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Easy Keto Chinese Spicy Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

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Need a quick, light, and easy fix? I have the recipe for you. This one’s my Chinese spicy roasted cauliflower recipe. All you need are 8 ingredients and the labor is quite minimal. Requiring only 45 minutes of your time, give this one a try. It pairs well with virtually any dish.

Last updated: March 17, 2020

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My spicy roasted cauliflower is the perfect side dish or as an appetizer. It goes well with any meats or heavily protein-ed dishes such as a steak or seitan if you’re vegetarian. It can also be enjoyed as an appetizer. Don’t let the chopsticks fool you, these make great finger foods. Just roast them a little more in the oven to get them to crisp. Best of all is you won’t feel guilty eating any of it as it has less than XX calories.

Spicy Roasted Cauliflower Zoomed in

Things You’ll Need

Spicy Roasted Cauliflower ingredients
  1. Cauliflower
  2. Five (5) Spice Chinese Powder
  3. Cayenne Powder
  4. Garlic, minced
  5. Dried Chili Peppers
  6. Sesame Oil
  7. Sichuan Peppercorn
  8. Coconut Aminos

Looking for other dishes to pair with your Roasted Chinese Cauliflower? Check out my General Tso’s Chicken Recipe.

Chinese Cauliflower Recipe
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Spicy Chinese Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine Asian, Chinese, Low Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword cauliflower, gluten free, peppercorn, roasted, sichuan, spicy, szechuan
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 161.9kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Oven Pan
  • Frying Pan or Wok
  • Basting Brush

Ingredients

Cauliflower Marinade

Topping

Instructions

Roasting Cauliflower

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • In a mixing bowl, toss together the olive oil, garlic powder, 5 Spice Chinese powder, and Cayenne Powder with the Cauliflower Florets. Mix thoroughly. Sprinkle salt to taste.
  • After about 15 minutes, the oven should be ready. Baste a oven pan with oil to prevent the cauliflowers from sticking to the pan.
    Lining oven pan with oil
  • Move Cauliflower into oven. Roast for about 20-25 minutes depending on how you like your cauliflower. Longer for more crispiness. Make sure to stir at the halfway point.
  • After 20-25 minutes remove the cauliflower from the oven.

Let's add some spice

  • In a frying pan or wok, heat to medium. Wait about 2 minutes til pan is heated. Then add olive oil. Once olive oil is hot, toss in the peppercorns and dried chili peppers. Let it infuse with the oil. This will take about a couple of minutes or when dried chili peppers have become crispy.
    Infusing the oil with peppercorn and chili
  • Transfer the roasted cauliflower. Pour in the sesame oil and coconut aminos over the cauliflower. Increase heat to medium high and stir fry for about 2-3 minutes. Move cauliflower over to
    Stir Frying Cauliflower
  • Top with chopped Scallions and enjoy!
    Top with scallions

Notes

Nutrition info is approximate using the sparkpeople.com recipe calculator, and the carb count does not count sugar alcohols. It is your responsibility to check the accuracy of all nutritional facts posted here, especially if you have a medical condition, in which case you should consult with your doctor before using any of the recipes.

Nutrition

Calories: 161.9kcal | Carbohydrates: 9.9g | Protein: 3.4g | Fat: 13.2g | Saturated Fat: 1.7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8.4g | Sodium: 71.9mg | Potassium: 510.6mg | Fiber: 5.1g | Sugar: 2.8g
MADE THIS RECIPE?Let’s see it! Tag @chowyoulater and #chowyoulater
Nutrition Facts
Spicy Chinese Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 161.9 Calories from Fat 119
% Daily Value*
Fat 13.2g20%
Saturated Fat 1.7g11%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 8.4g
Sodium 71.9mg3%
Potassium 510.6mg15%
Carbohydrates 9.9g3%
Fiber 5.1g21%
Sugar 2.8g3%
Protein 3.4g7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

MADE THIS RECIPE?
Lets see it! Tag @chowyoulater on Instagram or Twitter and hashtag it #chowyoulater

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Sumiao Hunan Kitchen Cambridge

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[4.18/5] I was wrong, like dead wrong. When I first came to Sumiao Hunan Kitchen for their soft opening last year, I was not impressed. Mainly because it had the makings of a PF Changs clone. You know very well what I mean, overly fancy interior decor serving small portioned, okay chinese food at ridiculous prices. I told myself I would not go back there. That was then. A year later, to my surprise a few friends of mine convinced me to go back. Read more to find out how they’ve changed my initial impressions.  

