Gene's Chinese Flatbread Cafe menu overview in Boston MA USA location downtown Xi'an style noodles flatbread sandwiches and signature soups with spicy cumin lamb favorites authentic flavors hand-pulled noodles specialties and popular dishes for foodies travelers and locals alike exploring Boston dining options near Chinatown Gate and T stations good for lunch and dinner casual spot with bold tastes and hearty portions perfect for adventurous eaters and spice lovers here is what to expect from the menu at Gene's Chinese Flatbread Cafe
Located at the heart of Boston's Downtown, Gene's Chinese Flatbread Cafe is a standout destination for lovers of authentic Xi'an-style Chinese cuisine. Known for its hand-pulled noodles and freshly baked flatbread sandwiches, the menu bursts with vibrant flavors, spices, and textures that showcase traditional Chinese culinary artistry with a modern twist.
starters to ignite your palate
Begin your meal with tantalizing starters that set the tone: the spicy Cumin Lamb Skewers feature tender lamb shoulder chops generously seasoned with cumin and red chili, grilled on bamboo skewers to perfection. The Hot Sour Dumpling Soup offers hand-made pork dumplings bathed in a lively spicy and sour broth, enhanced with fresh bean sprouts, onions, carrots, cilantro, and a hint of black seaweed. For a simple yet flavorful bite, try the Tea Egg — boiled eggs infused with soy sauce, cinnamon, and bay leaves, delivering a comforting umami experience.
mains brimming with authentic character
The mains at Gene's are a celebration of Xi'an's culinary heritage, highlighted by their signature hand-pulled noodles, which have a satisfyingly chewy texture and are served in several enticing variations. The classic Hand-Pulled Noodles come with minced garlic, crushed cayenne peppers, chopped scallion, and fresh cilantro for a balance of heat and freshness. For meat lovers, the Cumin Lamb Hand-Pulled Noodles dish features tender lamb spiced with cumin alongside sweet onion, chili oil, crunchy bean sprouts, carrots, and cilantro, creating a bold and aromatic plate.
Soups are another specialty, with the Lamb Hand-Pulled Noodle Soup offering a hearty experience combining freshly hand-pulled noodles with a rich lamb broth, slow-cooked lamb, dried lily flowers, wood ear mushrooms, chili oil, and cilantro. The Hot Sour Hand-Pulled Noodle Soup elevates traditional flavors with spicy sour soup, tender pork, and fresh vegetables for a warming and zesty meal. The House Noodle Soup is a comforting bowl with thin hand-rolled noodles in chicken broth, pork, green beans, potatoes, carrots, vinegar, egg skin, and cilantro, perfect for those craving nuanced flavors.
Chilled dishes like the Xi'an Cold Noodles provide a refreshing contrast, featuring thin hand-rolled noodles mixed with crisp cucumbers, bean sprouts, carrots, cilantro, chili oil, vinegar, and garlic sauce, delivering a spicy and tangy bite ideal for warmer days or a light lunch.
For sandwich lovers, the Pork Flatbread Sandwiches are a must-try, boasting slow-cooked pork belly seasoned with sweet five-spice and nestled inside freshly baked Chinese flatbread. Alternatively, the Lamb Flatbread Sandwiches combine cumin-spiced lamb and green onion in the same soft, warm flatbread, offering a portable yet flavorful option that represents the café's signature fare.
desserts and drinks
While Gene's Chinese Flatbread Cafe may not feature a dedicated dessert or extensive drink menu, its robust and flavorful mains and starters are the perfect centerpiece of any meal. The culinary focus remains on delivering bold, authentic, and satisfying Chinese dishes that leave a lasting impression.
special highlights and dining experience
Gene's is cherished for its unapologetically spicy dishes, particularly their extra spicy offerings that appeal to heat seekers. For guests who prefer milder options, the five-spice pork flatbread provides a subtly sweet and aromatic alternative. The casual, no-frills environment emphasizes the food's authenticity and bold flavors, making it a beloved lunch spot for locals and visitors exploring Boston's Chinatown area. Conveniently located near several T stations and offering takeout and delivery, it blends accessibility with a unique culinary journey into Xi'an flavors.
- Freshly hand-pulled noodles crafted daily to ensure perfect texture and chewiness.
- Cumin-spiced lamb dishes featured prominently in noodles and flatbread sandwiches.
- Spicy, aromatic broths and sauces that bring traditional Xi'an flavors to life.
- Flatbread sandwiches made fresh with flavorful slow-cooked meats and spices.
