ShoYu Boston

This is a very small Chinese restaurant with only a few tables inside. The main business I guess is take out orders. There’s a big section of barbecue meats. It includes roast pig, barbecue pork, white chicken and barbecue ribs. I’ve tried everything except for the barbecue pork but I knew it’s good. The roast pig is the best. It has really crispy skin and all the meats are tasty. I always ordered barbecue meats on rice bento box which also includes Chinese greens. It’s 11.99 for 1 meat, 12.99 for 2 meats and 12.99 for 3. It’s really worth to order the 3 meats. Remember to ask for extra sauce on rice. I always return.

I heard their bbq was above average and so we came for late lunch and were seated right away. They have two small rooms and they sat us near the entrance so we were cold every time the door opened. The 2 way bbq rice plate with soy sauce chicken and roast pig with crispy skin was served cold - well room temperature but they are in the entrance area so it’s pretty cold. Portion was on the modest side and the chicken was a bit undercooked for my liking and I am accustomed to the Chinese style of doneness but this was too undercooked. The soy sauce chicken did not have the rich taste it should so not sure they are using a well seasoned master sauce. The roast pig was ok and had a good proportion of fat to lean but the skin was barely crispy and the taste was rather bland. Disappointing bbq. We also ordered spare ribs and bitter melon rice plate and despite the black bean sauce, it was also bland. The yee mein had a nice wok hay and reminded me of my grandmother’s noodles. Service is efficient and place is clean with cute decor. They have an extensive menu so maybe we will return and try other items. U bet they shine when you are with a large group and order family style.

This is hands down the best Cantonese bbq restaurant. You can smell the bbq aroma the second you open the door. The endless line of people picking up bbq, is a testament that this is now the go-to place for many people. Don’t sleep on their stir fry either. Their stir fried dishes that are truly reminiscent of street food in Hong Kong. As a Hong Kong-er, this is the only restaurant in Boston that captures the wok-hei/ smokiness/ sear, fragrance and freshness of dai pai dong. Did I mention they even have TVB playing on tv?

Food was very quick, didn’t really understand the menu even though it was translated. We ordered egg drop soup and sweet and sour pork tenders. The food was good, the soup could have used a pinch of salt, and it came out super quick. The place was full of Chinese locals, which usually indicates authenticity. Should have read the reviews before ordering, they have 2 meat plates which looked amazing too. Hot tea was included.

Great new place to get authentic tasty duck and other Cantonese delicacies. Menu is huge, and reasonably priced. One plate is in the teens except for specialities just over $20, and is enough food to be satisfied but not stuffed. Atmosphere and service are great, just what you’d expect for a small casual Chinatown restaurant with a big takeout business. Loved the unlimited loose-leaf Chinese tea. The duck was amazing and cinnamony but not overly salty or oily. Also loved the pork. The Buddha’s Delight vegetable and noodle medley was great. However, dropped a star because all of the dishes could have used more sauce. Especially the dry chicken and salted fish fried rice that lacked much flavor. I got maybe one bite with a hint of fish. Overall, I’d come back. After I tried some more places in the area.