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For those of you who are new to Brandeis, or who dont go to Boston often, or just cant find good places to eat, finding a decent Chinese restaurant is always a good way to start. That brings us to the ultimate Chinese restaurant test. To figure out if an unknown restaurant is good, see if Chinese people are in it. Theyre usually the most knowledgeable about their own culture, so chances are, if theyre eating it, its probably good Chinese food. All that aside, if youre still feeling a bit lazy and unadventurous, Ive done the work for you.

The Noodle Alcove (see directions below), though small and easily overlooked, is just the place. If you have friends, bring them. The portions are all rather large, so family style is the way to go. If you are a loner, expect leftovers. If youre feeling ambitious, start with some appetizers. The crab rangoons are a delectable mixture of flakey wonton and cheesy goodness, and that means a lot coming from me, a lifelong seafood avoider. If youve never tried scallion pancakes, I would also recommend them.

As you might have guessed from the name, the Noodle Alcove is known for its Chinese noodles. Theyre all handmade and include knife cut (thick), pulled (thin), and what they call hand-drawn, which are made from scraps of dough, and thus are oddly shaped but tasty nonetheless. They serve a variety of lo mein-type dishes and soups that center around these noodles.

Assuming you come with a good-sized group, I would suggest an assortment of entres, including at least one noodle dish. Sesame chicken is always a safe and delicious choice. If you are vegetarian, the Noodle Alcove also has a pretty adequate selection of vegetarian meals. From my experience, the vegetarian choices arent as appetizing as the others, but vegetables arent really my thing. Anything with noodles is bound to be awesome.

If you are concerned about money, as we all are, the Alcove wont empty out your pockets. Even with a couple of group appetizers, the average price per person should fall between $9 and $11, including tip, which for Chinese food in Boston is on the cheaper side. On a scale of 1 to 10, Id rate the Noodle Alcove as noodletastic.

Where: 10 Tyler St, Boston, MA
How to get there: Boylston stop off the green line. Make a left out of the station, then walk until you get to CVS and make a right. Go straight until you see a sign for Pho Pasteur (it should be diagonally across), and then make a left. A few blocks down youll see a sign for Tyler Street. The Noodle Alcove is down that street and on a second floor, a bit hard to spot.

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If youre in the mood for some Asian food, also try:

The Asian Grill
265 Moody Street
Waltham, MA
(781) 398-1600

Absolutely Asia
864 Main Street
Waltham, MA
(781) 891-1700

Sichuans Garden
411 Waverley Oaks Road
(781) 899-9991

Jewel Of India
380 Moody Street
Waltham, MA
(781) 893-9500

Fire and Ice
50 Church Street
Cambridge, MA
(617) 547-9007

205 Berkeley St.
Park Square Building
Boston, MA
617-482-FIRE (3473)

Sato
475 Winter Street
Waltham, MA
(781) 890-0089

Sushi Yasu
617 Main Street
Waltham, MA
781-894-9783