Dolphin Bay

In the former Inaka ramen space on Brighton Ave. in Allston, Dolphin Bay's pleasant (there is a dolphin mural) and welcoming atmosphere compliments the unique and flavorful dishes (and beverages) it serves. With an extensive bubble tea, juice, and flavored milk selection along with Taiwanese cuisine, the meal is satisfying and they even put citrus in their water to steep. The oyster pancake is an adventurous yet traditional choice to start the meal, with a jelly-like consistency containing chunks of oyster, egg, and bok choy, in a slightly sweet brown sauce. Spicy wontons are fresh and silky. The smooth bite of the wonton dough pairs famously with ground pork and a dollop of spicy red pepper sauce.

The menu lists the popular items on the first page. As a first-timer, started with two popular dishes - the beef noodle soup and Taiwanese sausage rice. The sausage is served two ways, sliced (on the sweeter side with a slight spice) and ground, with kimchi, cabbage, and potatoes on the side. Not in the mood for sausage? This type of dish could also substitute stewed pork, grilled chicken, salt and pepper pork chop, or popcorn chicken as the main protein. The salt and pepper pork is savory and hearty. Thin grilled pork chop on the bone. Note the portion of meat is a little small. Popcorn chicken is, for lack of a better word, fun. Available with your choice of heat. Medium does not pack much punch. The chicken brings about tasty youthful memories of chicken nuggets. The beef noodle soup is served in a large bowl and the broth is extremely delicate with notes of star anise and Sichuan peppercorns. The soup is available either mild, medium, or spicy. For reference, the medium did not carry much heat. The noodles are cooked to the ideal temperature, not too firm or too mushy. The cubed beef is tender and the bok choy is plentiful.