - Good (Would get this again) 3 - Ok (Might give this another shot) 2 - Not Good (Won't get this again) 1 - Bad (Telling people to avoid this) read more

Flavor Boom - Spicy Chicken Karahi Bowl - Asian Fusion Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

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This is a solid place. It's small, so it's really more for takeout/delivery. The dishes are packed with flavor. They have 3 sizes of rice dishes and you pick the toppings. The toppings flavor the rice as the sauces ooze into the rice. The only reason they don't get a full 5 is the value. I feel like the platter size is more due to the amount of rice they give. Additionally, these dishes are pricey in general for the amount of protein they give. read more

I came to this Watertown location only because we keep passing this in a car ride. Food is what I remembered from the Jamaican playing location, but this takeout was basically self-service kiosk and not even sure if they took cash which worked fine for me and once you place it you get your food. It's a little impersonal honestly, but it's such a tiny space to sit down like two tables and they have this whole back section which seems to be the kitchen I think, it was quite blocked off. Nice to know of this location I think this is just a good place to just take out. read more

Flavor Boom - Asian Fusion Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

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Sadly, this place used to be really great but has gone way downhill. I ordered the chicken Karahi, which used to have a nice thick flavorful sauce and now is quite dry and unappealing with a thin runny sauce. They also add in an automatic tip on their order screens, which is quite annoying. read more

If you're looking for a culinary adventure that's as satisfying as it is delicious, look no further than Flavor Boom. This hidden gem has quickly become a local favorite for its bold, authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients. From the moment you take your first bite, you'll be transported to a world of taste sensations. Whether you're craving the fiery heat of their spicy chili or the comforting richness of their slow-cooked braised beef, Flavor Boom delivers on every level. The menu is a beautifully curated selection of international dishes, each one showcasing the chef's skill and passion for good food. (P.S. The limited Chicken Adobo - dish from the Philippines - is delicious! Highly recommended) read more

Flavor Boom - Delicious Chicken Adobo (Philippines) - Asian Fusion Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

Can't wait to try more from here but my first go was: Spicy Chicken Karahi. It was super good, definitely has a kick so make sure you have a spice tolerance! Love the chicken and rice used. read more

Flavor Boom - Spicy Chicken Karahi - Asian Fusion Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

Wow! Small, unassuming newer place, but had such a fantastic experience! Of note, this is a take out only restaurant with very fast, pleasant service. A group of us did share size of many items on the menu since this place boasts of cuisines around the world so I was able to try a good majority. Quick, fast service, generous portions and really really tasty items. Amongst the dishes I tried included the beef rendang, chicken karahi, black pepper pork, eggplant zaalouk, shrimp curry tamarind chicken, glazed pork, braised beef, and garlic pulpo. The flavor is out of the world! Well seasoned and packed with flavor, I really enjoyed each bite. I also enjoyed the bed of rice, as it really soaks up the delicious sauces. There were also several vegetarian options on the menu, which my group appreciates. The beef dishes really tasted like slow cooker home cooked meals. The chicken dishes were high quality chicken, likely breast meat perfectly cut and slightly shredded. As a seafood lover, hands down my two favorite dishes were the octopus and shrimp curry. Gone are the days where you have to go to a high end sit down restaurant and pay $20 for a small grilled piece of octopus. I was impressed by the tenderness and flavor packed in. The shrimp curry is one of the tastiest curries I have tasted. Packed with flavor and heat as well as a very generous portion of perfectly cooked shrimp, I know I'll be coming back to this dish many times. Of note, the entrees that do mention spice really are packed with flavor and spice, so read carefully (such as the spicy chicken karahi). I personally love spice so loved the kick added to these dishes. Especially in times of COVID, I am glad that this restaurant popped up. Perfect for quick take out lunch stop or a night in with friends. read more

Flavor Boom - Asian Fusion Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

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I am so glad Flavor Boom Boom opened up a second location in Watertown! They have a small parking lot of the side. I got the shrimp curry and it was pretty good. You get a good amount of shrimp and rice. I wish there was some sauce on the side but overall, amazing! read more

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Good healthy options and great labeling! Ordered for delivery through UberEats. Spicy Karahi had a bit of a kick but very tasty. Great portions. Each bowl is enough for 2 meals. The farmhouse (veggie) bowl is an excellent high protein veggie option. My only qualm with the farmhouse bowl is that it could use some black pepper. They do low salt very well which I appreciated. read more

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Food is really good. Also service always very caring. You guys always give samples I love it. Great place to eat.

