Mae Asian Eatery

4.4 (309 reviews)

ModerateThai, Vietnamese, Noodles

Open • 11:15 am - 2:00 pm, 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM

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Mae Asian Eatery - Pad Thai with vegetables - Thai Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Mae Asian Eatery - Pad Khee Mao (Drunken Noodles) + Thai tea - Thai Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Mae Asian Eatery - Tom Yum Soup with Shrimp - Thai Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Menu photo 1 Mae Asian Eatery Cambridge, MA

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MAE ASIAN EATERY ATMOSPHERE

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Moderate noise

Classy

Good for groups

Good for kids

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Nick J.

Highly recommend! Everything was very tasty. The fried rice was a hit and decent size for the price. Restaurant is really small but the staff is very nice and helpful. Getting there close to dinner start time it will be easy to get a seat. Definitely worth a try at least!

Ying X.

Mae, literally "mummy" in Thai, however, was adapted to be somehow whiter from mummy's flavor. Pad Thai with shrimp: I was able to confirm the chef's nice stir fry skill, since the Pad Thai was really full of wok-hei, while the extra big shrimps were bouncy. However, the kway-teow (flat rice noodles) itself was too thin that it nearly all stock together, causing a kind-of-soggy texture. The seasoning was a bit too sweet from an authentic one, but after all, here is America!!!

Anh L.

Pretty good for a place to eat in Boston. Everyone was super nice and friendly. Tables are a little bit too close so and everyone can hear your business lol

Parita A.

We came on a cold Saturday night around 8pm and lucked out--got seated right away, but within 10 minutes there was a line out the door. Service was warm and attentive throughout, which definitely added to the experience. The food came out hot and really quickly for how busy they were. Food was solid with a lot of great vegetarian and eggless options, which I appreciated. We tried the Kah Moo as a starter--definitely unique, kind of reminded me of a coconut pakora. Not my personal favorite, but interesting. The Pad Krapow was flavorful and well-balanced, and the Thai Ma-Po Tofu was decent but leaned a little too salty for my taste. We ended with the mango sticky rice--the mango was super fresh, but I found myself missing that strong coconut flavor that makes for a great mango sticky rice. Overall, a good spot that i'd try more dishes at again. I'd give it 3.75 stars if I could, but rounding up for the great service and variety!

Angie K.

Stopped by here to grab dinner with a small group of friends. I got the drunken noodles with tofu. I asked for it in a medium but I would probably call the dish mild. If you like your food spicier I'd go up a notch or two. The food was decent and the service was ok. They had some ok outdoor seating on the sidewalk, but really it's a somewhat busy street or can be right at Cambridge rush hour so a little loud but the evening was pleasant enough to sit outside so we took advantage. Our server was fine but some of the interactions with the staff and the policies were just surprising. I walked in to use the restroom and was stopped and then rather rudely asked if I was a customer and I said yes, I'm seated outside and the person reluctantly got out of my way. I customer only policy is fine, Attitude with it not so great. The other thing that surprised me was that they refused to split the check, at all, we couldn't even give them more than one credit card. Anyway, that was rather surprising as well. They didn't say anything when we told them we wanted separate checks before we ordered. Perhaps they didn't hear us.

The Spiciest dish in the menu! It's tasty & delish.. 10/10! Ground chicken dish with kaffir lime leaves. I can't remember the Thai name tho.

D M.

Our annual spring visit to MIT in Cambridge, MA. always includes a visit or two at Mae. We noticed they have expanded their menus, very exciting! We had our favorite Drunken Noodle with crispy chicken, Pineapple fried rice with crispy chicken, spare ribs khao soi, and the spiciest chicken dish on the menu! Everything was spot on and delicious! We were kinda sad that it maybe a while before we returned to Mae as our MIT entourage is ending very soon. Mae has been consistently good!

Angela L.

Nicest server!! He always smiles at every customer and seems genuinely loves what he does! The food is good too. I got the chicken khao soi and it is really tasty Nice outdoor seating

Woo K.

The restaurant was on an empty street. Parking wasn't difficult. Ambiance was very casual. Staff was polite. The food was ok. Nothing "wow". But it was fine. The wings was prob the best so far. Crispy. Tasty. The pad Thai probably needed more lime. Less sweet. Indonesian fried rice was a bit too sweet and mushy. A bit dryer would have been nice. Too saucy. Chicken and egg was a must.

Irene W.

Was in the area and so glad to happen upon an Asian restaurant. The place itself is quite small and cozy, parties of 2-4 would be perfect. When we arrived after the lunch rush, there was no wait and we were seated immediately. The menu lists some lunch specials and each comes with an appetizer but the portion was smaller than I expected. For the price though, the quality of the food is decent and you won't go hungry. Service is good, they are attentive and are not hard to get attention from. There is only one restroom though so there might be a wait during rush hours.

Jessica J.

Food: we got Mae Wings spicy Tom Yum (crispy, not too spicy, flavorful), original street noodle (a lot of texture going on here, highly recommended) and Khao Soi short rib (tender, really flavorful) - 5/5 Service: really attentive. They even gave us small instruction on how to eat the original street noodle. They checked on us to make sure everything okay. 5/5 Ambiance: clean, small, cozy place. 5/5 Overall: 5/5, definitely will be back.

