Soup Shack Porter (Cambridge)

I’ve gotten food from soup shack twice and been impressed both times! The store looks pretty unassuming but the food exceeds expectations. The prices are also great value for the quality, portion, and location. I’m not much of a soup eater honestly, so the first time I got the spicy cha-shu bowl, and it was great. I love that there are a wide variety of options available including non-soup options. My spice tolerance isn’t super high but the spice was so well-balanced with the other flavors, and I really enjoyed the wood-ear mushrooms. But then I tried a taste of my friend’s tan tan men ramen at the Brookline location and I couldn’t stop thinking about it!! The flavor of the broth is so rich and complex and savory. Within a week I gave in and ordered delivery for myself, which I rarely ever do. It’s still very good in takeout form. I don’t think the noodles or the cha-shu are standout items in this bowl but the broth is so good that I would definitely order it again.

When I tell you that this place is my favorite restaurant ever, I need you to understand that there’s so many reasons for it. The staff is so, so friendly and although I don’t come super frequently, the waitress always remembers me and my husband and always greets us very warmly. There’s something special about coming to a place where you know you’ll always feel welcomed. Onto the food! I always get their pho tai because it has a delicious broth, the meat is fresh, and it provides that simple yet rich flavor my body craves (especially when I’m feeling sick). My husband always gets something different from the menu. We’ve tried their buns, karage, tonkotsu, katsu curry, and summer specials. Everything is always amazing. My husband in particular is extremely picky about taste. He is always impressed at how consistently delicious everything at this location is. His favorite is the katsu curry — soft meat with a nice crust and not too soggy. We also love their desert, especially the banana dessert. Keep in mind that I’m not a fan of bananas, so this is a high compliment. This is my go-to place and you honestly can’t go wrong with anything you get. Enjoy!

After a long day of walking around in the cold, Soup Shack was the perfect dinner. Popping in around 7:30 p.m. on a Thursday in March, the wait was 20 minutes, so we ordered it to go. After 7 minutes waiting, we were in a Lyft back to our flat. The takeout carried well and comes with the broth in separate containers to be poured over the noodles. The Red Ramen was full of flavor and the right amount of spice. The pho was excellent as well. Service was kind and there are tables and wall seating if you dine in.

This was my first time here and everything was sooo good! I got the tom yum noodles🍜 💖—super flavorful and comforting. The chicken karaage was crispy and tasty, and the matcha coconut drink was so nice! …

This place is theee best. I have been coming back here and there for a few years now and the people working here are always so friendly. Never a miss with the food and the seasonal menus lately have been so so so good. And great pricing, it is so cheap for the portion of meat you always get in any dish. It's probably my favorite spot in Cambridge. Absolute no fuss dining and delicious food.