Review #057
Restaurant Type: Casual Dining. 

Food (65%) 
Taste to price 4/5
Quality to price 4/5
Portion to price 4/5
Average = 4

Service (20%)  
Friendliness 4.5/5
Promptness 4.5/5
Average = 4.5

Cleanliness (15%) 
Bathroom 4.5/5
Dining area 4.5/5
Kitchen area 4.5/5
Average = 4.5

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
 = [2.6]+[0.9]+[0.68] 
 = 4.18

The Pluses…  
+ Great place for any occasion and any time of the day, really. Lunch, Dinner, Seasonal, as well as Drinks Menu galore. Perfect restaurant for dates, family, and friends. The AMBIANCE makes this a special one. You’ll see a mixed crowd of both Chinese and non-Chinese which tells me this restaurant offers something for everyone. The energy is great and when I went, they had LIVE MUSIC playing. I couldn’t ask for a better night out. 
+ Free WIFI. What Chinese restaurant offers free wifi do you know of?
+ QUALITY dishes. Each one was actually SPICY which is what I liked. None of that weak sh*t! I had the BEEF STRIPS W. PICKLED RADISH, HOMETOWN SAUTEED EEL POT, and the HOT KISS. They were all oh so delicious. Because these plates were so good, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’d get these dishes again within a heartbeat. 
+ For a restaurant of this caliber, I was surprised by the PORTION SIZES. Lets just say ‘skimping’ is not in their vocabulary.
+ CUSTOMER SERVICE. Full wait staff with knowledgeable bartenders. You will see lots of staff walking around available for any need. They’re also friendly which can make a difference. Waiting 30 minutes for water shouldn’t be an issue.
+ Full Service Bar. Great variety of Chinese themed cocktails, both Chinese and local brews. Try the JASMINE TEA LAGER, the beer I never knew I wanted. Ever since then, I’ve been looking for it but have come up disappointed at the packaging store. Tell me where I can find this!
+ CLEAN! It’s just as clean as it first opened and a year has passed. Amazing job.
+ Somewhat open kitchen over by the corner. Open kitchens are always a plus for me and even better when staff are fully uniformed because it tells me they take cooking seriously. 

The Negs…
– No major negatives here.

The Neutrals…
o PRICEY. Be warned that it is on the pricier side but for good reasons, not without merit. You get exactly what you pay for here which means a fully staffed restaurant, quality, authentic foods, and extra clean facilities. If you can find me a restaurant that offers all that at low prices feel free to call me out!

In Conclusion…
Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth and restaurants listening to their customers needs. It’s amazing to me what Sumiao has done the past year. It’s like they read the reviews and have a team working to make adjustments. That, to me, speaks volumes. Prices maybe high, but honestly I can’t think of another Chinese place that offers a similar overall package as Sumiao Hunan Kitchen. They really outdid themselves here. I don’t see another restaurant contending with them for years to come.  Until then, I will keep coming here for one of the best Chinese food the Boston area has to offer. 

#ChowYouLater

Mala Restaurant – Allston

by 22 Comments

[3.95/5] Mala Restaurant holds a special place in my heart. No really it does. This restaurant along with some other ones made up some memorable, euphoric times I had when my GF and I first met. This was one of our go-to restaurants and after a long stint, we recently went back. What are my thoughts? Should you visit? Here we go.

Review #054
Restaurant Type: Casual Dining.

Food (65%)
Taste to price 4/5
Quality to price 4/5
Portion to price 4/5
Average = 4

Service (20%)  
Friendliness 3.5/5
Promptness 4/5
Average = 3.75

Cleanliness (15%)
Bathroom 4/5
Dining area 4/5
Kitchen area 4/5
Average = 4

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
 = [2.6]+[0.75]+[0.6]
 = 3.95

The Pluses…  
+  HUGE MENU. I can’t say I’ve tried everything as I usually skip all the hoo-ha and go straight to the MALA SPECIAL POT and BARBECUE aka the lone menu page that comes with a black marker.  
+  The black marker is for making your own MALA XIANG GUO. Use it wisely my friend. See my picture for a cheat sheet of what I usually get. I would also add some meats such as LAMB, GIZZARD, SAUSAGE, and/or QUAIL EGGS.
+  Flip over the SPECIAL POT Menu and you’ll find the BARBECUE side which I also highly recommend. Their skewer beats most places specializing in Chinese BBQ. You can’t go wrong with any of the meats.
+  Great for groups. Dishes are generally served FAMILY STYLE here. This is the type of place you want to try as much food as possible and the only way to do that is to (1) have a Kobayashi stomach, or (2) bring a group of 4 or more.
+  Because I had the luxury of being in a group, we ordered the FRESH FISH WITH CHILI SAUCE. I have high tolerance for spice and if you do too, then I’d suggest the EXTRA SPICY option. If you’re a fan of TILAPIA and SPICY OILS then this is a good one to get.
+  I love the CHINAWARE. They make great photos and it adds onto the ambiance (see pics).