Della S.

I walk past this restaurant all the time and finally got the chance to stop by for dinner. This place truly lives up to the hype-- the interior is clean with an elegant aesthetic and all of the people who work here are extremely kind. Two of us walked in without a reservation and were able to get seated pretty quickly, but the restaurant was pretty busy so I'd try to make a reservation the next time I come especially if I have a larger party. We got the Jim jiew fries ($7.95), cashew gai krob ($16.95), and kua kling gai ($16.95) with white rice ($1 each bowl). I'm usually not the biggest fan of crinkle-cut fries because they're mushy 50% of the time but the fries here are nice and crispy! The seasoning on the fries was addictive-- it had a very umami, almost seafood/fish taste to it. The fries were hot and crispy on the outside and super fluffy on the inside. The entrees were very large portions and we ended up taking leftovers home. The cashew gai krob had a generous portion of both crispy chicken and vegetables. The sauce was thick, savory, and sweet. I loved the flavors in the kua kling gai! It is supposed to be the spiciest dish on the menu and definitely packs a kick, but is not tortuous. While the dish mainly features ground chicken, there are fresh vegetables, bell peppers, and a very flavorful, earthy seed that adds lots of texture. The dish was so savory yet fresh at the same time and I haven't encountered a similar flavor profile in the Boston/Cambridge area in a while. I could see myself coming back just to get this dish again. Overall this was an excellent dining experience!

Lili S.

The general tso's chicken was flavorful and filling. As a bonus, it tasted great as leftovers. Mae Asian Eatery has a pleasant staff. Take note: It is a small restaurant and can get packed quickly on weekends. Still, this collaborative ambiance is what makes the restaurant feel so cozy!

Jack W.

Mae Asian Eatery is a cozy restaurant with a pleasant ambiance and friendly servers. I recommend booking a reservation, as it tends to get busy. I tried the Indonesian fried rice, which was absolutely delicious--the rice was perfectly toasted, complemented by shrimp, egg, crispy fried chicken, and a flavorful sweet and sour sauce. Solid portions and chic decor make it a great spot for a nice dinner with a friend. I'd return to try more of their menu.

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Samantha M.

Elite 21

180

120

7 years ago

My friend and I were craving Asian/Vietnamese food so we decided to check this place out. This is definitely not the restaurant's fault but it was almost impossible to find parking anywhere nearby. We ended up having to walk several blocks in extreme heat to get there. Anyways, when we sat down we quickly realized that either there was no air conditioning, or it at least wasn't working properly. This kind of ruined my appetite and made me unable to eat, but I felt even worse for the cooks making the food. As far as the menu, I was not expecting them to only have a very small lunch menu available. Online it seemed like they had a lot of options so I was very disappointed when there was only a few. I ended up ordering chicken pho but was served beef pho which was disappointing as well but not worth making a fuss about. Overall, the food was very average but my friend was happy with her meal so I may have just ordered the wrong things. One thing I was pleased with was the design of the restaurant. Although it was very small, it was nicely decorated and very modern. I don't think I would go back again unless it was cooler and there was a different dinner menu. It wasn't the worst but a lot of little things added up that day to make it not the ideal experience. read more

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Shiqi Z.

8 years ago

Highly recommended. Very nice and cozy environment. The staff were so friendly and helpful. We had such a nice dining experience. The food was amazing. The green curry was awesome!!! read more

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William H.

6 years ago

Terrific mom-and-pop place with great food and the nicest staff and owners! The atmosphere is pleasant too, and I definitely plan to come back. I highly recommend the short ribs khao soi! The Indonesian fried rice was quite good as well. Thanks for a great experience all around! read more

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John M.

8 years ago

Absolutely delicious food! We spoke with the owner and he was so helpful and hospitable. Many vegetarian options and were very helpful in helping us navigate the menu! Some of the most delicious Thai flavors we've tasted! We know this place is new, if this is just the beginning, we have a lot to look forward to!!! Congratulations, and thank you! read more

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Al K.

7 years ago

I really hope this place succeeds because we need a place like this in Cambridge. Definitely the best Thai food nearby and very reasonably priced. Very warm service from the kind husband and wife team. I'll be back often. read more

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Layla B.

7 years ago

I ABSOLUTELY love the food and the service here. The owner is always so personable. The drunken noodles and the spring rolls are my fave!

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Stefanie S.

7 years ago

We had a wonderful dinner tonight at Mae's! The owner/chef's husband (sorry didn't catch his name) greeted us and gave us a very helpful run down of the menu. It was crowded but we were lucky to arrive at a time when a table was opening up! My husband and I both tried dishes that were recommended (the cashew gai krab & khao soi) and they were awesome! We will definitely be back :) read more

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Karina H.

407

242

105

7 years ago

Good. I had their lunch special Thai basil with ground chicken. Also tried their Thai boat noodle for $16. Super expensive I think but really worth it on a cold day. The broth is good. Has pork blood in the broth.kinda like Filipino diniguan.. lots of meat and meatball read more

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z l.

