Too Hot – American
Too Hot pulses with a vibrant energy, inviting guests into a space where the bold, numbing heat of Chengdu spices meets the bright, citrusy zing of Thai-inspired aromatics. The kitchen masterfully balances fire and frost, pairing the refreshing chill of marinated tofu and silky cold noodles with the smoky intensity of grilled chili conch and tender short ribs glazed in a nutty sweet-and-sour sauce. Every plate is a sensory explosion of texture and spice, creating a spirited dining experience that celebrates the thrilling complexity of modern Asian flavors.
18, Eliot Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138 +16179451206 https://www.toohot.kitchen/0Cuisine: American
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, high-protein, keto, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-sodium, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, renal, tlc, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday - Thursday
- 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Friday - Sunday
- 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Menu
Appetite Awakener
- Marinated Cold Tofu Bites - $15.99: Pressed bean curd, served cold with aromatic soy and chili oil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spicy Grilled Chili Conch Slices - $18.99: Tender conch slices tossed with roasted green chili for a smoky, spicy kick. Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sweet and Sour Nut Short Ribs - $15.99: Crispy pork ribs tossed in a plum-infused sweet and sour glaze Available at: dinner, lunch
- Farm-Style Mushrooms with Pepper Oil - $12.99: Assorted mushrooms in a numbing, peppercorn-infused oil Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
- Eggplant strips with roasted pepper - $16.99: Velvety roasted eggplant, infused with aromatic chili oil Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
- Squid with Wassabi and sea salt - $15.99: Lightly fried squid with wasabi-laced sea salt and citrus notes Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Thai Sour Chicken - $13.99: Lightly poached chicken with lemongrass, lime, and chili vinaigrette Dietary tags: Whole30, Paleo Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vegetarian Cold Noodle - $9.99: freshing chilled noodles tossed in signature Sichuan-style chili oil. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chengdu Mala Cold Chicken - $15.99: Chilled poached chicken, tossed in Sichuan-style sesame chili dressing Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cucumber in Savory Dressing - $10.99: Chilled cucumber marinated in a tangy soy-based sauce Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Signature Spiced Edamame - $12.99: Boiled edamame infused with our signature savory-spicy marinade Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Rice Wine-Infused Artisan Sausage - $13.99: Handcrafted sausage enriched with aromatic rice wine, seared to perfection and packed with umami. Available at: dinner, lunch
Entrée Specials
- Signature Spicy Sichuan Hotpot with Beef, Tripe & Blood Tofu - $36.99: A bold, aromatic chili broth packed with beef, beef tripe, and silky blood tofu Available at: dinner, lunch
- Garlic-Braised Fresh Eel - $48.99: Fresh live eel slow-braised with golden garlic Dietary tags: Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Wonton Soup with Wild Mushrooms and Chicken Broth - $32.99: Handmade wontons simmered in rich mushroom-infused chicken broth Available at: dinner, lunch
- Seared Bullfrog with Aromatic Spices - $48.99: Delicately seared bullfrog pieces with a crispy edge and tender bite Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Smoked Crispy Duck (Half) - $36.99: Tea-smoked and slow-roasted, served with spiced jus Dietary tags: High-Protein, Whole30, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, AIP, Renal, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Seared Duck Breast, Young Ginger Jus - $39.99: Wok-seared duck flash-cooked over high heat with fresh ginger and aromatic spices Dietary tags: Whole30, Paleo, AIP, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Triple Flame Stir-Fry - $30.99: A fiery medley of wok-seared premium cuts – pork kidney, pork aorta, and pork liver Dietary tags: Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Wild Chili Stir-Fry Bullfrog - $48.99: Seared juicy frog meat with blazing dried chilies and garlic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ember-Seared Bullfrog with Fries - $45.99: Tender frog legs flash-fried with crisp potato fries in a fragrant dry chili wok sauce Available at: dinner, lunch
- Triple Mince with Pickled Greens - $26.99: A finely chopped blend of pork, fermented chili, and Sichuan ya cai Dietary tags: Whole30, Paleo Available at: dinner, lunch
