Whenever we crave Chinese food this is the place we run too!…read more The restaurant is located at the Arlington heights plaza area and they have plenty of seating for big and small parties. Everytime we show up for dinner there is always alot of take out orders which is a good sign. There is one very nice waitress which runs around alot when the place is packed but she does a very good job of providing timely service to everyone. We really enjoy the hand pulled noodles which is a must every time we done in. They are cooked perfectly and are packed with flavor of whichever dish you choose them with. We also really enjoy their dry hot pot, especially the shrimp dry pot. It's a stir fry kind of dish packed with several veggies like red peppers, broccoli and much more! The soups are also very good and rich in flavor and are perfect for a chilly day. Some of them are served in a large portion so they are perfect for sharing. You really can't go wrong with any dish! The menu is insanely long and they have a code system for each item tagged with a letter and number which makes it easier to order. We really enjoy dining here and it's always fun to try a new dish from their large menu!

The feeling that filled my heart in this moment was one finding a long lost love. One that you had…read moreonce, one that eventually drifted apart due to whatever circumstances, and then finding each other again in the most unexpected moment and regaining that wonderful traction of a friendship all over again. Yes, I'm talking about food. It was once a tale of two spots. One in Watertown and one right here. As I resided in closer to the Watertown location since the move here, I frequented it and found solace in their dishes - absolute comfort food that was done very well. However, like all businesses, things change and eventually the business was sold. I knew there was a transition period and the owner and chefs stuck around to "train" the new owners. I hoped that the "good" would remain and that the new owners would continue the tradition of wonderfully curated dishes and keep the regulars coming back. Did it happen? No. I gave them about a month of repeated visits to gauge their level of culinary competence but it never came through. Long story short. I stopped going and that feeling of lost love began to fester. I didn't think much of it. I thought he had sold this place too since I've often overheard him saying how hard it was to run this business to his associates as he tried to satisfy every customer walking in the door or ringing the phone off the hook. So when I finally found a chance to be on this side of town, I decided to stop by and give it a shot. Maybe, maybe I thought, the new owners here would do a much better take on what they had taken over. What I didn't expect after placing an order was to see the owner walking out from the kitchen with dishes in hand to serve another table. Eyes wide open, I couldn't help but say, "HEY! Good to see you again." He in return showed the same look and smiled greeting me back with fondness and delight. That's when I spoke to the lady and asked more about the whole situation, wherein she explained how they sold the other place but kept this one. Regulars of the other spot now take the 15-20 minute drive just to come up here instead for a meal. I smiled. It made sense. They must have felt robbed when they went back after the place was sold. Food wasn't even remotely the same. Don't even talk about service either. Anyways, long story short, when the food came out. I felt this completeness return back to my soul. Here, once again, I felt home away from home. The food did me justice. The flavors impeccable. The culinary finesse was displayed thoroughly with each bite. So it is, once again, I found my long lost love again in Boston and can't wait to be here every single Sunday for a wonderful special meal that teleports me back to what "Home Tastes" like.

In early modern Britain and Ireland, the punishment for high treason was to be hanged, drawn and…read morequartered. I'll spare you most of the gory details of this punishment, which was meant to deter future traitors with its brutality, apart from the section in which the offender's entrails are burned before his eyes. Having eaten practically nothing all day, and after being turned away from Sanbada for an early closure, my date and I decided to try Mountain House, which she described as "authentic." Several mistakes were made. Principally, because my date is from Hunan, her definition of authenticity is not the kind of "spicy" Szechuan food I've come to love at restaurants like Noah's Kitchen. Instead, it compares to a 1599 incident in which the Jivaro people of modern-day Ecuador executed a corrupt Spanish governor by pouring molten gold down his throat. Starved, I ordered the La-Zi Chicken and shoveled two spoonfuls of it into my mouth, failing to note in the haze of hunger that the despite its name, the dish is at least 80% dried red chili peppers that have evidently been coated with military-grade pepper spray and subjected to a Satanic ritual to add to their flavor. Survivors of gunshot injuries on the battlefield report that because of the flood of intense adrenaline and psychological focus inherent to combat, they often don't feel a bullet wound at all until after the firefight is over. Indeed, for a few blissful seconds, my body communicated nothing but "ahh, food, finally," before lapsing into psychosomatic reenactments of various medieval punishments throughout the ages. As the intense stomach pains, sweating, and tears set in, I looked up to see the waiter, my torturer, standing beside the table. "You look like you're going through it," he grinned, rotating, I am sure, the handles of a rack just out of view. "This isn't even the spiciest thing on the menu, you know." The agony was hardly sufficient to smother my mental image of his same grin glimmering before the red light of dancing flames amid hot coals being shoveled down my throat. Reader, I survived, but just barely. Luckily, the same date who betrayed me to this fate is also a doctor who set two full bottles of Pepto-Bismol next to the couch where she instructed me to lay on my left side in the fetal position. Currently, my toilet is on a leave of absence while it is being treated for PTSD on an in-patient basis; I try to send it sympathy cards, but I don't think it will ever forgive me. Mountain House is not so much a restaurant as it is an experience of these historical events: it demands, like the best high school social studies teachers, that we do not shy away from history's horrors, but face them directly, so that in our humanity we choose definitively not to repeat them. I left these trials with a new appreciation for the suffering that people throughout history have been willing to subject one another to for political or social reasons, and thus recommend it with five stars for anyone who wishes to better understand the depths of human depravity.