169

7 years ago

Unusual in that this is a restaurant which has several Asian cuisines (Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese) on its menu but it works and is terrific! High quality, well cooked and authentic dishes with generous portions. I recommend the dishes with crispy pork belly as well as the noodle bowls. The salmln teriyaki was the best I ever had. The fresh rolls , spring rolls were ok bht nothing special. The pad thai was decent but a bit boring - should be made to be special . I suspect the curries are very good but will have to try that next time. read more

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Hannah R.

6 years ago

This food was amazingly delicious and didn't feel heavy and the ambiance is lovely! Would definitely recommend for lunch or dinner!!

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Omid T.

7 years ago

Horrible delivery service. Called in and order took more than 1.5 hours. Really disappointed. Food was cold

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Sakura N.

7 years ago

So delicious and the staff and owners are so sweet. Short rib khao soi is amazing (one time the meat was a little dry, but multiple other times it was soooo tender and flavorful. The curry is super flavorful and the noodles are the perfect texture, every time). Original street noodle is also delicious!! Mango with sticky rice was tasty. Bubble tea wasn't great, but don't let that distract you. Mae's was one of the best meals I've ever had. read more

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Aaron G.

7 years ago

Food taste was average, but my biggest surprise was the portion size. I ordered two dishes for about $15 each, and it was as if I ordered two side dishes. Way overpriced. The happy buddha was very tasty however, but again, portion size was unacceptable. read more

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Hailey F.

7 years ago

We had the BEST experience here. The food was AMAZING! We had the basil fried rice, maes fried rice, and original street noodles and we couldn't have been happier with each entree! The owner came and spoke with us and was so sweet! Would HIGHLY recommend for some delish thia food! read more

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Raúl D.

7 years ago

Terrible delivery standards and bland food. The driver arrives half an hour later than the range given, forgets the drink I ordered and just leaves the order at my porch. I am never ordering from here again. On top of that, the food was exceedingly bland. There are many great Asian restaurants in the Cambridge and Boston area and I would recommend them in a heartbeat over this place read more

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Mihir T.

7 years ago

Fantastic restaurant in the Cambridge area -- great prices, great portions, and great staff. We've enjoyed being able to eat the great food regularly without breaking the bank on a college student's budget. If you like spicy, Mae can definitely crank up the heat for you; but leave things mild if you prefer that as well. Can't wait to go back! read more

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Brent T.

7 years ago

Had the fresh rolls and the short rib khao soi. Really great, authentic food and atmosphere! The owners were super nice and friendly.

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Lily N.

7 years ago

This is such a cute place, I wish I live closer so I can have it all the time! The calamari is a must try- it's amazingly crispy. I also got the green curry and it was delicious. It says spicy in the description but I didn't think it was spicy at all, it's mainly sweet from the coconut milk. I can't wait to come back and try more dishes read more

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Mike F.

7 years ago

Really enjoyed the energy and positivity of the staff and owner. Came tableside to see if we were enjoying meal. They have a wonderful medley of the best Vietnamese, chinese and Thai dishes and they are all fantastic. Highly recommend. It's a little small inside so may want to call ahead to see if there's a wait. read more

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Rauf S.

7 years ago

Great food and staff who run the place! Everything I have tried has been super delicious and I have quickly become a repeat customer.

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Ankur A.

7 years ago

Delicious! Large portions, high-quality ingredients, and full of flavor. Came here with four friends on a Friday night. Took about 20mins to get a table. There is a wide variety of dishes; we ordered several including the crab rangoon, drunken noodles and red & green curries. All were tasty and reasonably priced. Highly recommend! read more

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Zach T.

7 years ago

Great service and AWESOME food!! The staff was so welcoming from beginning until the end. One of the guys (I think the owner) even went as far to asking my mom how the food/experience went even after we paid and left. Very quick service as well. Food came out in reasonable time. Reasonable pricing as well... would highly recommend!! read more

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Morgan G.

298

7 years ago

This place was so so good!! The service was great and the food came out really fast. Everything was fresh and delicious. Also the owners are very kind, definitely going back! read more

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Jeff A.

7 years ago

Loved this place! We arrived on a fairly busy Friday night but didn't have to wait long for a table. As mentioned by several other reviewers, very friendly owner - he's husband of the chef - who answered menu questions and provided some good background on dishes. Service was very friendly and the food came out pretty quickly (note, as mentioned on the menu, dishes will come out as they are ready, not always perfectly sequenced!). We had Thai iced teas for drinks (they don't serve alcohol) which was a good portion in little carafes, and we split spring rolls (they were fine, nothing special) and Gyoza (yummy fried dumplings) for starters. For mains we ordered the Gashew Gai Krob (very good) and Original Street Noodle (loved it). Portions are good-sized and prices are very reasonable for Cambridge. This place has been open just a year and I imagine they'll continue to grow a following and build a nice business in this area. Definitely recommend! read more

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Sotharin B.