Chicken
- Kung Pao Chicken - $18.99: Diced chicken, dried chilies, and roasted peanuts in a sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Stir-Fried Chicken with Raw peppers - $18.99: Tender chicken flash-fried with house-fermented raw chili peppers Available at: dinner, lunch
- Xifeng Spicy Chicken - $28.99: Crispy fried chicken tossed with fragrant dried chilies, garlic, and spices Available at: dinner, lunch
- Yunnan Flavor Spicy Chicken - $28.99: Crispy chicken stir-fried with fragrant Yunnan chilies and local spices Available at: dinner, lunch
- Gold Griddle Spicy Chicken - $20.99: Crispy chicken chunks stir-fried with dried chilies, garlic, and Sichuan spices Available at: dinner, lunch
- Stir-Fried Chicken With Lemongrass - $20.99: Wok-seared chicken with fresh lemongrass, chili, garlic & lime essence Available at: dinner, lunch
- Red & Green Pepper Chicken - $28.99: Crispy chicken stir-fried with a fiery duo of fresh and dried chili peppers Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fermented Greens Chicken - $18.99: Minced chicken sautéed with Sichuan preserved mustard shoots Dietary tags: Whole30, Paleo, AIP, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Truffle-Glazed Roast Chicken - $28.99: Tender chicken, pan-seared and slow-baked with rich black truffle essence Available at: dinner, lunch
- Stir-fry Chicken with Clam - $29.99: Fiery stir-fry of tender chicken and juicy clams with green and red chilies Available at: dinner, lunch
- Garlic Chicken with Fermented Black Beans - $29.99: Tender chicken sautéed with fermented black beans and fresh garlic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Charred Chili Eggplant Chicken - $25.99: Diced chicken, grilled chili, and braised eggplant Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Low-Cholesterol, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
Beef
- Spicy Stir-Fried Beef - $22.99: Wok-seared beef belly with chili, garlic, and house spice blend Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Low-Sodium, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Renal, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fresh Ginger Beef Stir-Fry - $22.99: Savory beef strips flash-fried with fresh young ginger Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sizzling Cumin Beef - $22.99: Tender beef stir-fried with aromatic cumin and bold spices Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beef Cubes with Black Pepper and Butter - $38.99: Prime ribeye cubes seared in butter, finished with a cracked black pepper glaze Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fiery Wok-Tossed Beef With Crisp Potato Batons - $28.99: Prime ribeye cubes seared in butter, finished with a cracked black pepper glaze Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spicy Tricolor Minced Beef - $20.99: Trio-chopped beef, chili and black bean in a bold Yunnan-style stir-fry Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tangy & Spicy Fermented Veges Beef - $22.99: Wok-seared beef strips tossed with fermented pickled chili and tangy Chinese kimchi Available at: dinner, lunch
- Braised Beef in Zesty Guizhou Sour Broth - $22.99: Tender beef strips simmered in a spicy-tangy fermented tomato broth Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fiery Charred Chili & Silken Tofu Beef - $22.99: Tender beef strips and silky tofu with a vibrant roast pepper chili sauce Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beef & Mushrooms - $22.99: Tender beef stir-fried with a medley of fresh wild mushrooms Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tibetan Style Sizzling Beef - $30.99: Slow-cooked beef with traditional Tibetan spices served sizzling in iron pot with flatbread Available at: dinner, lunch
Pork
- Huo Shao Yun Black Three-Stage Minced Pork - $20.99: Hand-chopped pork, black fermented chili, and black bean paste Available at: dinner, lunch
- Twice-cooked Pork - $20.99: Thick pork belly slices wok-fried with chili bean sauce and peppers Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Stir-fried Braised Pork with Small Chilies - $20.99: Tender braised pork wok-seared with aromatic small chili peppers Available at: dinner, lunch
- Yunnan Ham with Mixed Mushrooms - $20.99: Savory slices of Yunnan cured ham paired with wild forest mushrooms Dietary tags: Whole30, Paleo, AIP, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vinegar-flavored Tender Pork Soup - $20.99: Delicately poached pork slices in a clear, tangy broth infused with aged vinegar Available at: dinner, lunch
