Shanghai Gate

A solid Allston Chinese restaurant with what better than two menus. One with specialties and the other with Shanghai Gate "staples," make sure you order a little off both. The restaurant is on the smaller side and is usually full at prime meal times (with a wait), come early. Note the weekday lunch specials and that they are closed on Tuesday. Start with the five spice tofu and one or two lion's head casseroles. The tofu is thick in texture and marinated in a beautifully complex spice, a hint of soy and a hint of ginger, served with scallions. The lion's head casserole is presented in a small rice dish with a large pork meatball atop baby greens and a soy-based sauce. Cucumber in a ginger sauce is incredibly fresh and a great palate cleanser. The cold chef's duck is served chopped and on the bone. Similar spice profile to the five spice tofu. Order the steamed pork bun now as they will take at least 15-20 minutes to arrive. These delicate "soup dumplings" are of course worth the wait. Take your soup spoon, place the bun in the spoon, take a small bite to open the dough and sip the broth. Each served with a slice of ginger, also make sure to dab the bun with the vinegar sauce.

Recommend avoiding the standard Chinese-American dishes and go straight to the good stuff. The paradise mountain chicken is a nice and safe choice to start, served crispy and fried with spicy red chili peppers. Beef with pickled cabbage is a treat, sautéed slices of tender beef mixed with crisp pickled cabbage. The tart and tang of the cabbage blends perfectly with the spicy (moderate heat) beef. Diced chicken stir-fried with green peas also mixes flavors nicely with the moderately spicy brown sauce, savory peas, and crunchy green peppers. If you are feeling adventurous try the pork steamed with preserved vegetables or the preserved pork with taro (will take longer to arrive), interesting and unique dishes. Spicy fish and tofu hot pot combines delicate white fish simmering in a red pepper sauce with silky tofu. Ma po fish is more like ma po tofu - light on the white fish with a plethora of soft tofu cubes in a mild spicy chili sauce. Notes of Sichuan peppercorn. The sizzling eggplant in pork is a must, served piping hot with pork wrapped in eggplant in a garlic sauce.