7 years ago

One word, awesome! This place is awesome! The food was beyond delicious. Loved every dish we ordered. The sweet and sour coconut soup was amazingly flavorful and refreshing. The red beef curry was very delicious, rich in flavor and contained a lot of fresh and perfectly cooked veggies. The water fall and crying tiger dishes was marinated and cooked to perfection served with a side of sweet dipping sauce. Loved the drunken noodles, chicken laab and fried calamari! Customer service was exceptional! read more

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Mark C.

7 years ago

Fresh healthy tasty food choices. Good service pace. Lively. Lots of conversations, smaller sized restaurant with large windows located on a corner lot. Evening softer light now. My suggestion is to take dinner reservations and triple your prices. The Chef is talented. read more

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Angela D.

8 years ago

I originally posted this on the 20th, but yelp placed it under Beijing Tokyo (RIP). This just opened in the Port. It was delicious. The restaurant is still new, and they are setting up the decor, but the food is on point. Everything we had was perfect. Definitely worth a try. read more

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Nina M.

8 years ago

Excellent meal! The portions were generous with a good balance of spice and flavor. We got the spring roll appetizers (delicious), the green curry with tofu (excellent, nice spice, and comes with a sliced avocado on top!) and the drunken noodles. Everything was quick and tasty and the service was great. On top of that, the owners chatted with us about their menu and made sure everything was to our liking. Will definitely return! (Plus have enough for at least one extra meal with leftovers!) a definite place to stop in Kendall area! read more

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More info about Mae Asian Eatery

781 Main St
Cambridge, MA 02139
Kendall Square/MIT
Directions
(617) 354-3388
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
https://www.maeae.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Mae Asian Eatery open?

Mae Asian Eatery opens at 11:15 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Mae Asian Eatery opens at 4:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Mae Asian Eatery opens at 11:45 AM on Saturday.

What time does Mae Asian Eatery close?

Mae Asian Eatery closes at 2:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Mae Asian Eatery closes at 8:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.Mae Asian Eatery closes at 9:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.Mae Asian Eatery is closed on Sunday.

Mon-Thu 11:15 AM - 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 8:30 PMFri 11:15 AM - 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PMSat 11:45 AM - 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PMSun Closed

Payment methods

Does Mae Asian Eatery take credit cards?

No, Mae Asian Eatery does not take credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Mae Asian Eatery have catering options?

Yes, Mae Asian Eatery does have catering options.

Does Mae Asian Eatery serve alcohol?

Yes, Mae Asian Eatery serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Mae Asian Eatery allow dogs?

No, Mae Asian Eatery does not allow dogs.

Does Mae Asian Eatery have TVs?

No, Mae Asian Eatery does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Mae Asian Eatery have bike parking?

Yes, Mae Asian Eatery has bike parking.

Does Mae Asian Eatery have outdoor seating?

Yes, Mae Asian Eatery has outdoor seating options.

Does Mae Asian Eatery have parking?

Yes, Mae Asian Eatery has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Mae Asian Eatery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Mae Asian Eatery is wheelchair accessible.

Does Mae Asian Eatery have free WiFi?

No, Mae Asian Eatery does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese dishes.

Mae Asian Eatery Reviews in Other Languages

Spanish
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An Nam

4.0

(127 reviews)

2.2 mi

Came here on a saturday evening for dinner. We didn't have a reservation so we had to wait roughly…read more20-25 minutes. Service was friendly and helpful, we got everything we needed and within a reasonable time. For appetizers we ordered the banh khot which were tasty and crispy, the shrimp tasted fresh. For entrees the table shared the signature fine vermicelli platter. The menu stated that the proteins are the chef's choice and the server mentioned that portions were enough for 3-4 people. The meat included in the platter were all deliciously flavored and cooked nicely. It came with fresh lettuce and herbs to pair with the meat. Our table also ordered a clay pot catfish which was caramelized in a tasty sauce that paired perfectly with the plain white rice. Overall, this is a good place for a meal with family or friends. The seating is comfortable and the restaurant interior is clean and nicely decorated.

Three stars purely for the food, 1 star for the atmosphere, -2 stars for the service. An Nam in…read moreAssembly Square serves up very traditional Vietnamese fare, but the "elevated" fine-dining spin they try to put on the experience feels overbearing, overpriced, and completely misses the mark. Vietnamese cuisine is traditionally rooted in affordability, sharing an abundance of food, and enjoying good laughs with great company. By trying to force the concept into a high-end parallel, it just ends up feeling mediocre and hollow. The value simply isn't there--a single appetizer, one main entree, and three refreshments came out to a whopping $105. To make matters worse, the service was incredibly judgmental. Because our party of three only ordered that amount, the staff pretty much ignored us for the rest of the night after taking the order. The awkwardness started the absolute second we sat down. Before we could even settle into our chairs or get handed a menu, the waiter demanded to know what we wanted to drink. When we asked to see a menu first, he looked completely confused as to why we'd need one. After another staff member finally took our order, we sat there waiting for what felt like an eternity. When the food eventually arrived, they gave us sharing plates and chopsticks. We asked for a spoon to properly eat the claypot rice, and the waiter gave us another judging look. As Asians, we obviously know how to use chopsticks, but you objectively need a spoon to scoop the claypot SAUCE out of the pot! While the food itself is decent, the cramped atmosphere, poor hospitality, and inflated price tag mean I won't be rushing back. I might grab take out for the dumpling platter and cat fish rice pot but definitely not sitting in again.