I was so pleasantly surprised to find this hidden gem! The food is outstanding, the place is spotless and bright, and the service was welcoming and cheerful! Natalie suggested I get boomin beef rendang- and boy was that the best suggestion I've had all day. The beef was melting in my mouth, the spices were never like I've had before- so aromatic and melding incredibly well with the braised beef, potatoes, and rice. And to top it off this dish is both gluten free and dairy free! I'm bringing my son back tonight to get dinner! The prices are more than ok, and Natalie was so helpful and sweet, and on point, that I feel like I made a friend as well! Awesome stuff Flavor-Boom!!!! Go see this place! It's right on Arsenal st halfway to Target! read more

My new go to place for when I want exciting food and fast! I live down the street and to be honest I find a lot of places in town to be pretty standard and even boring options for an after work dinner that can be picked up. Flavorboom will certainly be my new favorite. The process of ordering is simple and efficient, you may either order ahead on your phone or at the kiosk in the restaurant. The menu is smaller than your typical fast food but options are unique and after sampling three, I'm excited to try the rest! I ordered the Boomin' Beef Rendang, Zoom Zoom Zaalouk, and Supernova Crab & Scallop Curry. All were 10/10. The ingredients were high-quality, fresh, and clearly chosen thoughtfully. Aside from the obvious being great tasting dishes, what I love about the restaurant is the variety in choices of unique Asian/Mediterranean flavors, ranging from Moroccan to Thai and beyond. It's hard to choose a favorite so I'll just say each option is truly reflective of the restaurant name and packed with strong and authentic flavors that I personally have not found all in one place! Looking forward to coming back soon! read more

Flavor Boom - Zoom Zoom Zaalouk - Asian Fusion Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

I was so excited to try this place out once I saw it was open. They are currently doing a soft opening, so the restaurant doesn't look like much now, but their food is delicious! You can either order online or order on an iPad inside - they are still working on getting a kiosk up. Given it's a small menu, we tried most of the dishes. We had the Boomin' Beef Rendang, Burgundy Braised Beef, Spicy Chicken Karahi, Red-Glaze Pork, Tea egg, and the Stupid Hot Chopped Chilis. The bowls appear on the smaller side but they are very filling. There's a generous portion of meat in each dish. The food definitely does the name of the restaurant justice. Each bowl complex and flavorful. Although dishes are primarily Asian, many of them are inspired by various different countries. Since I eat a lot of spicy food, I found that I used about a half of the container of chopped chilis for my entree. If you like spicy food, get some chili's on the side to add as needed. We also got their kids meal, which comes with rice crackers and a pop tube toy. My niece loved everything! I can't wait to work my way through the entire menu. read more

A new small restaurant in Watertown that doesn't have much to it besides a table with a kiosk to order from. We ordered online and decided to try the red glazed pork and the black pepper pork sharing sizes. In hindsight, it would've just been better to get the single portions and not have to deal with cooking rice, but at least it's an option. Both of the pork meats were good, it falls apart easily and it's tender. The flavoring for the reg glazed was a bit sweeter, while the black pepper pork was a bit spicier from the pepper. After eating both together with rice, the flavors all mashed up together and it wasn't anything special. They also have other offerings from chicken, tofu, and eggplant, so maybe you'll have better luck trying something different. They have kid portioned meals that come with a pop tube toy and are currently also offering a Thanksgiving sampler for 4 people. read more

Flavor Boom - Share size: Red Glazed Pork & Black Pepper Pork - Asian Fusion Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

Best food out there. Like home cooked food, but better. Taste unreal, too. Nice guys who run the place and staff are excellent.

The perfect quick lunch spot! I thought the flavors were so delicious, and to top it off, it came out within 5 minutes of me ordering! Tasted like a home made meal. Will definitely be stopping back on another work lunch break. read more

Flavor Boom - Boomin' Beef Rendang - Asian Fusion Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

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We got family style portions as take out and everything was delicious! Definitely lives up to the name Flavor Boom.

Excellent food! We had the Boomin' Beef Rendang and it was delicious! The woman serving was very nice and friendly and let us sample a few things before deciding since it all sounded so good. We sampled the Burgundy Braised Beef and the Spicy Chicken Karahi which were both delicious too! The restaurant is small with only 2 or 3 tables. Highly recommend! read more

Food is delicious. I love the eggplant and rice. I do think that sizes are in the small size for the price, and not too keen on paying extra for 5 beans. However, I really think the food is good. read more

Great service and food was fresh and good. Great takeout spot and going into regular rotation.

Pretty darn good, very good for the money. This is a regular and it was almost enough for me I think I'd probably do a large if I go again. 100% my kind of food, braised stuff over rice. Veggies are extra. This would be a 5/5 if garnishes flavors were a bit more on point, Ive tried 3 things here and they are all good, but very one note. In my photo I added fried garlic and green onions to the pork, and it took it up another level. A little garnish or some accoutrements, and this would be an easy 5/5, very well priced, good flavors , if regrettably one note. read more

Flavor Boom - Asian Fusion Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

Good service! The food is flavorful!!! I a little spicy! Great place for grab a to go dinner or lunch!

