Shojo Cambridge
Cocktails that pack a punch.
And sticky sweet wings that are “big” on flavor.
“These are wings that you have to try.”
Loaded fries that will have your taste buds “buzzing”.
And a burger that makes mouths “water”.
“You have to stage yourself so you don't get it all over your shirt because the shirt gets hungry too.”
There are just so many reasons to go to Shojo.
Located in Cambridge, Shojo is the second location of a Chinatown institution built over a decade ago. Owner Brian Moy is the mastermind behind it all- and he wanted to bring all of the spirit of his original spot to Central Square.
“The vibe that we create over here is definitely going to be fun. We want people to laugh, talk loud. We have a large mural that spans the whole width of the restaurant. We play kung fu martial art movies on our TV. We also have a great outdoor patio. We have hip hop music from the 2000s and 90s. The music we play nice hear a lot of people reminisce back to their past, and that usually incites laughter. So don't be shy when you come here. Feel free to be as loud as you want, and feel as comfortable as you can.”
And while you’re getting loud, you’re going to be treated to creative Asian dishes perfect for sharing.
“The menu is tapas style small plates, so we very much encourage people to order few dishes each person that they like off the menu. And it's definitely all about communal dining and sharing.”
Since the name of the restaurant IS Shojo, a drink is the perfect way to kick off your meal.
“Shojo is a half man, half monkey Japanese mythological creature who has a fondness for alcohol. Very mischievous guy who was always on a search for never ending sake.”
There’s a variety of craft cocktails, from this spin on an espresso martini using Vietnamese iced coffee to one called ‘That Green Drink’ with Thai Basil infused Gin, and as an homage to his roots, the Cold Tea for Two.
“Cold Tea for Two is paying homage to the old Chinatown, where after 2am. You can always get cold tea. And we wanted to play up to this history a little bit so we serve an oolong infused vodka based cocktail with lemon juice and different fruit juices served to the teapot.”
To whet your appetite, there are traditional Asian starters like this assortment of nuts, jerky and fruit. Vietnamese beef carpaccio topped with thai chilis, and the Butter Beef Spring Rolls featuring tender meat cooked in a flavor packed lemongrass butter.
“You’re gonna get that really buttery flavor in your mouth and then you get that fresh crispness from the vegetables. All those herbs really blending together with the sauce. So you get three different waves of flavor. It is so delicious that I'm drooling right now.
There are the so-called Wu-Tang Tiger Style Ribs that are fall off the bone tender, slathered in hoisin and thai bbq sauce and garnished with peanuts and lime. And for more finger licking goodness, order the Monkey Wings.
“Monkey chicken wings is our play on Korean fried chicken. We do a slice of the pickled daikon. So it's almost acts as your celery of a buffalo wing. We triple fry them, juicy, crunchy. Tons of umami flavor.”
There are handhelds like the unique golden sesame tofu bao- presented on a crispy fried golden shell. Or try the Bangin’ Beef Bao.
“We do a housemade prime rib. The sauce that we top the banging ribeye bao is a pickled plum. And that adds that sour note because the beef itself has a sweet marinade to it. So it's sweet, savory, and sour altogether.”
But it’s the Shojonator that all other baos bow down to.
“Shojonator is our play on a Wendy's Baconator. It’s a quarter pound burger patty with kimcheese Velveeta sauce, applewood smoked bacon, barbecue sauce, scallions, some crunchy shallots, crunchy garlic, all on a housemade burger bun steamed bao. You're gonna get juicy lips, you're gonna get the sauce, the crunch and all wrapped up together with this soft bun that soaks up all that extra juice.”
But what’s a burger without fries, and for that, there's Shojo’s signature Shadowless Fries. This pile up of duck fat fries, kimchee cheese, spicy beef, and scallions are so good, you may want them all for yourself.
“It's a chili cheese fries texture, you get that sort of softened crunch from the sauce but still maintaining that crunch. The duck fat fries really elevates that taste where you get that umami flavor it really punch you in the face. And that kimchee Velveeta sauce really melty gooey goodness that just melts.
Shojo also offers larger plates like the DK Lemongrass Chicken - an old family recipe served for years in Chinatown featuring a lemongrass chicken presented over jasmine rice with a fried egg and side salad. Or the fragrant beef curry mazemen.
“It's a definitely rainy day dish that I think is really going to warm you up. You're going to get that heavy curry flavor mixed with the noodles. Everything's sticking together. Really, really tender brisket, a little bit of heat on there as well. It's just a really warm dish that's going to warm you up and fill you up”.
And with food, drinks, and all of this fun, you’re sure to get your fill at Shojo.