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Chicken bowl

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PORK BELLY - CLAYPOT

Saigon Tiger

TLDR: good, fresh food…read more Not the hugest menu but you essentially get to pick amongst a noodle, rice, or banh mi style meal with different proteins. The proteins were incredibly tasty and tender. I didn't get to try the cocktails but they looked pretty fun. They also had child seats available.

Each dish was packed with fresh ingredients and tender chicken. Sometimes a wait due to small…read moreamount of tables.

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Inside

Banh mi

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Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowl

Cicada Coffee Bar

went here for the third time last night! the menu changes up a bit but i know the food is always…read moreamazing and balanced. lunchtime torched salmon was like poké where the outside was torched and crispy and the inside was juicy. at dinnertime the torched cured salmon was served in a clay pot and seemed to be fully baked through. amazing pesto sauce. my friends and i like the black rice more than the noodles (both are good, the black rice is deliciously fulfilling). Tried the (newly added?) dinnertime blue crab with noodles and was delighted by the texture and portion. sea salt shaker and cortada are very good coffees and great mouthfeel. Amazing ambiance and very nice staff. hope to try the banh mi some day! also, if planning to come late at night -- they stop seating at 9:30 pm!

Delicious coffee, super cute space, and refreshing food…read more It's a bus yourself restaurant with an unassuming outdoor space in the back for additional seating. They generally require you to order before sitting given the small space so keep that in mind when you arrive. Service is friendly and very quick. Their food is delicious and refreshing, however I'd say the star of the show is their coffee. I really enjoyed the Saigon latte especially paired with the DELICIOUS pastry. Definitely want to come back to try their dinner menu!

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Coffee bar

Mushroom spring rolls

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Decor

An Nam at Harvard

3.9

(22 reviews)

1.4 mi

It's a limited menu, compared to their Assembly location (not sure if it's limited on weekdays or…read morenot). Ordered the grilled pork rice plate and it was ok. Pork was a little dry. Portion size was a bit small for the price. It's a small location, so the space echoes easily.

Tasty Vietnamese food!!…read more My friend and I got the shrimp paste vermicelli bowl and the pork vermicelli bowl. They definitely don't skimp on the shrimp paste. It's pure shrimp no filler!! Pork was tender and juicy. I love that it was perfectly seasoned. Service was fast and efficient. A great addition to Harvard square!!

Photos

Chao Tom Cuon / Shrimp Paste Rolls

Banh Hoi Dac Biet / Fine Vermicelli Platter

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Cha Gio / Fried Egg Rolls

Banh Mi Cafe

4.6

(47 reviews)

4.6 mi

Super happy to have a banh mi spot that isn't so far into Boston!…read more Super yummy flavor in the banh mis, my boyfriend loves the grilled pork and I love the cold cuts. The grilled beef skewers are also super good. I love the thai tea here as well. Would definitely keep coming back!!!

I have friends who tell me, "You could just make those spring rolls yourself, you know..."…read more Lies. (I've tried. They tasted like sadness.) The ones from Banh Mi Cafe are enormous, sooo fresh, and exactly what I wish mine tasted like. Both the fish sauce and the peanut sauce are excellent, and when I need to bring something to a summer potluck but don't have time to cook, I just order six orders of spring rolls and suddenly everyone at the potluck is happy. Their Vietnamese iced coffee is also absolute jet fuel. It's my go-to whenever I need to work a late night. But the reason I'll always be loyal to Banh Mi Café has nothing to do with the food. ::IT'S STORYTIME:: One evening I developed an absolutely irrational craving for their avocado smoothie with boba. I spent the whole day thinking about it, finally placed an online order, and then got a phone call saying they had just run out. They apologized and offered a replacement or a refund. Instead, I asked them a weird question: "I know this is kind of crazy...but if you'll have avocado again on Saturday, could you just make this exact order then instead, and I'll come pick it up?" To my surprise, they said yes. A couple of days later, I picked up my avocado smoothie, my fresh spring rolls, and went home happy. Maybe it was more work than it was worth for the employee, maybe it wasn't; either way, they took an odd request seriously, and that's the kind of customer service that sticks with you. Beyond the spring rolls, I've also really enjoyed the nem chua, the cold cut banh mi (I wish the bread were a little softer, but the condiments and veggies are excellent), and the grilled beef wrapped in betel leaves, which I hadn't tried before and now LOVE. I still have a growing list of desserts to work through, including the flan. One thing to know before you go, regarding ambiance: this is more of a grab-and-go spot, not somewhere to settle in for lunch. There are only a few bar seats, so I almost always take my food with me, sometimes to the nearby park. There are plenty of Vietnamese restaurants around Boston, and while I'll always happily try new ones, Banh Mi Cafe has earned my loyalty, one avocado smoothie at a time.

Photos

Nem chua (fermented and cured raw meat, sooooo gooood!!)

