Local Restaurant Review: The Green Tea of Newton, Massachusetts

Authenticity is the key ingredient that most Chinese Restaurants are missing. Of the Chinese restaurants I have visited in Newton, few of them served any dishes outside of fried rice, crab rangoon and beef teriyaki. Green Tea would be the exception; the more authentic dishes which other businesses avoid in fear of turning away American customers can all be found here.

The appetizers basically consist of the basic dishes you'll find at less authentic restaurants, such as the boneless spare ribs, beef teriyaki, and fried chicken wings. Nothing special to be found in the appetizer section of the menu.

The poultry, beef, and pork are where Green Tea specializes. For the poultry, my recommendation would be the Kung Pao chicken or the Curry chicken, over your choice of rice. For the beef, my favorite is the beef with vegetables or the Mongolian beef. As for the pork, go with the pork and scallions. Both the beef and pork dishes should also be served over rice. If you are used to eating at places like P. F. Chang's, the food at Green Tea may be an adjustment for you. Their meats and vegetables are all of high quality, and are priced around $10 a dish.

The sushi bar is decent; but nothing special. If you're looking for sushi in Newton, you would be much better off heading for the Sushi Man at Chestnut Hill rather than Green Tea. The fish they use is not the freshest; and for what they charge it better be. The prices are ridiculous, at around $2-$3 per piece for sub par fish.

The dining atmosphere is very good. You are seated at a spacious table, with good lighting and a very clean facility. The waiters are kind, but not completely familiar with the English language. They will get the job done, but may come off as rude when they are unsure how to respond.

Their specialty dessert is the fried ice cream. This dessert is absolutely delicious, but is a Chinese dish turned American. While authentic Chinese restaurants are deep frying their green tea ice cream, the Green Tea is adding cereal bits on top of vanilla ice cream with some whipped cream on the side.

For the most part, Green Tea is an enjoyable dining experience, and as long as you stay away from the sushi, an affordable one. I give the Green Tea a 3/5 for an authentic Chinese dining experience.