The Negs…
– Flavoring of foods can be inconsistent at times. In the past I’ve had my dishes overly salty and bland on other trips. Either way, it still tastes good, just be aware.
– No alcohol here. This is kind of a bummer but it’s pretty common in most modern Chinese restaurants. I would love to see some Peppercorn Bloody Mary’s in the future 🙂

The Neutrals…
o You can count on this place being packed. Plan accordingly during lunch/dinner times especially on the weekends.
o You can always tell what kind of restaurant a place is based on the customers and for this one, it’s as authentic as a small city like Boston can offer. You will find the majority of customers, international students from China. They’re friendly and nice 🙂

In Conclusion…
After coming here for years, I look at Mala like the start of a phase, much like what Iron Man is to the MCU. The success of this restaurant opened doors for the Chinese hot pot and spicy bowl type of restaurants. Nowadays you see a plethora of them on Harvard Ave and they are difficult to miss. If you don’t know where to start, Mala Restaurant is not a bad place to begin. After years of coming here, they still got it. And if you’re on a date much like I was, grab some rolled ice cream or bubble tea afterwards and explore the bars. There’s a lot to do and make the night a memorable one.

#ChowYouLater


Xi’An Street Foods – Allston

by 16 Comments

[3.51/5] I recently went to Xi’an last summer and I enjoyed every bit of it. It was truly a one of a kind city. Not to put such a high expectation for a restaurant but I started missing the ancient capital and anything that came close would do. Enter Xi’an Street Foods.

[3.51/5] I recently went to Xi’an last summer and I enjoyed every bit of it. It was truly a one of a kind city. Not to put such a high expectation for a restaurant but I started missing the ancient capital and anything that came close would do. Enter Xi’an Street Foods.

Review #051
Restaurant Type: Fast Casual Dining.

Food (65%)
Taste to price 4/5
Quality to price 4/5
Portion to price 2/5
Average = 3.33

Service (20%)  
Friendliness 3.5/5
Promptness 4/5
Average = 3.75

Cleanliness (15%)
Bathroom na
Dining area 4/5
Kitchen area 4/5
Average = 4

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
 = [2.16]+[0.75]+[0.6]
 = 3.51

The Pluses…  
+ I ordered myself Combo #2 which was the PORK ROUJIAMOU, HOT & SOUR SOUP NOODLES, and DRINK. I usually enjoy food on the sour side and love black vinegar (there’s a lot of that in there). As for spiciness, I didn’t find it spicy at all but then again, I have a high tolerance.  
+ Nice interior decor! I like the bian lian masks on the wall although it reminded me more of Sichuan but that’s ok too because I love Chengdu. On the other side of the wall is a modern design bridging the two worlds together.
+ Nice menu. It’s beautifully laid out on a digital screen with lots of pictures for those preferring visuals over words. I like that its minimized making it pretty clear of their specialties.
+ Loving the ambiance. They play some pretty cool Chinese acoustic and folk music.  

The Negs…
– With a high price tag, expectations tends to be raised with it. For their roujiamou, it was good but not for that price. I expected the pork to be bursting out of the bread. The same can be said about their soups.
– I’m not really a fan of plastic bowls and utensils for soup. It takes away from the experience. It’s all about congruency where the impression of the food should match the ambiance and brand. When I think of plastic bowls and utensils, I think of instant noodles which I’m sure is not the message they want to convey to customers. As a suggestion, I’d like to see them use ceramic dinnerware for customers eating in and plastic for those taking out.

The Neutrals…
o Just like the many restaurants along Brighton Ave. this place is tiny. Just wanted to forewarn you.

In Conclusion…
Overall I enjoyed my time at Xi’an Street Foods. I liked their soup and ROUJIAMOU (Chinese burger for those not in the know) but my biggest gripe is the price. At that price point, portions should be larger and shouldn’t be served in plastic dinnerware. If those two things can be addressed, then this place would have a much higher rating. Those are really the only setbacks here. I would love to come back again.