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Vietnamese iced coffee

Pho Viet's

I wish I have a picture to show but we ate it way too fast!!!…read more Pho Viet is an absolute go to. I might get some angry comments for saying this but pho Viet has the best cold cut banh mi in all of Massachusetts!! I will post again when I go next time and get some pictures. As someone who was born and raised in Dorchester, And ba Le was the only spot we would go. With inflation and increase in cost, I felt like the quality just kept lacking. The cold cuts are extremely thin and lack amounts of butter and pate. Pho Viet banh mi are so filling the ham was the right about of thickness that it gives a good texture when you bite into it, the veggies are extremely fresh and not does look like it's been sitting out all day. Even my parents ask me to grab them some every time I visit them in Dorchester!! Must try!!!

My true rating would be a 3.5/3.75. Great option if you're looking for a quick, casual meal in…read moreBoston. Ordering was easy. You order at the counter, find a seat, and the food comes out pretty quickly. We had the summer rolls and the vegan ramen. The summer rolls were fresh and flavorful, and the peanut sauce was especially good. The vegan ramen was also enjoyable, with good-quality ingredients and a satisfying broth. My only real critique is that I wish there were more options to add heat. I tend to like my noodle soups on the spicier side, and I would have loved more chili oil, hot sauce, or other spicy condiments to customize the flavor. There was also SO much broccoli and that really took over the soup, I wish there was a bit more variability or balance in the veggies. Overall, the food was tasty, the quality was solid, and the service was fast.

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Catering Order: Combination Fried Rice, Lo Mein, Egg Rolls & Chicken Wings

14. Special Beef Noodle Soup 48. Spring Roll with Vermicelli

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The Eaves

4.5

(31 reviews)

1.2 mi

Loved the vibes! It was still popping at 8pm so we had to wait a bit. It was small and intimate…read moreinside, but vibrant in a romantic essence. The menu is limited so there's not a lot of options. I did enjoy Mushroom Noodles and my friend liked the Seafood Festival Noodles. The dishes itself were large, vibrantly colored, with lots of flavor profiles and ingredients. The two entrees were good and had potential but ultimately not authentic enough. Service was fantastic and the hostess/waitress took great care of us! I would definitely give this place another try and order more of their popular items. To note, the two tables outside the dining area are also dog friendly!

Another excellent experience from the Cicada family of restaurants. Overall I really enjoyed the…read morefood and thought that the majority of the dishes were excellent and unique. Similar to Saigon BabyIon, I thought they did a great job at selecting the right dishes for the season. There were a mix of lighter more refreshing dishes as well as heartier ones which felt right for the end of summer/start of fall. The hot dishes (esp the soup) came out piping hot, while the cold dishes came out cold which I thought was a nice contrast and made everything seem very fresh. I look forward to returning soon!

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Pho 'n Rice

The name of this place is a bit misleading, as the food definitely leans more Thai, which…read moreinfluences their pho offering. I had the pho sate, and while it was huge spicy bowl of soup and noodles, it did not really taste like pho to me. It was lacking the beefy depth of flavor and it was heavy handed on the cinnamon / clove aromatics. All of the beef was quite chewy and the noodles broke apart easily, so unfortunately I didn't finish the bowl. Service was nice and very prompt, and the space is a cozy no frills home, but I wouldn't come back here for pho.

A lovely hidden gem with great food! Came on a weekday and were seated immediately. I got a thai…read moretea to start and shared scallion pancake. I loved my drink- not too sweet with a strong tea flavor. The green curry sauce with the pancakes was amazing. My tom yum soup with the prawn was delicious! Hot and sour with juicy prawns and the nice flair of coming with a flame! I loved my meal, and have been raving about this place to others

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New sign

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Viet Citron

Amazing food and even better service! Love everything Viet Citron :)…read more Just devoured the soft shell crab bánh mi Chef Tran made for the AAPI event at Pagu... sooooo good!

Probably the best pho in Massachusetts, delicious broth, a lot a flavor. Also, vietnamese iced…read morecoffee is really good. It's good to have this place in Burlington.

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Nice seating

Grilled sirloin banh mi

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Banh Mi with Grilled Garlic Prawns

Pho Town 7

3.8

(91 reviews)

3.0 mi

Swung by for lunch. parking was a little bit tough during lunch hour had to park near CVS to walk…read moreover. Service was decent, got waters fast and we put in out orders. Staff was friendly. Bun bo hue - The noodles are a little soggy so the texture was off. Soup is spicy enough, but not enough lemon grass flavor. The depth was just off and didn't have the normal pig trotters or pigs blood. If you have a bun bo hue craving this will fill it in a pinch. Casual vibe at this location and definitely good for quick stop by. Enough tables for a group. Price is average, not too cheap but not crazy expensive either. Very convenient location. I would come here just for convenience if I am in viet food mood.

Came here on a weeknight and ordered the pho town special! It was pretty good, solid broth and…read moremeat. I also got the avocado smoothie which was so creamy and sweet. I didn't think I would like the taste of avocados prepared sweet at first but I ended up really enjoying the drink. Our waitress was super sweet and the food came out pretty quickly.

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Inside

C4. COMBINATION 6 COURSE OF BEEF I like how they bagged the raw beef separately when ordering takeout.

