Mythbusting in Boston's Chinatown with Richard Auffrey

Mythbusting in Boston's Chinatown with Richard Auffrey

From Explain Boston to Me by Lee Stabert

April 29, 2026 · 44 min · Episode 143

About this episode

This episode explores the origins of Boston's Chinatown and myths surrounding the city's first Chinese restaurant with historian Richard Auffrey.

In this episode, we're exploring the origins of Boston's vibrant Chinatown — and reexamining myths around the city's first Chinese restaurant — with lawyer and historian Richard Auffrey. From the first Chinese immigrant to Boston to Hong Far Low and Ruby Foo, this is a fascinating and vital part of the region's history.

People in this episode

Host: Lee Stabert

Guest: Richard Auffrey

Topics covered

  • Chinatown
  • Boston history
  • Chinese immigration
  • cultural myths
  • restaurants

Keywords

  • Boston
  • Chinatown
  • Chinese restaurant
  • Richard Auffrey
  • immigration history
  • cultural myths

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hong Far Low, Ruby Foo

Places: Boston, Chinatown

More episodes of Explain Boston to Me

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Explain Boston to Me podcast page.