chinese "takeout" is an understatement.

When you're cooped up indoors all day because the sky refuses to stop spitting down snow, you would think there'd be ONE decent Chinese takeout place around Boston that could deliver the glorious, greasy food you need to make your day less depressing. Unfortunately, I've tried five different restaurants around the area and had no such luck. None have yet to compare to the gloriousness that is Beijing & Sangkee.

My barometer for judging how worthy a Chinese restaurant is of my patronage: THE EGGPLANT DISH.

Chicken & Eggplant in Black Bean Sauce - Beijing

I had never even considered eggplant to be an edible food until I was introduced to the Chicken & Eggplant in Garlic Sauce dish at Beijing by a crazed eggplant enthusiast. It was alright... but then I discovered the Chicken & Eggplant in BLACK BEAN SAUCE and I was hooked! This stuff is not the dingy "takeout" that other places try to pass off as food... this is the real deal.

I ate this weekly (sometimes bi-weekly) for 3 years and going cold turkey after moving to Boston has been devastating.

i know i'm so dramatic. :)

Shanghai Noodle - Sangkee Noodle House

My other "takeout" favorites are the Shanghai Noodles and Walnut Shrimp from Sangkee Noodle House. Once at Sangkee, I mistakenly ordered their Singapore Noodles and was super disappointed. Instead of stir fried udon noodles with shredded pork, I ended up with thin glass noodles in a awkward curry sauce.

(side note: Beijing does Singapore Noodles so much better!!)

Walnut Shrimp - Sangkee Noodle House

And yes, this Walnut Shrimp is the perfect complement to all those salty and spicy Chinese dishes. At Sangkee, the ratio of walnut sauce to the tempura shrimp is just enough to keep the shrimp coating crisp and the candied walnuts crunchy. Below is Beijing's Walnut Shrimp for comparison. It's not fried and wayyy too much sauce if you ask me. To each his own!

Walnut Shrimp - Beijing

This is a cry for help. I need my eggplant fix.

Can anyone in Boston save me from my Chinese takeout slump?!

Recommendations, please!

love, MH<3