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The Hourly Oyster House

We loved this place! It feels like they're doing classic seafood dishes - crab fritters, lobster…read morerolls, fried calamari, you're not getting any surprises on the menu - but they just execute all of them really, really well. That's a nice thing to do. also, we often just order a bunch of appetizers and ask them to space it out sort of tapas-style, and restaurants never, ever manage it - it's fine, it's a lot to ask, we don't really expect it to work - but these guys actually did it, which was nice. Good cocktails too!

This seafood restaurant is near Harvard Yard and was a nice place to grab a bite on our visit. They…read morehave indoor and outdoor seating. We sat outside but noticed the inside dining area has an old school steak house feel just swap out the usual burgundy colors for navy blue. The service was fast and friendly. I opted for the fish and chips after reading a yelp review that they were the best the person had tried in Boston. I don't know that I'd go that far but they were good and I'd order them again. The only part I didn't enjoy was the cole slaw which was warm and mostly mayonnaise. My husband ordered the mussels and frites which he also enjoyed. Overall we enjoyed our experience at The Hourly Oyster House and recommend it.

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Great ambiance in Restaurant

Tuna Tartare*

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Lobster Roll

The Helmand Restaurant

4.5/5! Really…read moreenjoyed the chef's special platter since we got a mix of chicken, beef, and lamb. Meat was tender and flavored well. You also get the option of substituting meats which was nice. My favorite was the chicken. I usually don't eat lamb, but the kabobs did not taste gamey, and I enjoyed it! Special shoutout to the bread they serve. Was probably my favorite part of the dinner!!

I was very pleasantly surprised by the dinner we had at The Helmand! We arrived on a weeknight and…read moreit was very busy, but luckily the staff were able to still seat us right away. Our table was right next to a huge wood-fired oven where we could see the fresh table bread being made which was pretty cool. We ordered 3 items off the menu, 2 appetizers (Aushak and Mantwo) and 1 main dish (lamb kebab). I've never had Afghan food before, so the ingredients and flavors used in each dish were very unique to me, but everything worked very well. The Aushak in particular was the most surprising.. they called it "ravioli", but it was more dumpling-esque to me, which an interesting bolognese-like sauce with yogurt. You wouldn't think those flavors would work together but they really do. The Mantwo also paired very nicely with the Aushak, with more of an earthy taste to it. The lamb kebab was also very tasty, though it wasn't anything super unique. The free bread for the table was also a surprising highlight, as we got to try various different dipping sauces (which we then also used to supplement the kebab). Service was attentive, the ambiance of the restaurant was nice, and overall really enjoyed our dinner here.

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Inside Restaurant view

Pineapple cake ! 10/10

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Afghan Special yogurt drink with fresh mint

Sushi Kingdom

3.4

(23 reviews)

0.8 mi

Service was fast but the old lady was rude to us when we tried asking for a second menu so my…read morefriend and I could both read the menu to decide what we wanted. Special rolls were underwhelming and appetizers were mediocre. Sashimi options were good overall. I would look elsewhere given the hefty price for ayce

We came for all you can eat and while the sushi was pretty good, I think the service is still a…read morework in progress... they let us know we couldn't put in larger orders all at once due to being busy which I understand, but then we were waiting approximately 30 minutes after finishing our plates to put in another order each time, which adds up! Especially because the AYCE sushi has a 2 hour limit. The restaurant itself has a nice ambiance. (Side note, the nice older lady with the purple hair was so sweet and awesome)

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Dining room

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Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

Food service and ambience was great. Very comfortable atmosphere, but it was made so by our server…read moreAna who was very warm, welcoming and quick to serve - all without making us feel rushed. I hope if my wife and I come back (we work in cambridge), that we get Ana to serve us again!

First time trying this resturant... I got the spicy addicting cucumber and the fried chicken kraage…read morerice bowl... The Cucumbers are just as the name says amazing... The fried chicken Kraage rice bowl was not my favorite... the chicken was chewy and not as crispy as I have had in the past... the Japanese chili mayo was spot on... came with soup and salad... I definitly will try again...

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Veggie Galaxy

If you have ever had a veggie burger and didn't like it, it was because you didn't eat here…read more To be honest there aren't a lot of vegetarian dishes that taste good for me, but everything they have here has been amazing. I say this because I have been here multiple times and everything I order or the people who are with me order, has always been amazing. Sometimes they have outdoor seating and we always sit outside if seating there is available, but this time they hadn't setup the outside yet, but they had plenty of seating for 2 inside. Another thing I mention on all my reviews is if a restaurant serves you water when you sit without asking. Well here they do and they were following our glasses as we were sitting. This is definitely a place to go to even if you aren't vegetarian.. actually especially if you aren't so you can find out how good some vegetarian dishes can be. The only downside for me is that I don't live in Cambridge or near by, but there are plenty of cheap parking garages near the restaurant and my favorite Korean grocery store is there.