#ChowYouLater

Ming’s Seafood Restaurant – Malden

by 9 Comments

[3.48/5] They say the third time’s the charm. You see I’ve been trying to eat here two times now, but failed on both occasions because the wait time was unbearable. Finally, on the third try I finally got the chance. When my number was called, I got so excited I wanted to twerk my way to the table. Sure, there was still a wait but at least, it wasn’t ridiculous at 20 minutes. How does the DIM SUM taste? Read more to find out.

Review #047
Restaurant Type: Casual Dining.
My 1st Impressions: I’ve wondered many times, when, and if I would ever lose my Ming’s virginity?

Food (65%)
Taste to price 3.5/5
Quality to price 3.5/5
Portion to price 3.5/5
Average = 3.5

Service (20%)  
Friendliness 3/5
Promptness 3/5
Average = 3

Cleanliness (15%)
Bathroom 4/5
Dining area 4/5
Kitchen area 4/5
Average = 4

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
  = [2.28]+[0.6]+[0.6]
  = 3.48

The Pluses…  
+ The ambiance is great. If you want an eye opening experience, come here during their peak hours; there’s a lot of culture to experience.
+ One of the nicer Chinese restaurants, in terms, of interior design. Elegant with touches of modernism intermixed with the usual themes of a Chinese Restaurant. I can dig it.
+ Very family and large group friendly.  
+ Their fish tank is filled with aquatic creatures; clean and well maintained!

The Negs…
– The wait time. Not much else I can say here. I know it’s not the restaurant’s fault but don’t say I didn’t warn ya.

The Neutrals…
o Take this comment however you want, but the DIM SUM here was just OK for me. It’s neither horrendous nor great, just somewhere in the middle. And that’s not a bad thing either.

In Conclusion…
If you’re desperate for DIM SUM and the only option is Ming’s then, by all means stop by. But if you’re like me and live in Boston, the wait and anticipation does not match the food. It’s kind of a shame really because the wait unfairly places the DIM SUM on such a high pedestal which grew taller than Yao Ming every minute passed. With that said and out of the way, there are many better DIM SUM options in Chinatown with a shorter wait time. This review is solely for the DIM SUM, so I will have to come back to update you all with their lunch/dinner offerings because their fish tank looks too good to ignore!

#ChowYouLater

Mala Kungfu – Allston

by 45 Comments

[3.86/5] When Refuge Cafe went down I was immediately pulled in, curious of what to come next. Like the nosey bathrobed neighbor I was, I would peer through the window hoping I’d get a glimpse of a clue. This is a prime location afterall, Allston’s version of Time Square. OK I’m exaggerating a little, but either way this is a major commercial intersection. Whatever came next had to be exciting. [Oh god, I’m beginning to sound like a townie.] Here we go!

Review #046
   Restaurant Type: Fast Casual Dining.
   My 1st Impression: First there was a KungFu Panda, then          
   KungFu Tea, and now Mala KungFu! *cue the music* Everybody      
   was kung fu fighting!

Food (65%)
   Taste to price 3/5
   Quality to price 3.5/5
   Portion to price 4/5
   Average = 3.5

Service (20%)  
   Friendliness 4.5/5
   Promptness 4.5/5
   Average = 4.5

Cleanliness (15%)
   Bathroom n/a
   Dining area 4.5/5
   Kitchen area 4.5/5
   Average = 4.5

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
               = [2.28]+[0.9]+[0.68]
               = 3.86

The Pluses…  
+ Very passionate and welcoming owner. As soon as I walked in I was immediately greeted. He walked us through and curated all the offerings of the restaurant. I appreciated that.
+ You make your own bowl here so if you like or despise anything in particular you can make it anyway you like. The choice is yours.
+ For the soft opening promo, he gave us complimentary seltzer water and beef toppings. That was a kind gesture 🙂
+ BBQ LAMB was how I liked it: Hot, tender, juicy, and heavy on the chili powder.
+ BROTH was delicious. Rich in flavor, and not overly salty. It was similar to the MALA TANG in China.
+ Spacious dining area, huge 4K TV! Lots of room to maneuver all
you want. If you have Invisible Lat Syndrome like me, this is a dream come true.
+ Lots of natural air flow as they keep their windows open (weather permitting). One of the few Asian soup themed restaurants to do so. Best view for people watching.
+ Very clean all around, new everything.