Mountain House was a solid Sichuan meal. We ordered the sliced beef and tripe in chili oil, Sichuan…read moreboiled beef, and Chongqing style spicy chicken. Everything came out flavorful, spicy, and packed with that numbing Sichuan peppercorn kick. The spicy chicken was probably my favorite crispy, well seasoned, and loaded with dried chilies. The boiled beef had a rich, spicy broth and was great with rice. The beef and tripe appetizer was also really good and had a nice balance of chili oil, sesame, peanuts, and that signature mala flavor. Portions were generous and the food definitely delivered if you're looking for authentic, bold Sichuan flavors. Overall, a very good meal and somewhere I'd come back to.

I was in area for appointment. Opted to try for a first time as reviews are positive…read more Nice clean restaurant, sunny, nice lunch vibes. Service was strange... hot tea came to table right away and was watered down and minimal tea flavor. I ordered a sesame chicken lunch special which came with soup egg drop soup, spring roll , white rice. I ordered a side of beef teriyaki . Waitress asked 1 or 2 teriyaki ? I assumed how many teriyaki sticks or small or large options? I said 2. Egg drop soup and spring roll shows up with duck sauce... egg drop soup was very good. Spring roll was excellent and filling was fresh. Then Next 2 orders of beef teriyaki with 4 sticks each show up??? She takes away my duck sauce from my spring roll... and leaves me with no duck sauce for my beef teriyaki? I now ask for duck sauce for teriyaki? She brings out a hot spicy sauce instead of duck sauce ? The sesame chicken was very good but more sweet and sour sauce flavor than sesame ? The beef teriyaki was extremely tough meat and I had to ask for a knife to cut up? No glass of water as I saw other tables getting water? I had to ask for water as tea wasn't doing it for me ? Then another duck sauce shows up I didn't ask for but glad it did arrive and was needed? Teriyaki had great flavor but tough like beef jerky and one order would have been enough to tolerate without the confusion of getting 2 orders and then also charged for two ? I found the service confusing and not a smooth outing? Then both the waitresses disappeared while waiting for the check . I asked for a glass of water at this point. No fortune cookie, pineapple or exit offering with the check? All in all I was confused.. but I would eat again here and assume staff trying ... next time I'll be very clear what 1 vs 2 means. The menu does look many good options and convenience with parking, location and nice dining room. I would have rate 4-5 stars but the teriyaki wasn't tender and too tough to enjoy.

For a late 2pm Saturday lunch I stopped by Taipei Gourmet. The establishment was one-third full, so…read moreI received a seat immediately. I ordered the beef noodle soup ($15.95) and vegetarian leek pie ($9.95). Both came out within 10 minutes. The beef noodle soup had the thin flat wheat noodle ubiquitous in Taiwanese noodle soups. The soup was well-flavored with stock. Too many of these sorts of places over-rely on soy sauce, making a salty yet thin and underflavored bowl. Not here. I will nitpick and say that I would like larger chunks of beef, not the sort of cubed stew beef you see at the supermarket. The vegetarian leek pie (as it's called in the menu) is a pastry stuffed with chive (not leek), egg, and vermicelli. It was decently salted and hot. The portion sizes were quite satisfying as well. Closing thought - this place has, so far, the closest to what I would consider a decent bowl of Taiwanese beef noodle soup I've had in the Boston metro area so far. I'm always on the lookout for it

Their luncheon special especially beef with peppers, fried rice and a side order of soup comes in…read moregenerous portions so I get 2 to 3 meals out the order. Also the beef is very tender and there are plenty of vegetables. An indication that the food is good when you see lots of Chinese people ordering the food. Reasonably priced as well.

Picked up takeout from here and everything was incredibly delicious! The standout was the spicy…read morehand shaved noodles. The portions are generous and the prices are really reasonable, especially when you factor in how much you get. LOTS of bang for your buck. When we went in, we got some canned sodas, but there's a minimum $5 charge in restaurant, so we ended up getting an extra soda to hit that threshold (our fault for forgetting to add the drinks to our main order!) so just something to keep in mind. It's definitely a place to go get takeout and seems tailored to that purpose, but they do have tables inside for eating in. The staff was nice and very efficient. Overall an incredible meal and I will definitely be ordering again!

