Gene’s Chinese Flatbread Cafe: A Hidden Gem in Boston

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Gene’s Chinese Flatbread Cafe is a small, unassuming restaurant tucked away in the heart of Boston’s Chinatown. Despite its unassuming appearance, it has become a go-to destination for foodies and locals alike, known for its authentic Northern Chinese cuisine and handmade flatbreads.

If you’re looking for a taste of China in Boston, look no further than Gene’s Chinese Flatbread Cafe. This small but mighty restaurant has earned a reputation for its delicious food and welcoming atmosphere, drawing in locals and visitors alike. In this article, we’ll explore what makes Gene’s so special, from its mouth-watering menu to its unique decor.

History and Background

Gene’s Chinese Flatbread Cafe was founded in 2010 by Gene Wu, a native of Xi’an, China. Wu immigrated to the United States in 2001 and worked as a software engineer before following his passion for cooking and opening his own restaurant. His goal was to bring the flavors of his hometown to Boston, introducing locals to the cuisine he grew up with.

Location and Ambiance

Located at 86 Bedford St in Boston’s Chinatown, Gene’s is a small, unassuming restaurant that’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. The interior is cozy and rustic, with brick walls and wooden tables that give it a homey, welcoming feel. The restaurant is small and can get crowded during peak hours, but it’s worth the wait for a taste of their delicious food.

Menu Highlights

The menu at Gene’s Chinese Flatbread Cafe is a testament to Wu’s passion for his hometown cuisine. The star of the show is the handmade flatbread, which is made fresh daily and can be seen being prepared in the open kitchen. The flatbread is the perfect accompaniment to any of the restaurant’s dishes, but it’s especially good when used to wrap up the savory lamb or beef sandwiches.

Other menu highlights include the Xi’an-style hand-pulled noodles, which are made fresh to order and come in a variety of sauces and toppings. The spicy and sour dumplings are also a must-try, bursting with flavor and heat. For vegetarians, the cold skin noodles and vegetable dumplings are both excellent options.

Reviews and Accolades

Gene’s Chinese Flatbread Cafe has received numerous accolades and positive reviews from food critics and customers alike. The restaurant has been featured in publications like The Boston Globe, The New York Times, and Eater Boston, and has received high marks on review sites like Yelp and TripAdvisor.

Location:

86 Bedford St, Boston, MA 02111, United States

Website:

https://www.genescafeboston.com/

Contact Number:

+1617-4821-888

Opening Hours:

Mon-Sat 11 AM-6:30PM
Sun Closed
Allen
Allen
Local Guide
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Came here on a whim and was satisfied. Had #9, the cumin lamb and it was good. The noodles are thick, which I like, but wish they included more meat. It gets pretty congested during lunch time and the wait can be 15mins+. If you are ordering in person, you have to pay via cash; to use credit card you have to order online.
Kelly Zhou
Kelly Zhou
Local Guide
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My husband and I ate here for a late lunch. This is easily one of my top five favorite restaurants that I have been to. We were lucky enough to snag one of the few tables available. Be prepared to take out when you order from here because there were about 4 places to eat. They are cash only if you order inside, but also have options to order online and pay via credit card. We had the lamb skewers, lamb noodles, pork flatbread sandwich, and pork hand pulled noodles. Everything was so fresh and flavorful! I was initially skeptical about the pork flatbread sandwich bc the pork looked dry, but was amazed to find that the pork was juicy and spiced perfectly. The sandwich "bread" was fresh and delicious! My husband loved the lamb and was so happy that he ordered it! I am not a huge fan of lamb, but really enjoyed the skewer! The seasoning was spicy and on point! The star of the show is the hand pulled noodles. They are so fresh that you can watch the chef make it through the kitchen window! Our only regret is that we live in St Louis and can't come here everyday! The prices are more than reasonable.
D Pak
D Pak
Local Guide
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Ordered a number 19 and some lamb skewers. Maybe it was just me or I visited on the wrong day but I had to drink some water after eating a couple bites. Food was flavorful but just salty. The lamb skewers are definitely worth it. The hand pulled noodles were good but not a must try.
Mike Murakami
Mike Murakami
Local Guide
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If you are vegetarian this is legit one of the "safest" and tastiest veg dishes. The noodle dishes are assembled with all the ingredients put together, so contamination is highly unlikely. There is no oyster sauce, dirty woks or grills to be concerned with. If you are tired of the same veggie burgers and salad bowls, give this a try. The flavours are amazing for both the biang biang hand pulled noodles and the cold noodles on a hot day. Went here for lunch and dinner and was not disappointed. Vegans will need to specify no egg for the cold noodles.
Kelly Cambridgeport
Kelly Cambridgeport
Local Guide
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Gene's Chinese Flatbread Cafe is very near the Hyatt Hotel by the Avenue de Lafayette. It's just across the street from State Street Financial Center. The lamb flat noodles bowl and the lamb flatbread sandwich are both delicious, savory, and reasonably priced. The bread and noodles are freshly made onsite. There are a lot of noodles and lamb underneath the vegetable toppings. There are sauteed onions in the lamb flatbread sandwich. I usually don't care for onions and I ate all of the ones in the sandwich. The lady employee helped me pick out the dishes. There is a small counter of 5 seats where customers can dine. Hot sauce charge is $1. A bottle of water is $3. Cash only.
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Conclusion

If you’re a fan of Northern Chinese cuisine or simply looking for a unique dining experience in Boston, Gene’s Chinese Flatbread Cafe is a must-visit. From its handmade flatbreads to its flavorful noodles and dumplings, every dish is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to authentic, high-quality cuisine. So why not head to 86 Bedford St and discover this hidden gem for yourself?

FAQs

Gene’s Chinese Flatbread Cafe is open Monday-Saturday from 11am-9pm and Sunday from 11am-8pm.

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Yes, Gene’s offers several vegetarian options on its menu, including vegetable dumplings and cold skin noodles.

During peak hours, the wait time can be up to 45 minutes or more. However, many customers say that the food is worth the wait.

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