My husband got take out from here and honestly when he brought it home, I was unimpressed. The portions seemed small and the meat wasn't very tender. The dish that surprised me the most and easily became my favorite was the pulpo. It was so soft and tender and worth the 18 dollar cost. I knew this restaurant deserved 4 stars when my 1 year old gobbled up his meal and kept asking for more! They seem to be in a soft opening right now so I'll probably be back in the future when they fully open. read more

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This place is amazing! I was in Boston for the weekend and looking for a new place to go eat. I found this up and coming restaurant and all the great reviews that they had. Figured I'd have to stop in and try it. Immediately as I walked in, I was greeted by the friendly owners. Jim and Harry were kind and took the time to walk me through all of their dishes and gave me recommendations based on what I would like. They were so friendly and really made me feel at ease while ordering (something that's sorely lacking these days). Onto the food. It's rare that a restaurant can explore so many different cuisine options and hit them all. From the garlic pulpo to the beef rendang to the red rocket pork. The dishes that I tried were all packed full of flavor. They reminded me of home style cooking which I believe is the concept they're going for. The dishes were simple but so enjoyable! The portion sizes are very reasonable as well. I will definitely be coming back for seconds and to try out the rest of the dishes on their menu. Give Flavor Boom! a try. If anything, stop in and say hi to these wonderful owners. read more

JAMAICA PLAIN LOCATION ( not showing up) O M G !!! Amazing I could write volumes, but suffice to say, it's DELICIOUS!! Really interesting flavor combinations! All 3 meat groups & s vegetarian. Super great quick fresh FAST cafe with cool vibe!! I'm most definitely coming back several times!! read more

The food here is delicious! The Garlic Paprika Pulpo is definitely a must have! The only down side is the updating of the updating of the website for the food selection that is available. But everything else was perfect! read more

Flavor Boom - Asian Fusion Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

This place is so freakin good. I was craving something simple, just chicken and rice, but i wanted it to not be a boring meal. This place hit ALL those marks! Also, make sure you like spicy food before you order because there's definitely a kick. Its a little tricky to find because its brand new and the signage is still getting out up, but the chef personally came out to give me my order and introduce himself! Keep an eye on this place! read more

Flavor Boom - Spicy Chicken Karahi! So yummy - Asian Fusion Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

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New spot opened near me, got the beef rendang and it was pretty good. Will be back to try their other dishes. read more

Flavor Boom - Beef rengdeang - Asian Fusion Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

Saw some great photos on line for the food and decided to go here. We orderd three dishes. Octopus, Eggplant and Beef. Octopus tasted like it came from a can as opposed to the octopus I am used to having traveled to Japan and it had no vegetables. The eggplant was just not good. I took one bite because it was my wifes dish. I had a beef dish and it was dry and just not good also with no vegetables. I thought I was going crazy when I saw all of the 5 star reviews on Yelp. I then saw a 2 star review that somebody wrote about Boom and I felt comfortable to write my review. Maybe they had a bad day. Do not know if I would give them a second chance. I almost gave them 2 stars based on how friedly they were. Gentleman asked me where I was from with a very warm smile. Then a women came out from the side entrance with a friendly smile to say hi. I just wish the food was delicious! read more

I had the fortune to sample 7 dishes from Flavor Boom, and WOW, all so amazingly delicious! This is truly bringing gourmet international flavor to your own home. Impossible to pick a favorite as I love them all, but if I had to, I'd say the scallop in curry coconut milk broth. It has the perfect balance between a spicy curry flavor and creamy coconut taste. Just yummmmm! read more

Flavor Boom - Scallop in curry coconut broth - Asian Fusion Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

We finally had a chance to try the aptly named Flavor Boom! Bought three rice bowls, the Burgundy beef bowl, spicy chicken Karahi, and the eggplant. Beef would be great on a cold day, and tasted fine. Spicy chicken hit the mark has a nice kick to it with a wonderful flavor profile. I am sure it would be great on a roll! Surprise favorite was the eggplant with chick peas. I think I was supposed to share that!! Congratulations to the owners on what will surely be a big hit, Flavor Boom! We shall return to work out way through the menu. Looking forward to it all! read more

Food was delicious!! Garlic paprika pulpo (octopus). I'll definitely order from them again! (Note: I removed the garlic cloves bc, while I love the taste, I don't like biting into large chunks. Still, the octopus, rice and seasonings were especially delicious!!) read more

Flavor Boom - Octopus - Asian Fusion Near Me - Watertown, Massachusetts

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The food was very tasty. It was advertised as super spicy, but I didn't find it so. Just right, really. They're 8 or 10 different choices, and about seven of them look like something I'd really like to try. Portions were great-- I ordered the regular and had plenty of food. My only real complaint, and it's not a big one, is that the meat had a little more fat on it than I like. read more

Food was delicious. Staff was very sweet. Music is chill and the place is nice and clean. I recommend the Boomin' Beef! Think Pot Roast but more rich. It came apart to the touch the was so savory and warm. My friend got the Tangy Tamarind Chicken. It was also super soft and melted in the mouth. I'll be back next time I am in town. read more

My son and I stopped in for some "healthier" take out. We were greeted by a very friendly person, who we believe is the owner. He guided us through each of the dishes and even gave us a few samples. Everything was amazing. Fresh, clean, soooo tasty -and what a welcoming ambiance/environment! Definitely recommend! We each got "regular" sized bowls - they look small (especially in the photos) but are actually quite big and filling! read more

I enjoyed the Pulpo entree when I visited Flavor Boom! this week. The worker there was friendly and helpful, and the space was clean and laid out nicely. Each dish is truly packed full of flavor, and it strikes a perfect balance between light & healthy but also hearty & filling. I can't wait to come back and keep trying more dishes! read more