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Pan-asianSouth End
Joanne Chang and Christopher Myers run Myers and Chang on Washington Street since 2007 as a pan-Asian diner in Boston's South End. Priced at $$.
OrderThe dan dan noodles with house-ground Sichuan peppercorn.
TipCheap Date Mondays runs a fixed $50 for two. The bar pours an excellent gin list.
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AfghanCambridge
The Helmand in East Cambridge runs an Afghan kitchen near Cambridgeside Galleria in Cambridge since 1989. Wood-fired flatbread, charcoal-grilled lamb.
OrderKaddo, pan-fried baby pumpkin with garlic yogurt and meat sauce.
TipWeekday reservations easy. The kabuli pulao is the hidden order; ask for it.
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SpanishJamaica Plain
Tres Gatos on Centre Street has run a tapas-bar-and-book-shop in Jamaica Plain Boston since 2011. Kitchen leans spanish. Booking recommended.
OrderChicken croquetas and a glass of Manzanilla sherry.
TipWeekend brunch is the under-the-radar seat. Book shop opens 17:00.
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MexicanBrookline
Anna's Taqueria on Harvard Street has run the city's fast-Mexican benchmark in Brookline near Coolidge Corner in Boston since 1995. Priced at $.
OrderSuper burrito with carnitas, rice, beans, salsa and guacamole.
TipOrder the super burrito and split it with a friend. The line at noon moves in five minutes.
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AmericanBrookline
Cutty's on Washington Street in Brookline has run the area's best sandwich counter in Boston since 2010. Priced at $$. Kitchen leans american.
OrderRoast Beef 1000: thin-shaved roast beef, sharp cheddar, Russian dressing, onion.
TipClosed Sunday and Monday. Saturday morning sandwich list pulls the longest line; arrive by 11:00.
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ChineseSouth End
Irene Li's Mei Mei Dumplings runs the dumpling factory and cafe in South Boston since 2012. Order the lemongrass pork dumplings, the signature filling.
OrderLemongrass pork dumplings, the signature filling.
TipDumpling-making classes run on weekends from the storefront kitchen. Book on the website.