So you're hungry — and you're ready for some Chinese or Taiwanese food. Good news: we've found the freshest spots to satisfy your appetite. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're craving hot pot, Taiwanese fried chicken and more.
Mala Kungfu
155 Brighton Ave., Allston
Mala Kungfu recently opened its doors in the space that formerly housed Refuge Cafe. The new restaurant specializes in hot pot, featuring a selection of meats (beef, chicken, lamb or fish ball), veggies and spice levels.
Other offerings include barbecue lamb skewers, chicken wings, coffee and tea.
Yelpers are excited about Mala Kungfu, which currently holds five stars out of 12 reviews.
Calvin G., who reviewed it on Aug. 19, wrote, "We were impressed by the flavor of the soup — it is spicy with a mix of sesame. The staff is super friendly and multi-lingual, would highly recommend."
Yelper Zhiqian Z. wrote, "The ingredients all came with good quality and the owner was super friendly too. Will go again when they have more selections of proteins."
Mala Kungfu is open from 11 a.m.–11 p.m. daily.
Cheers Cut
154 Harvard Ave., Allston
Cheers Cut is a Taiwanese fast-casual spot that offers fried chicken, fried squid and "ninja" chicken nuggets, with dips like teriyaki sauce. It's part of a small chain with eateries in five states. This location shares space with boba tea shop Gong Cha.
There are also grilled meats, including chicken, beef and squid. Round out your meal with minced meat rice, fried tofu and a few nonalcoholic drinks, like grapefruit green tea.
Cheers Cut is off to a strong start with four stars out of 20 reviews on Yelp.
Yelper Angela S., who reviewed the eatery on July 21, wrote, "I recommend trying the basic ninja chicken nuggets, which is popcorn chicken in the true Taiwanese fashion. Pick salt and pepper flavor and Taiwanese teriyaki sauce for a taste test of the original classic style."
Vinay F. noted, "This place is solid value for money. The food is great, service is quick and parking is easy nearby. I'll be going back."
Cheers Cut is open from 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m.–midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Pot Bar
70 Brighton Ave., Allston
Finally, Pot Bar is a Taiwanese hot pot spot in the former Nile Lounge hookah space. It offers single-serving hot pots in curry, kimchi and satay flavors, with a number of add-on toppings available, like sausage, tofu skin and pigs' blood.
On the menu, you'll also find snacks like skewered shrimp, duck feet and scallion pancake, as well as cold meat and rice dishes. For vegetarians, there is a meatless hot pot with veggies and tofu.
Pot Bar's current rating of 3.5 stars out of 32 reviews on Yelp indicates the eatery is still finding its footing.
Yelper Stephanie T. wrote, "This is a rather no-frills hot pot place. Everyone gets an individual portion hot pot. The House Special soup comes with an array of items, including stinky tofu! Overall a good experience!"
Yelper Alicia K. wrote, "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 for something bolder in flavor. My favorite would be their kimchi."
Pot Bar is open from 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. on Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