I came to Veggie Galaxy with some friends and family while visiting Boston…read more It's a pretty cool space -- old school diner aesthetic in everything from decor to the menus. The service was good, but it did take a bit to get seated and get our food as we were a large group. There was also a miscommunication for some people in our group as the kitchen ran out of some things and only told them after they ordered and were waiting. I ordered the grilled chicken Rasta pasta (which was a special for the week). My sister ordered some soup. Both were delicious. The portions are GIGANTIC so I would maybe order something smaller next time, but man that pasta was delicious. The "chicken" was perfectly fried, and the pasta was well seasoned. I would maybe add a bit of heat by it that's a small complaint. I love this place, and will be back next time I'm in Boston!

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Seating

Shepherd's pie

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Buffalo Mac & cheese potato skins

Flour Bakery + Cafe

We were here for MIT reunion and Flour was so great we visited twice. It is a busy cafe with…read morepastries and sandwiches, perfect for breakfast or lunch. It is very comfortable although getting a table may be a challenge. First trip I had the chicken parmigiana sandwich. The chicken and sauce were nice, but i really loved the bread. My wife had the avocado toast and thought it was excellent. On second trip, I had the breakfast sandwich with sausage, the raspberry meringue cloud, and a chai latte (sweetened with whole milk). Everything was wonderful. The chai latte had a rich flavor and then the sandwich was absolutely delicious. The raspberry meringue was a pleasant surprise, it is large but the meringue was perfect. My wife has a slice of Boston cream pi and really enjoyed that. Definitely worth a visit!

This spot looked super exciting but perhaps it wasn't to our taste. Don't want to knock the spot…read morebecause it seems like a fan favorite chain, but thought everything we snagged was overly sweetened. As a cafe, it seems like a great spot to work and relax. Tablets to order from and if dining in, they bring items to the table. Though experience overall was on the average side. Blueberry Poptart - easily the best thing we ordered! It's simple, but the blueberry flavor was elegantly on top, spread evenly, and not artificial tasting. Each bite was balanced with faint flakiness, blueberry sweetness, and even a soft base. Sticky Sticky Bun - very much like a cinnamon roll with extra caramel and sugar holding delicious pecans on top. While the bun itself was sweet, adding the sticky sauce on top was a sugar overload. Pecans were delicious, toasted with a new crunch and after taste. Baked French Toast - spongy with a dry after texture which I'm not too sure how to describe. Overall the toast is on the mushier side as if they soaked too long. Syrup was not needed for sweetness and we honestly barely added some. Maybe the syrup would help with the dryness but also conscious of getting diabetes with one meal.

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Sandwich counter. When your order is ready, they will call your name.

Scone

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10 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Axel Z.

2 years ago

We recently had dinner at this restaurant, and it was a very disappointing experience. My wife had just had surgery and didn't have much of an appetite, so we decided to share a dish (Drunken Noodles, ~$20) to avoid wasting food. The server, however, told us that everyone has to order their own dish. This rule wasn't mentioned anywhere and felt very abnormal. We even tried to explain my wife's situation and offered to leave a larger tip, but the server refused and insisted on the policy without any flexibility. In an effort to avoid further conflict, my wife reluctantly ordered a soup. Then, before we even finished eating, the server came over and took our plates, rushing us out. Their rude attitude made the whole experience even worse. What made it more frustrating was that several nearby tables were only sharing a small snack, which left us feeling singled out. We reserve the right to pursue legal action, as this situation felt like outright fraud. We've retained the necessary evidence, including recordings, photos, and the receipt. We won't be returning and would advise others to be cautious when dining here. read more

Joyce K.

Elite 26

647

346

660

4 years ago

Mae Asian Eatery is an absolute must-visit for Thai food lovers. The wait for dinner was a bit longer than expected (around 30 minutes) but the food is worth it. The short ribs khao soi was the real showstopper for me, it was absolutely mouth-watering and had the perfect balance of flavors. The tender short ribs paired with the rich and flavorful sauce was truly a culinary experience. The cashew gai krab was also delicious and full of flavor, but the short ribs khao soi truly stole the show. The mango curry (with chicken) was also a great choice, it was sweet and spicy, and absolutely delicious. I highly recommend giving this place a try, you won't regret it! read more

Srunphut P.

8 years ago

I am in LOVE!! So happy that there is now a Thai and Vietnamese place here in Area Four. I work at MIT, so it is literally a 5 minutes walk. My boyfriend, who works at Novartis, met me for dinner one time, and we are so happy at Mae's. I had the Short Rib Khao Soi - yellow noodles with braised short ribs. It is in a nice yellow curry sauce. My boyfriend took the green curry with chicken, and it came with avocados on top. All so delicious! They don't deliver, yet. But the owners told me they will be doing deliveries to Cambridge and Boston areas soon. Love it, will def go again. read more

Kristy M.

5 years ago

This location is now a Thai and Vietnamese eatery. To begin, I ordered Thai tea and Golden Bags. Both were fantastic. Golden Bags resemble a miniature vegetable and potato samosa. The tea has a distinct taste thanks to the addition of sweet condensed milk. I ordered the Short Rib Khao Soi for my dinner. Thai curry soup with short ribs and coconut milk. It had a lot of spice and a little kick to it. For dessert, the owner persuaded me to order the Banana Spring Rolls. That was unfamiliar territory for me. The caramel sauce was just perfect in terms of sweetness. read more

Meien H.

212