25 Massachusetts Ave. Boston; (617)536-9852 Near Kenmore Square, this place seems to belong in the heart of Chinatown. Hsin Hsin is a small, simple noodle house where you can get a lot of basic dishes for very reasonable prices.
The place has only about ten tables. The atmosphere is attractive, clean and casual, and so is the menu; noodles and soups, that’s about it.
The soups include egg drop, wonton, or hot and sour, each about $1.75. Among appetizers, again the basics: Peking ravioli ($4.50), spring rolls ($2.95), scallion pancakes ($3.50), all yummy. The main dishes divide into about five offerings each of soup noodles, fried noodles, chow foon, lo mein, and fried rice. All are around $5-$6. The portions are very generous, so you’ll have plenty of leftovers.
Mine loved the egg drop soup, which was delicious and a bit salty, with mushrooms and scallions floating in it. Beef chow foon with pepper and onions consisted mostly of the wide rice noodles; not enough beef mixed in. Try the house special fried noodles ($7.95), crispy noodles with chicken, shrimp, beef, and vegetables. Cold sesame noodles are also tasty, with that slightly spicy, nutty sauce.
The service is friendly and attentive; in an area known for burgers and beers, Hsin Hsin’s concentration on Chinese staples is a pleasant surprise. Open from 11:30 a.m. to 11 P.M. daily.