The Negs…
– With all that open space, I would like to see more for toppings much like the many MALA XIANG GUO places have it set up. I also think given the similarities, they could easily offer MALA XIANG GUO as an option.  
– I’m all for the single item restaurant movement, but in this instance, I want more menu items. Nowadays, with so many soup options what is their Unique Selling Proposition (USP)?
– At checkout we were told, “Other restaurants require 15%, we only charge 10% for tips. It’s for the kitchen and this will help them.” I think that’s very kind of the owner to watch for his staff, but there must be some kind of cultural misunderstanding because in America, that’s not going to be well received, as many reviewers have pointed out.

The Neutrals…
o The owner is fluent in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. I thought that was pretty cool.  

In Conclusion…
Mala Kung Fu is one of the few restaurants in the area to serve MALA TANG or MALA SOUP. They are a solid choice if you’re craving for this particular item. With a highly visible location and high foot traffic, they should do well especially in the winter. I look forward to coming back.

#ChowYouLater


Szechuan Mountain House (NYC)

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[4.57/5] So what do you do if you’re dying for good Sichuan food? I just came from Chengdu about a month ago and I’ve had this insatiable craving for Sichuan food ever since I left. I’ve tried many other Szechuan restaurants in the states but it just wasn’t the same and my stomach’s only gotten hangrier. You see, this craving is one not to mess with because it’s a like an addiction. The stomach, like a child, throwing tantrums until it has its way. Well, I believe I found the closest restaurant in the East Coast to quiet that rage.

Review #044
Restaurant Type: Casual Dining.
My Short Summary: You call yourself “Szechuan” but to me, it reminds me more of Sichuan 🙂

Food (65%)
Taste to price 5/5
Quality to price 5/5
Portion to price 4.5/5
Average = 4.83

Service (20%)  
Friendliness 3.5/5
Promptness 4/5
Average = 3.75

Cleanliness (15%)
Bathroom 4.5/5
Dining area 4.5/5
Kitchen area 4.5/5
Average = 4.5

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [3.14]+[0.75]+[0.68]
   = 4.57

The Pluses…  
+ The Menu was quite extensive. It was like a picture book and I enjoyed going through it. The best part was how the pictures actually looked like the actual dishes!
+ Dinnerware was exceptional. China plates and tea mugs were not generic!
+ One of my favorite is the BRAISED FROG W SPICY CHILI BROTH. They did it right. Cooked to perfection, no lingering “fishy” taste.
+ Another one of my favorites was their FRIED CONY MEAT W HOT PEPPER. Again, cooked to perfection: meaty, tender, and moist (that’s what she said).
+ Sichuan Food in America that is actually spicy!
+ The presentation of the food was done very nicely. I started to drool the moment they sat the dishes down. Lots and lots of red and peppercorn aroma!
+ The SLICED PORK BELLY WITH CHILI GARLIC SAUCE is a must starter. A little gimmicky but otherwise, fun and different.
+  Beautiful decor and ambiance. The little pond and koi fish was a nice touch. It could have easily been another table but I respect the decision to put a pond there. It adds to the Chinese theme.

The Negs…
– Bring your favorite mahjong set because the wait time can be a bummer. We waited for about an hour. If you’re patient, then I’d say the food is well worth the wait.

The Neutrals…
o I haven’t been to a restaurant that charged for a second round of pickled veggies provided at the table. Must be a NYC thing? Someone please confirm.

In Conclusion…
Come here. This place is worth repeating over and over again for your Sichuan fix. I don’t mind the wait. If you’ve ever had dishes from Chengdu you will know what I mean. Somebody do me a favor and take me to a Sichuanholics Anonymous session!

Tasty Pot Allston

by 16 Comments

[4.38/5] I would be one wealthy dude if I got a dollar for all the times I’ve passed Tasty Pot waiting for them to open. So many “hot pot” themed restaurants in the area, yet all offering their own take on it. This one may just be the one to stand out.

Review #043
Restaurant Type: Casual Dining.
My short summary sentence: Tasty Pot has got it going on!

