Xiang Yu China Bistro 1223 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02446

"Trying to find a translation of the restaurant’s name Xiang Yu yielded yet more mystery regarding the origin of the incredible dishes served here. “Xiang” translates to “spicy” or “savory” (both applicable here) or having to do with a region (another name for Hunan cuisine), but Xiang Yu seems to have many meanings depending on the dialect and context. One is a rebel General who overthrew the Qin dynasty in rhe 3rd century BC; another is “salted fish,” which didn’t seem applicable to our profoundly excellent Fish Fillets with Pickle soup; and another is Cantonese slang for “dead body,” which absolutely doesn’t apply here (unless that’s another mystery about the history of the place :) This is a mid-priced restaurant with supremely excellent food. The Beef Lo Mein’s beef is tender, as if slow-cooked to the point of “floopiness” (our word to convey meat that’s spoon-tender and kind of jiggles on the carving board). So many noodle joints around Boston have really tough, borderline indible beef when they feature it. The Lo Mein’s sauce had that wok-seared flavor you find in better Chinese restaurants, with a nice array of vegetables nested within it. The cucumber pickles were incredibly flavorful, loaded with diced garlic and small slices of hot pepper. Although we’re usually “budget gourmet”-type diners, we’re putting this gem into our rotation. Living across from TD Garden, it’s also an excuse for a nice long walk to and fro, getting in 20.000 steps in the process. Highly recommended."

"Husband and I stopped by last night due to we were in town for a candlelight show. Place was awesome our bartender was very attentive and food was fantastic. I would highly recommend and will stop by next time Iam in town."

"Amazing food experience. Very cozy dining place with lovely decorations. Tasty authentic Chinese food you can have with friends!!! I come here almost every month!"

"Authentic food, great atmosphere. I would rank this place second to the Hunan restaurant in Cleveland circle but it has some star dishes. The salted egg eggplant and dry ribs were excellent. Pickled beans with chicken gizzard is my favorite. Minor complaint is that food was not spicy enough for me (but will be plenty for non Hunan folks)"

"One of the more authentic Chinese restaurants in Boston. Great atmosphere with nice decor which isn’t that common with Asian restaurants. The food was authentic and the variety is great. I was told that they change up their menu so I’m looking forward to coming back to try new things. Overall I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend."