The tables are high, the plates are (mostly) small, and Shōjō is everything fusion you could ask for, right in the heart of Boston’s Chinatown.

Everything fusion? What does that even mean? No one knows what it means, but it’s provocative!

Just kidding, we totally know—

For starters, Shōjō nails a vibe somewhere between upscale modern restaurant and casual urban hangout. Getting to the dining room requires traversing a thick, velvety black curtain, revealing a space filled with sleek wood tables, industrial metal barstools, exposed brick, and a colorful, eye-catching floor-to-ceiling graffiti mural. All the while, those hip-hop beats are blasting while old-school kung fu movies play on a giant screen behind the bar.

First, drinks: The cocktail list is long and fun, sparking just the right amount of curiosity. We’ve spotted (and ordered) Thai-chili-infused vodka, citrus-infused gin, and purple-yam-infused shochu shaken up with unexpected companions like coconut milk, melon soda, and shiso syrup. With names like “Superhappyfunmakeagoodtimeagogo” or “Chairman’s Painkiller,” you may have no idea what’s about to happen. But trust us—it’ll be strong and satisfying.

Then, of course, food! It’s a small-plate-centric menu, great for sharing. Seasons and availability of ingredients influence the offerings but, as with the cocktails, you’ll never be disappointed. The flavors are bold—think kimchi, Sriracha, sesame, lime, bacon—and served up in a variety of ways: bao (steamed, stuffed buns), ceviche, fried rice, chicken wings, fries (duck fat fries, to be exact). And we haven’t even mentioned the ramen.

The menu offers to make duck fat fries “shadowless.” Don’t worry; it’s not a newfangled culinary term you’ve missed out on. It’s Shōjō-language for adding melted cheese and a meat/bean curd sauce on top.

Only offered at lunch, Shōjō’s ramen is up there among our favorites. It’s a thick, rich, savory broth packed with chewy noodles, BBQ pork, and a perfectly soft six-minute egg. Thankfully you can order it “kae-dama”—with extra noodles—and we do. Because one serving is never, never enough.