Ocean Bo Masters the Art of Dim Sum in El Monte | Eater LA

"What it lacks in rolling dim sum carts and velvet-draped dining rooms, this family-run spot makes up for in consistent dishes at reasonable prices. For almost two decades, it has been a gathering place for special occasions and holiday brunches with steamer baskets that brim with dumplings. You can order the dim sum to-go, like at a doughnut counter, or pull up a chair in the dining room; either way, this yum cha can compete with any other dim sum destination in the San Gabriel Valley. Shu mai is a given, freshly steamed with pork, shrimp, and mushrooms. The shrimp seaweed roll—a shrimp cake wrapped in seaweed, dipped in batter, and fried—is not often found at other dim sum restaurants and delivers an ideal briny, salty, crackling bite, so don’t miss it. Baked pineapple buns get crowned with a sugar crust; the plush dough gives way to a sweet and sticky custard center that I prefer for dessert to the flaky egg tarts (though you might as well get both). Char siu sou riffs on traditional char siu bao by encasing barbecue pork in a triangle of flaky pastry topped with sesame seeds. It’s best to visit with a crew of four or more to snag a center table with a lazy Susan and order more—loading it up and bouncing between sweet and savory completes the experience. Insider tip: after 4 p.m., dim sum items left over from the morning rush are half off, so stock up on char siu baos and egg tarts (they freeze really well)." - Kat Thompson