Food (65%)
Taste to price 4.5/5
Quality to price 4.5/5
Portion to price 4.5/5
Average = 4.5

Service (20%)  
Friendliness 4/5
Promptness 4.5/5
Average = 4.25

Cleanliness (15%)
Bathroom 3.5/5
Dining area 4.5/5
Kitchen area 4/5
Average = 4

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [2.93]+[0.85]+[0.6]
   = 4.38

The Pluses…  
+ The wait was worth it. How can this restaurant with the most unsuspecting exterior be so drastically different inside. When you walk in, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know how much effort was put in building the space. I mean, they got brand new furniture, brick busting dragons on the wall, and an open kitchen right in the middle as you enter. That’s when I knew this place was serious.
+ I ordered the TAIWANESE SUPREME SPICY HOT SOUP which is their flagship entree. At $17.99 split between 2 people, that is a steal!
+ Portion sizes are out of this world. Just look at the pictures, they look they’re on steroids.
+ I chose the FLAMING SPICY option which is the spiciest of them all. I have to warn you that when they say its the spiciest, they really mean it. They don’t hold back and my tolerance is pretty high. Just something for you to consider.
+ Food came out lightning quick. Thor must have been cookin’ in the back.
+ Waiters were everywhere waiting to service you.
+ Definitely a place worth repeating for me.

The Negs…
– No major negatives here.

The Neutrals…
o The baby octopus was not really baby octopus. They were more like College Freshman 15 sized 🙂
o My GF likes their soundtrack. We suspect the owner came from the same generation. Lots of Jay Chou and JJ Lin 😛

In Conclusion…
Tasty Pot is for real. If they keep up and maintain the quality of their soft opening, I can see them escaping with the crown for best hot pot in Allston/Brighton. I’ll be back. Chow!

Shabu Zen Allston

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The OG of Boston Hot Pot.

Having grown up in Boston when I think of Hot Pot, Shabu Zen immediately comes to mind mainly because of them being the first hot pot restaurant in Chinatown. Then came Kaze and a whole slew of hot pot focused businesses in the early 2000’s. This Allston location is their second and it appears a new generation of hot pot restaurants are either on the way or have opened within the last year to Allston. So how does the OG compare to their younger and hipper brethren?  

Restaurant Type: Casual Dining.

Food (65%)
Taste to price 4/5
Quality to price 4/5
Portion to price 4/5
Average = 4

Service (20%)  
Friendliness 4/5
Promptness 4/5
Average = 4

Cleanliness (15%)
Bathroom 4/5
Dining area 4/5
Kitchen area 4/5
Average = 4

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [2.6]+[0.8]+[0.6]
   = 4

What else to know: To answer my question, they are still holding it down after almost 2 decades! This is still the hot pot restaurant to go to. The quality is there. Sure, portion sizes have decreased and prices inflated but one would expect that with the changing times. My biggest surprise is how they’ve managed to stay consistent all these years. For some time, it felt like Spring Shabu Shabu would have threatened their business but I haven’t seen any difference. If anything, the competition is keeping Shabu Zen on it’s toes. With a Mala Kung Fu Hot Pot and another one down Harvard Ave opening before the end of this year, hot pot is heating up some more (pun intended). As customers we’ve got to kick back and enjoy this second golden era of hot pots. What a time it is, to be alive for hot potheads.

South of the Clouds Brighton

by 20 Comments

In the mood to try other noodle soups besides pho or ramen? Well, I’ve got the place for you. South of the Cloud specializes in rice noodle soups from Yunnan and they are mighty delicious. 

Food: See pic (65%) 
Taste to price 4.5/5
Quality to price 4/5
Portion to price 4/5
Average = 4.17

Service (20%)  
Friendliness 3.5/5
Promptness 4/5
Average = 3.75

Cleanliness (15%) 
Bathroom n/a
Dining area 4/5
Kitchen area 4/5
Average = 4

Overall Score = [F(.65)]+[S(.20)]+C(.15)]
   = [2.71]+[0.75]+[0.6] 
   = 4.06

What else to know: I’ve been coming here since their grand opening last year. Each time, I’ve seen some kind of improvement in their operations or soups itself. I remember their first day and they were extremely slow. I was so close to leaving that day as I waited 40 minutes for a table and another 30 minutes for my noodles. In the end, I’m glad I stuck through it as I would have missed out on a gem. Nowadays they are streamlined and the food comes out pretty quickly. Times sure has changed, for the better 🙂 If I’m starving my go-to has always been the Rice Noodle Soup in Clay Pot accompanied by the Crispy Fried Pork. 

What I like is the minimal menu, it makes ordering a cinch. You barely see that from a Chinese restaurant in the US. I dislike having to go through chapters of a menu trying to figure out what their restaurant is known for. You don’t want to be that guy eating raw oysters at a cheeseburger joint only to run to the toilet minutes later. Because of this minimal design, the food has always been consistent which is another plus for me. This puts me at ease knowing I can rely on this restaurant each and every time.