

Neighborhood mainstay for familiar Chinese dishes & popular brunch in a traditional setting.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1712 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: (617) 547-6565
Website: http://changshorestaurant.com/
Menu Photos
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Changsho | Chinese Restaurant | Cambridge, MA
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Reviews
The decor/atmosphere inside is very nice too, and the waitstaff are very friendly and attentive. Love this place!
Swung by this spot a few times whenever I’m craving classic American Chinese comfort food. While it’s not the trendiest or most authentic Chinese restaurant in the area, it’s got a charm all its own. Having served the neighborhood for over three decades, it’s more of a local favorite than a student hotspot. The food isn’t upscale or fancy, but what sets it apart are the little details—everything is fresh, extra crispy, and perfectly balanced in flavor.
Take the Wonton Soup and Soup Dumplings, for example. The Wonton Soup here isn’t your standard “free with entrée” stuff. The pickled veggies inside add a tangy kick that beautifully complements the umami of the wontons, while the seaweed and a drizzle of sesame oil give it an extra layer of flavor. They even time it right, adding the wontons just before serving so they’re not soggy—just give them a minute to soak up the soup.
As for the Soup Dumplings, they’re some of the best I’ve had in recent memory. Served the classic way with a vinegar-and-ginger dipping sauce, they’re perfectly crafted, with pork fat melting into a rich, savory broth at the bottom. Shaomai had an interesting twist – fish roe on top added a pop of playful texture.
The entrées I’ve tried so far have been great as well. The Tian Shan Spareribs and the Crispy Beef with Sesame were perfectly crispy despite being coated in a thick sweet and sour sauce. It’s rare for dishes like these to hold onto their texture, but these nailed it. Portions lean on the smaller side, so if you’re feeling ravenous, I’d suggest kicking things off with an appetizer.
Changsho might not be one of the must-try Chinese spots in the area, but if you’re craving good-quality comfort food that hits the spot, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Let’s start with the food: The “Moo Shu Pork” was a complete disaster. It bore no resemblance to the actual dish in taste, texture, or preparation — frankly, it was inedible. When I asked the server about it, they simply shrugged and said, “It’s different from China.” If you’re running a Chinese restaurant, at the very least, you should serve something recognisably Chinese — not an unseasoned mess passed off under a familiar name.
Then there’s the service — or rather, the complete lack of it. A light-haired female server blatantly ignored us when we tried to ask for the bill in Chinese, pretending not to understand. This was after we heard her confidently chatting in English with another table, even saying she understood Chinese. She deliberately ignored us until we had to call her multiple times. This kind of performative ignorance is disrespectful and discriminatory.
As for the tip for another server — we were told she’d bring us our change, but we later realised $6 had been silently taken without any confirmation or receipt. She took the cash without ever asking how much tip we intended to leave. This is not just unprofessional — it’s dishonest.
To sum up: overpriced, terrible food, disrespectful service, and shady billing practices. I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone looking for an authentic or respectful dining experience. There are far better Chinese restaurants in Cambridge — this one is a disgrace to the name.
Note for people arriving by car: The restaurant has no dedicated parking — the lot next to the restaurant should never be used as it is all reserved for tenants in other buildings. Metered street parking only.
Note for physically disabled: There is a handicap bathroom off of the dining room. Ask your server to be directed to it.
The food was so good ! It’s totally different at any other Chinese restaurant. The quality is the main differentiator.
High prices, high quality.
Totally recommend.