The chicken lomein was very good. Fresh noodles with shredded chicken…read more Service was quick. Was served my meal with a smile snd the restaurant is very clean and updated

One of my favorite little lunch spots in the area. Simple, straightforward, no BS kinda casual spot…read morewith decently priced lunch specials and an acceptable culinary repertoire to back it all up. In fact, ever since the other Chinese spot changed ownership, I entirely switched to eating here whenever I want a quick sit down Chinese meal. The food is good. It comes out pretty fast. It's done pretty well. And the best part, it just doesn't remotely hurt the wallet. Even being a regular, I'm still amused at how the service is so stereotypical Chinese in the way that I'm just another soul coming in to be fed and not remembered or acknowledged. Mind you, I'm here a LOT and am usually the only one sitting there eating while delivery people repeatedly come and go. Anyways, two reasons why I'm unable to give them 5 stars. First, the tap water they serve...tastes like @#$%. I don't know what it is but I've actually started bringing my own water bottle (or just ordered a soda). Two, the steamed rice is inconsistent. Half the time, it's perfect. The other half...is wet and mushy (I want to say a reheat but isn't that just such a faux pax in Chinese cuisine?). Nonetheless, this is one of the few four and less starred places on my list that I will still continue to frequent and recommend to anyone in the area wanting a quick and decent meal for cheap!

Probably had the worst seats in the restaurant. Right near the aisle where everyone walks to and…read morefrom the restaurant. Other than that, the food was outstanding. Had Basil Fried Rice, Hunan Chicken, and Cilantro beef. All were excellent! Will definitely go again and hope to get a better situated table.

Went for takeout luncheon specials today. As usual, very good quality, price and service. Just…read morewished they added chow mein to the luncheon specials.

This past weekend I saw a free delivery special from Door Dash so decided to give this place a…read moreshot. I had just tried Boston Soup Dumpling and wanted to see how the two compared. I was shocked by the price for the soup dumplings...until they arrived. $12 is great until you realize they're bite size. I'm also not sure if it was because I got them delivered, but they were rlly lacking soup. They were frankly a bit dry. The entire order didn't come with any sauces either so I had to use what I had at home. The chili pork dumplings made up for the soup ones. Super solid. They have their dough down to a science. Some of the best I've had. I am not sure I'd order from here again, gonna stick with Boston Soup Dumpling for time being!

in my opinion this is a great spot for sichuan food (i am surprised by the negative reviews). BOS…read morehas a minimalist aesthetic and a large menu of options. We got the wontons, dan dan noodles, and i believe a sezchuan pork noodle dish. The wontons were fantastic, the pork was so well seasoned, the casing was soft, and the sezchuan was delicious and the perfect amount of spicy. I wasn't sure abotu the dan dan based on appearance being just the meat and noodles but the meat was seasoned very well, so it was super flavorful. The noodles were bouncy, and the sauce gave you the classic numb! The last noodle dish we got was good, not super memorable. Service was fast!

The hot and sour soup was superb as were the boneless spare ribs and mooshi pork!…read more Best of all, the hostess found the diamond that fell out of my engagement ring in the bathroom. (Afer 55 years of marriage, I was pretty devistated until she spotted the stone on the floor. Plan to return soon!

I stopped in for first time on a Sunday . No one in…read morerestaurant except a male couple preparing to leave. I ordered the Basil Ginger Chicken with white rice and chose the honey bbq rib which they charged a 1.00 extra? Why for dinky pieces and dinky portion of bbq ribs served and over cooked . It was a bad choice vs the chicken fingers? Lunch special Came with hot and sour soup. I ordered an appetizer of pan fried dumplings . Well, I was given the other departing diner's check? Only two tables including mine to manage for the owner, manager, waitress ? Maybe cook too? Owner / manager/ waitress on phone and no attentive ... then her call got annoying long and loud... my ambiance worsen and now just bad. No soothing Asian music here... I explained that I got their check and she corrected by dropping at correct table. Then , I was given no place setting. I hope it was washed down before I arrived. Dumplings arrive , no plate... ok ... I'll improvise and eat off the dumpling serving plate which was small and looks like a dry cleaner shirt cleaning after this one. Dumplings nothing to brag about... filling ok but lacked flavor . The entree dish arrives and she takes my knife away with the dumpling empty dish? Why ? Did I look upset or dangerous ? Now no knife to cut the chicken pieces . Well the ribs for 1.00 extra were lousy and dinky pieces chopped up like chopped beets. Well, the basil chicken I thought was noodles only as the meat was the most tender chicken I ever had... it was excellent but I wanted stronger ginger or basil. While eating , another couple comes in and the place empty , but she seats them next to my table that was jammed in a foot away... they looked at me and facial expressions displayed implied they didn't want to watch me chow down like a cannibal on a meat Carcass while they are there for their intimate lunch and conversation. Fortunately they spoke in foreign tongue and my forced ease dropping was ineffective. Why seat customers on top of each other? When all tables empty? No fortune cookie, pineapple here. Never had my water refilled either ? Chicken tenderness was the winner here .

