Five Spices House
A casual yet contemporary eatery renowned for its authentic, Scoville-scaling Sichuan cuisine, from chili oil wontons to spicy dry pot.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Five Spices House
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A casual yet contemporary eatery renowned for its authentic, Scoville-scaling Sichuan cuisine, from chili oil wontons to spicy dry pot.
Visit for Lunch Specials
Arrive before 4 PM for lunch specials offering a wide array of dishes at a great value. Explore diverse menu options.
Explore Unique Dishes
Venture beyond typical Chinese restaurant fare; the vast menu offers unique and authentic Sichuan dishes to discover.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Sichuan Chinese
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Sichuan Flavors
Experience bold, Scoville-scaling Sichuan dishes like chili oil wontons and spicy dry pot. A true taste of authentic Chinese cuisine.
Signature Dan Dan Noodles
Fan favorite dan dan noodles deliver powerful flavors and spice. A must-try for any visitor seeking a memorable culinary experience.
Abundant Lunch Specials
Arrive before 4 PM for a wide array of delicious lunch specials at a great value, making it a smart choice for a satisfying meal.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit for Lunch Specials
Arrive before 4 PM for lunch specials offering a wide array of dishes at a great value. Explore diverse menu options.
Explore Unique Dishes
Venture beyond typical Chinese restaurant fare; the vast menu offers unique and authentic Sichuan dishes to discover.
Portion Sizes
Be aware that portions are often large, which can be a great value. Consider sharing to try more items.
Peak Time Service
Service can be slow during peak times, especially holidays like Chinese New Year. Patience is advised.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit for Lunch Specials
Arrive before 4 PM for lunch specials offering a wide array of dishes at a great value. Explore diverse menu options.
Explore Unique Dishes
Venture beyond typical Chinese restaurant fare; the vast menu offers unique and authentic Sichuan dishes to discover.
Portion Sizes
Be aware that portions are often large, which can be a great value. Consider sharing to try more items.
Peak Time Service
Service can be slow during peak times, especially holidays like Chinese New Year. Patience is advised.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners praise Five Spices House for its authentic and flavorful Sichuan cuisine, with many highlighting the bold spices and generous portions. While some find the prices a bit steep, the weekday lunch specials offer excellent value. Service can occasionally be slow, particularly during busy periods, and some reviews mention inconsistency in saltiness or dish preparation.
"Definitely not 3.9 star, probably a 4.4-4.5. Crab Rangoon are awesome (Top 10), beef with broccoli was moist and tender, sesame chicken is crispy and mildly sweet(perfect). If you a Chinese Food Snob go to a $40/plate place and leave great places like this to be explored by people like me."
Trace Palmer
"Food is decent enough but I wouldn't come back here. Buns have almost no meat in them and the staff seems to be in a bad mood"
Miss Indi
"S-tier noodle soups. My wife ordered Szechuan beef noodle soup, and I got the ma la rice noodle soup with chicken. Soooooo good! It was raining outside, and the spicy soups gave us life! We ordered fried pork buns as an appetizer and they were 🤌"
Joseph Wilson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Arrive before 4 PM to take advantage of the weekday lunch specials, which offer a wide array of dishes at a great value.
Yes, the Sichuan dishes are known for their bold flavors and heat, often described as 'Scoville-scaling'.
Many diners rave about the Dan Dan Noodles and the Sichuan Diced Chicken with Chili Peppers. The Crab Rangoon is also a popular starter.
Service can be slow during peak times and special occasions. It's recommended to be patient or visit during off-peak hours.
Yes, the menu is extensive and features many unique Sichuan dishes not commonly found in other Chinese restaurants.
Yes, reviews consistently mention that the portion sizes are large, offering good value for the price.
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Where to Find the Best Chinese Restaurants in Boston
A multi-year Best of Boston winner in Chinatown and a newer, second location in Cambridge are both great options for Scoville-scaling Sichuan dishes, like thin-skinned wontons drenched in neon-orange chili oil, a signature whole-roasted fish, and spicy dry pot (a wok-charred stir-fry) with a choice of veggies and proteins. 58 Beach St., Boston, 617-574-8888; 546 Mass Ave., Cambridge, 617-714-3339, 5spiceshouse.com. Gene Wu of Gene’s Chinese Flatbread Cafe making noodles at his Boston shop.
Find the best Chinese food near you with our
The lively neighborhood boasts eateries like Five Spices House, where dan dan noodles remain a fan favorite; Empire Garden, a popular dim sum destination; and Peach Farm, offering late-night diners Peking ravioli and a sizzling flounder house special. Read our guide to the 20 must-try restaurants in Boston’s Chinatown to help you eat your way around the neighborhood.
Best Chinese Restaurants in Cambridge: 2025 Ultimate Guide
Tucked away in a cozy corner of Cambridge, Five Spices House is a delightful treasure trove of flavors. The moment I stepped in, the tantalizing aroma of spices enveloped me, sparking my appetite. Their signature dumplings burst with savory goodness, while the Kung Pao chicken danced with a perfect blend of heat and sweetness.
The Top Chinese Restaurants in Boston
Voted Best of Boston in 2018 by Boston Magazine, there’s something for everyone on the menu at this Sichuan restaurant. The menu at Five Spices House can be a bit overwhelming, and there are plenty of unique dishes you won’t find on the menu at typical Chinese restaurants. This makes Five Spices House all the more authentic.
20+ Asian Restaurants Near You
If you’re looking for bold, Sichuan flavors or the best Asian food Boston has, Five Spices House is the restaurant for you. They have really great dan dan noodles and mapo tofu that you have to order!. Where: 58 Beach St #2017, Boston, MA 02111
Best Chinese food? : boston
Also in Cambridge: Sumiao (authentic spicy is very hot if you're into that), Five Spices House, Zoe's Chinese Restaurant, and Cilantro
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