- Stir-fried Pork with Thai Basil and Flatbread - $20.99: Spicy minced pork sautéed with Thai basil, served with delicate flatbread Available at: dinner, lunch
- Stir-fried Pork Belly with Fermented Black Soybeans - $20.99: Succulent pork belly stir-fried with aromatic fermented black bean sauce Available at: dinner, lunch
- Crispy Pork in Chick Pea and Greens - $20.99: Lightly fried pork morsels served with tender pea shoots in a delicate bean broth Available at: dinner, lunch
Seafood
- Kung Pao Black Tiger Shrimp - $22.99: Crispy shrimp tossed in a spicy-sweet Kung Pao sauce with roasted peanuts and chili Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp with salted egg yolk - $28.99: Juicy shrimp coated in a rich, golden salted egg yolk sauce Dietary tags: Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Dafang Sizzling Dry Pot Shrimp - $28.99: Succulent shrimp wok-seared in a fiery chili dry pot Dietary tags: Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
- Teppan-Grilled Wild Jumbo Shrimp with Black Pepper - $32.99: Juicy prawns baked on a hot iron plate with bold black pepper Dietary tags: Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
- Secret sizzling squid tentacles - $28.99: Tender squid tentacles grilled on an iron plate with garlic, scallions, and spice Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Organic Mushroom egg shrimp balls with a Black Truffle - $36.99: Succulent shrimp in velvety scrambled eggs, accented with wild mushrooms and black truffle Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
- Shrimp Ball w/ Crispy Rice - $29.99: Golden shrimp in a tangy sweet-and-sour sauce poured over freshly fried crispy rice Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Fish
- Crispy Carp in Pickled Broth - $38.99: Golden-fried grass carp fillets served in a tangy Sichuan pickled mustard soup Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Boiling Chili Crispy Snakehead - $38.99: Crispy-edged freshwater fish slices in a bubbling chili broth with Sichuan peppercorns Dietary tags: Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grilled Whole Sea Bass with Garlic Bean Paste and Tofu - $56.9: Grilled sea bass layered over delicate tofu with savory garlic and fermented black bean sauce Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Alkaline, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grilled Whole Sea Bass with Spicy Tofu - $56.99: Char-grilled sea bass served over delicate tofu in a bold Sichuan-style chili sauce Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grilled Whole Seabass with Spicy Ginger and Tofu - $56.99: Flame-roasted sea bass in a spicy fermented chili broth with tender tofu and young ginger Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Homemade Kimchi with Snakehead Fish - $36.99: Flaky fish gently cooked in our signature sour-spicy pickle stock Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Steamed Sea Bass with Twin Chili Essence - $52.99: Fresh whole fish gently steamed with a fiery blend of duo chili peppers Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
- Steamed Sea Bass with Roasted Chili - $52.99: Fresh sea bass mixed with smoky roasted chili peppers Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
Artisanal Specialties
- Fried chicken dumplings (8 pcs) - $9.99: Crispy-bottomed dumplings filled with tender chicken Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fried vegetable dumplings (8 pcs) - $9.99: Golden pan-fried dumplings with garden-fresh vegetable Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fried pork dumplings (8 pcs) - $9.99: Crispy-bottomed dumplings filled with seasoned pork Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced Available at: dinner, lunch
- Handmade Teriyaki Chicken Spring Rolls - $7.99: Crispy rolls filled with tender chicken glazed in house-made teriyaki sauce Available at: dinner, lunch
- Black Pepper Beef Spring Rolls - $7.99: Crispy spring rolls filled with sautéed beef in aromatic black pepper sauce Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pork Spring Rolls with Bean Paste - $7.99: Crispy spring rolls with minced pork in Sichuan chili bean paste Available at: dinner, lunch
- Braised pork and bamboo shoots Bun - $9.99: Steamed bun filled with rich braised pork and tender dried bamboo shoot Available at: dinner, lunch
Vegetarian Dishes
- Baby Napa cabbage with Supreme Broth - $20.99: Tender baby napa cabbage gently simmered in a rich and fragrant superior broth Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spicy Green Beans stewed eggplant strips - $18.99: Tender eggplant and crisp long beans simmered in a bold, fragrant rice chili sauce Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based Available at: dinner, lunch
