If you've got Asian fare on the brain, you're in luck: we've found the freshest Boston eateries to quell your cravings. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in the mood for Asian food.
Kimchipapi Kitchen
81 Harvard Ave., Allston
Just opened at 81 Harvard Ave. in Allston is Kimchipapi Kitchen, a casual joint serving up a limited menu of Korean- and Japanese-inflected items.
The sole entrée is the Glory Bowl, a base of rice, greens or kale noodles, plus protein, sauce and toppings; it comes with a choice of five banchan, the traditional small Korean side dishes. Appetizers make up the rest of the menu and include Korean-style pancake, gyoza, and fried octopus.
Head chef and Allston local, Joon Son (nickname: Kimchipapi), told Eater Boston he intends to extend the hours at some point to include late nights and lunch, with new menu choices to match.
Kimchipapi Kitchen has a perfect five-star rating from its first three Yelp reviews.
Harold P., who was the first Yelper to review the new spot on May 26, said, "Good stuff. Spicy mayo with salmon is too good of a combo. Top it with nori, avocado, and corn and you've got yourself a winner."
Em R. added, "I definitely appreciate the kale noodle option in addition to rice and veggies. Considering the location, portion size and topping selection, the price point was on par ($8). I would definitely come back and bring friends over."
Interested? Stop by to welcome the new business to the neighborhood. Kimchipapi Kitchen is open from noon-10 p.m. daily.
Pot Bar
70 Brighton Ave., Allston
Pot Bar is the latest spot in Allston to dish up Taiwanese hot pot. Available combos range from Korean kimchi to satay, with a number of add-on toppings available, like sausage, tofu skin and pigs blood. Sides like skewered shrimp and fried cauliflower are also available.
With a 3.5-star rating out of 27 reviews on Yelp, Pot Bar is still finding its way, but it's early days.
Yelper Stephanie T., who reviewed Pot Bar on May 13, wrote, "This is a rather no-frills hot pot place. Overall a good experience! Although it seems a little pricey for the amount/quality of food we are getting."
Yelper Alicia K. wrote, "I've been here a few times with a large group of friends for quick lunch and dinner, and so far service has been efficient despite several hiccups. I also found that the original broth tends to be on a milder side; therefore this might not be for you if you're opting something bolder in flavor. "
Pot Bar is open from 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.
Saigon Chicken House
223 Adams St., Dorchester
Saigon Chicken House has joined the Vietnamese dining scene in Dorchester, taking over the location abandoned by Phở So 1. The menu lists the Phở rice and rice dishes you'd expect, plus a collection of additional chicken and duck dishes, including several noodle soups and salads. Perhaps attracting the most attention is the Napoleon beef served in its cow-shaped skillet.
With a 3.5-star Yelp rating from 13 reviews on Yelp, Saigon Chicken House is still finding its way, but it's early days.
Yelper Michael C., who was one of the first users to visit Saigon Chicken House on April 29, wrote, "It might seem a bit pricy but we think it was worth it. The cage free chicken was very good and the beef napoleon, bò né, was phenomenal. Only disappointment was the chicken phở since the broth wasn't flavorful."
Linda C. noted, "Really glad my friend introduced me to this hidden gem in Dorchester. Literally one of the best traditional Vietnamese restaurants in Boston area."
Saigon Chicken House is open from 10 a.m.–10 p.m. daily.
New Sushi
66 Brighton Ave., Allston
Over in Allston, New Sushi showcases sushi burritos, poke and salad bowls in the former Mixx Frozen Yogurt space. In addition to proteins like tuna, salmon and shrimp tempura, New Sushi caters to vegetarians with asparagus, avocado and cucumber options.
With a four-star rating from 23 reviews on Yelp, New Sushi has been getting positive attention.
Yelper Rich U., who reviewed New Sushi on May 7, wrote, "As solid of a sushi/poke place can be. Prices are reasonable, and portions are good. This is the value pick for sushi lovers."
Brittany M. noted, "New Sushi is on Brighton Ave. with lots of two hour parking and resident parking nearby. Walking in, it was very clean with lots of seating (still the same type of layout when it was Mixx)."
New Sushi is open from 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and noon–10 p.m. on Sunday.
Xi'An Street Foods
182 Brighton Ave., Allston
Xi'An Street Foods is a chain restaurant direct from China, and its latest outpost is in Allston. It specializes in food from central China (Xi'An is the capital of Shaanxi Province), such as congee, noodle soups and a spicy meat sandwich called rougamo.
Yelp users are still warming up to Xi'An Street Foods, which currently holds 3.5 stars out of 22 reviews on the site.
Yelper Jason C., who reviewed Xi'An Street Foods on April 23, wrote, "Love the idea of the combo choices. Soymilk and spicy and sour noodle were decent. But the highlight was definitely the rougamo!"
Tony M. noted, "I grew up in Xi'an and lived there for 16 years of my life. Rougamo is probably my favorite street food since my childhood. So when I had the Rougamo here I knew it was the real stuff. "
Xi'An Street Foods is open from 11 a.m.–11 p.m. daily.
