Food

wok charred beef tenderloin and wok tossed lobster at red8

April 2, 2021 0

Red8 introduces seafood on new spring menu

(請點這裡閱讀中文版。) Last time Sampan spoke to executive chef Richard Chen at Red8, he shared with us his story and his vision towards food. This time, Chef Chen invited me to Red8 to try some of his new creations, available in their Spring menu. In our last conversation, Chen mentioned that he prefers to incorporate ingredients based on their seasonal availability. In addition, he noticed that here in Boston, “people love seafood,” and mentioned that he was excited to bring in […]

Dim sum Chinese dumplings sold at blob joint restaurants

March 5, 2021 0

Blob Joints: a history of dim sum in the U.S.

by Richard Auffrey

The delights of dim sum! Numerous trolley carts of bamboo steamers with bao, dumplings, and other dishes are pushed around the room, and you simply point at the dishes you want. Sometimes you order off a menu, selecting from a long list of intriguing choices. You might have your own favorite dim sum spot in Chinatown, or maybe elsewhere. When did dim sum first come to the U.S.? What was the first dim sum restaurant in Boston’s Chinatown? Its origins […]

February 19, 2021 0

Douzo owner Jack Huang on persevering through the pandemic

by Carey Lin

Boston Chinatown restaurants are some of the worst-hit businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several places have closed down without knowing if they will reopen again. What many businesses had thought would be a temporary closure a year ago still remains today. Douzo Sushi Owner Jack Huang said, “Asian restaurants actually took a big hit. In general, the hospitality industry has been destroyed.” Despite that, Huang’s business has persevered, and he shared in an interview with Sampan how they managed to […]

China Pearl resturant in Chinatown will face challenges

February 5, 2021 0

Restaurants foresee business challenges for Chinese New Year

by Shira Laucharoen

Restaurants in Chinatown and beyond anticipate that this year’s Chinese New Year will be different from past celebrations. While business owners said they believe people will still find ways to keep the spirit alive, many spaces whose banquets bring in a significant amount of revenue will be cutting back on the festivities. The holiday will mostly be honored at home, owners said. “We haven’t been prepping in the sense that we have in the past, because of COVID and the […]

February 5, 2021 0

‘East meets West’: Red 8 executive chef Richard Chen’s vision and pride

by Carey Lin

“They think Chinese restaurants are supposed to be cheap,” said chef Richard Chen. “[It can be] even cheaper than McDonalds. And you get a nutritious meal that takes a lot of time and effort to prepare, and you get a whole entree coming out. I mean, I’d rather eat that everyday than McDonalds. But the point is, they think the price should be very cheap and low.” This is the impression Americans have about “Chinese food.” Alum of the Culinary […]

February 5, 2021 0

Boston’s first Kaisen don restaurant: TORA Japanese restaurant review

by Anna Ing

Tora Japanese Restaurant in Chinatown is Boston’s first Kaisen don restaurant. Four years ago, Tora (Japanese for tiger) was opened by owners Kenix Wong and Patrick Zhong after three years of research around Japan and training in Hong Kong. The restaurant space is simply decorated in hues of grey, white and black with minimal decor. COVID protocols were strictly adhered to with hand sanitizers, spaced out tables to provide a safe dining experience. Kaisen don means seafood on rice, unlike […]

Jacqueline Church is the owner of Boston Chinatown Tours and a freelance writer

February 5, 2021 0

“Lucky at Home”: Lunar New Year 2021

by Jacqueline Church

Lunar New Year is typically a time for huge family banquets. Restaurants would see multi-generational tables, lai see or hong bao passed to children, auspicious foods ordered, and lots of laughter. Lots of food. Like so many other aspects of life during this pandemic, we’re planning more isolated, home-based events. Here are 8 great ideas for making your Lunar New Year as festive and delicious as possible, while staying safe at home. Order takeaway from your favorite spots. All or […]

January 22, 2021 0

A Boston origin of… duck sauce?

by Richard Auffrey

If you dine at local Chinese restaurants, you’ve probably been served a container of duck sauce, a versatile sweet and sour sauce that is commonly used for dipping fried foods, from eggrolls to chicken fingers, fried wontons to crab rangoons. It has become such a familiar sauce that you can find it at non-Chinese restaurants too, especially with an order of chicken fingers. What is the origin of this curious sauce? Theories abound about its origin, most believing it acquired its name […]

January 8, 2021 0

Food for Thought: Mahaniyom (Thai Tapas Bar)

by Anna Ing

Mahaniyom, which in Thai stands for “beloved” or “very popular,” is a Thai Tapas Bar that opened up this past winter in Brookline Village, in the old El Centro space. Long time Shojo alum Chompon (Boong) Boonnak and Smuch (Top) Saikamthorn, along with Chef Suparerk (Pao) Thampitak and their team, wanted to bring a “taste of home.” They have introduced delicious and homey Thai foods, served along with creative, handcrafted cocktails. This team brings many years of restaurant experience from […]

January 8, 2021 0

Peking Duck delights & some history

by Richard Auffrey

That crispy skin! Who can resist its taste and texture? It might be the most popular element of Peking Duck, a Chinese dish of roasted duck. It can be found in a number of restaurants in Chinatown. The version at China King might be one of the most popular. During the 19th century, nearly all U.S. newspaper references to Peking Duck referred to the breed and not the dish. This breed was introduced into the U.S. during the 1870s and quickly became […]

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