TLDR: Potentially…read moreone of my favorite Chinese restaurants in all of Massachusetts! Beautiful interior, centrally located, and delicious, high-quality food. Will definitely find a reason to come back here soon. ------ FOOD: 1. [MUST TRY] STIR-FRIED CABBAGE W/ PORK BELLY (5/5) Presentation was phenomenal (in a clay pot with its own burner underneath to keep it hot). The portion was much larger than expected, and most importantly, it tasted incredible. Generous amounts of pork in this, and the sauce was authentic and addicting. 2. SCALLION CHICKEN (5/5) Another great choice. This was a huge portion with lots of tender chicken, and the scallion was present without being overpowering. 3. CRISPY BEEF WITH FRIED DOUGH STICKS (5/5) I was expecting Chinese you tiao but these were actually the small, ultra crispy manhua twists! Paired with the beef, this was a large and unique dish that I loved. The crispiness of the mahua made this a textural delight to eat. 4. MANGO SAGO DESSERT (5/5) Big portion, wonderful assortment of toppings including grapefruit, mango, sago, and popping balls over a creamy dessert soup base. 5. PEKING DUCK (4/5) I think I'm a tough critic since I just came back from Beijing and had so much Peking duck there. We ordered the half portion here and it had a generous amount of meat for not being the full portion. There were an assortment of accompaniments, including pineapple (new to me) and sugar (like the Beijing style) which were welcome additions. The wrappers were steamed well and didn't curl up on the edges. Overall this was a solid Peking duck, but the meat wasn't as standout as I was hoping. 6. STEAMED PORK SOUP DUMPLING (4/5) Solid soup dumplings. Not the best I've ever had, but definitely hit the spot. 7. SAUTEED PEA SPROUTS (4/5) Another solid classic. 8. PORK MEATBALL IN CRAB MEAT SAUCE (4/5) This was the most unique thing we ordered. I've never had a shi zi tou meatball with crab meat sauce before. The meatball itself was large (maybe size of a tennis ball), tender, and fatty, as it should be. It was then drowned in a generous lake of traditional crab meat sauce. If you're not a fan of crab meat then this might be a bit too fishy for you, but honestly it all combined surprisingly well and I grew to like this dish more and more with each bite. I wasn't the biggest fan to start, but by the end I wouldn't have minded getting another one! ------ AMBIANCE / ENVIRONMENT: * The interior has the classic Asian style of decor, but you can tell it was recently built / renovated because everything felt new and fresh. * The ambiance also felt more new-school luxurious vs. the typical Asian establishments that are more no-frills with as many tables packed in as possible * You're still somewhat close to the tables around you, but it's not overwhelming during lunch time and we still felt like we had enough space regardless * There's a bar area at the front of the restaurant and then a large, spacious dining room in the back * This is a great place for a date or a meaningful family gathering * Right outside is Boston Common, making this restaurant very well-located for lunch before or after a nice day in the park. While there's lots of parking around the park, a spot itself can be hard to come by, so your best bet might be to use the nearby parking garage instead ------ SERVICE: * Overall the service was great and quick. They did forget our tea, but when we asked for it later they apologized profusely and were quick to bring it out for us * This place fills up quickly so be sure to come early if you don't have a reservation or if you're a big enough group, make a reservation for your desired dining time

We called at 8:30pm on Saturday to see what time their kitchen closed. They said around 9:30pm…read more We get there at 9:07pm and the hostess wouldn't seat us. I had to beg to sit at the bar since I knew I wanted the duck already. Duck was solid, not gamey. We felt so rushed and uncomfortable eating though. We couldn't order anything else besides the duck. :(

Best orange beef I've ever had. Perfectly tender with such incredible flavor. I found a favorite…read morespot in Lexington!!

Formosa Taipei is a take out only spot for Taiwanese cuisine. The menu has a lot of options. The…read morescallion pancakes were crispy and yummy. The sauteed string beans were cooked perfectly and the chicken with garlic sauce was delicious. The service was friendly and efficient, and our food came out quickly. The space is very small with no seating area. Prices are reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. Free parking is available.