China Pearl
For sheer variety, authenticity, flavor, and chaotic neighborliness (does anyone really expect sedate dim sum?), China Pearl is the winner. From lobster balls to spicy shrimp in the shell to yellow cream buns, the succulent array is dizzying. 9 Tyler St., Boston, MA .
China Pearl
Once again, China Pearl has proven itself the gem in an otherwise lackluster world of Hub dim sum. Quite simply, this Chinatown eatery has more seating, more circulating food carts, tastier morsels on the carts and fresher ingredients in the morsels. Don't underestimate the value of freshness in the sea of warmed-over Chinese-food impersonations. 9 Tyler St., Boston, MA .
China Pearl
Hands down, the best dim sum in Boston. Get there before 10:30 a.m. on Sunday or be prepared to wait for cart-delivered delicacies that include shrimp chow foon, sticky rice wrapped in grape leaves, and chicken feet—if you dare. The bill usually averages around $12 a person, and then you need not think about food again until dinner. 9 Tyler St., Boston, MA .
Tealuxe
Given this town's historically intense dedication to tea, you'd expect us to claim at least one intensely dedicated tea outpost. Well, we have two—each a Tealuxe branch. This subtly retro business can render a quick cup of takeout chai as meticulously as it does a slowly infused, crumpet-saddled Earl Grey. (There's even a cream tea service, if you're feeling particularly British). Light crimped-edged hot or cold sandwiches (the grilled chicken and marsala chai sauce is a clever and delicious combination) are on offer at the Newbury location, as are serveral hundred types of tea leaves, and what seems like all the tea equipment in China—and elsewhere. So what if it's been mall-ified? Tealuxe is a distinctly Bostonian—and original—creation. 108 Newbury St., Boston, MA tealuxe.com.