Sumiao Hunan Kitchen

Currently the only Hunanese restaurant in the Boston area, Sumiao Hunan Kitchen is located near Kendall Square, which explains the presence of local techies and office workers in the bright, colorful environs. The restaurant—a labor of love from Sumiao Chen, a female restaurateur and scientist from Xiangtan, Hunan—offers the bold flavors and fiery spices that define Hunanese cuisine, one of the most exciting among regional Chinese styles. The kitchen combines traditional recipes and techniques with high-quality sourcing and modern touches; this approach yields flavorful dishes, including several exotic, unique options.