- Baked Lotus Root Strips with Salted Egg Yolk - $22.99: Crunchy lotus root strips coated in rich, savory salted egg yolk sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Three Stages chopped Mushrooms with toast - $22.99: A flavorful mix of wild mushrooms and the classic Red Trio Chop sauce, served with crunchy golden rice crust Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Foil Baked mushrooms with garlic - $22.99: Juicy mushrooms baked in foil with golden garlic butter Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Carnivore, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sautéed Cabbage in Casserole - $16.99: Crisp hand-torn cabbage stir-fried in a sizzling dry pot with bold spices Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fermented Bean Paste Flavored Green Bean - $16.99: Long beans with a light wok char, infused with tea and fermented flavors Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Kung Pao Lava Tofu - $22.99: Firm aged tofu wok-tossed with peanuts, chilies, and a sweet-spicy Kung Pao glaze Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mapo Tofu - $16.99: Silken tofu simmered in a spicy Sichuan chili-bean sauce Available at: dinner, lunch
- Puning Tofu with Bean Sauce - $16.99: Tender tofu gently braised in savory fermented soybean paste Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Dry pot oil, scallion crispy Brussels sprouts - $18.99: Tender Brussels sprouts wok-seared in a sizzling dry pot, finished with golden fried shallots Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fried Mushrooms with Black Pepper Butter - $20.99: A medley of fresh mushrooms stir-fried with creamy butter and aromatic black pepper Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Yu-Shiang Eggplant - $16.99: Tender eggplant braised in a classic Sichuan sauce made with pickled chilies, garlic, and ginger Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based Available at: dinner, lunch
- Yunnan ham stewed Fuzzy Melon - $22.99: Tender angled gourd slow-braised with fragrant Yunnan cured ham Available at: dinner, lunch
- Small potatoes with cumin dry pot - $16.99: Baby potatoes wok-seared with aromatic cumin and spices in a sizzling dry pot Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chili Sweet & Sour Lava Tofu - $18.99: A silky, smooth tofu delicacy braised in a bold and tangy Sichuan fish-fragrant sauce Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Simmered Healthy Soup
- Slow-Simmer Chicken Soup with Black Garlic and Pork Bones - $12.99: Chicken soup with black garlic and pork bones Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Carnivore, TLC, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Carbs
- White Rice (Small) - $3 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Plain Noodles - $5 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- White Rice (Large) - $12 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fried rice with sprouts and eggs - $16.99: Wok-fried jasmine rice with pickled mustard greens and soft-scrambled egg Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fried rice with black pepper and salmon - $18.99: Tender salmon chunks stir-fried with fragrant rice and freshly ground black pepper. Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Noodles with Grilled Chicken in Chili Sauce - $18.99: Hand-pulled noodles topped with spicy grilled chicken and chili oil Available at: dinner, lunch
- Yibin Fiery Noodles - $16.99: Fiery dry noodles from Yibin, minced pork, sesame, peanuts with chili oil, Sichuan peppercorn, and savory soy Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tomato and Three-Mince Noodles - $16.99: Fresh tomatoes and the classic spicy Red Trio Chop sauce tossed with noodles Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mushrooms and Three-Mince Vegetarian Noodles - $16.99: A vegetarian version with mushrooms, tomato, in savory sauce. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chongqing Spicy Beef Slice Shredded Noodles - $16.99: Spicy shredded beef mixed with noodles, infused with authentic Chongqing flavors. Available at: dinner, lunch
Beverages
- Mexico Coke - $5 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Diet Coke - $3
- Sprite - $3
- Arctic Ocean (Tangerine Flavored Soda) - $4 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Herbal Tea - $4
- Coconut Milk Drink - $4 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Soybean Milk Drink - $4 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Saratoga Sparkling - $9 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Hawthorn Refresher - $5 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Hot Tea - $9.99
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