Best Egg Tarts In Los Angeles

Introduced in Hong Kong in the 1940s, egg tarts are the ultimate Cantonese dessert treat. They're miniature disks of egg-filled goodness. The composition is simple -- it's a puff pastry filled with sweet custard made of egg and sugar. Unlike its English counterpart, milk is not added and it's best when served hot instead of room temperature. We've rounded up a few egg-cellent places for you to get your fix.

Kee Wah Bakery

150 W Valley Blvd.
San Gabriel, CA 91776
www.keewah.us

The San Gabriel location has been intact since 1989. Kee Wah is an old-school establishment with egg tarts served two ways: regular ($1.20 each) and Portuguese ($1.40 each). The difference? The Portuguese variations are more similar to crème brulee. There's a caramelized top and they're typically more rich and creamy.

Lunasia Chinese Cuisine

500 W Main Street
Alhambra, CA 91801
www.lunasiachinesecuisine.com

Lunasia is a dim sum joint, but you can always order the wonderfully rich egg tarts (or any dim sum dish for that matter) for takeout if you don't feel like sitting down. The tarts are made to order so you're always guaranteed a fresh batch. The best thing about this dim sum place is that everything comes piping hot in oversized portions. They're $2.08 for three.

Jim's Bakery

400 S Atlantic Blvd.
Monterey Park, CA 91754
jimsbakery.com

Located in Atlantic Times Square, Jim's is a tiny strip mall bakery with egg tarts as a consistent main attraction. The regular egg tarts are $0.90 a pop and $1 for the Portuguese variety. The delicacies run out fast so be sure to make an early morning run or risk losing out. Eat 'em while they're hot.

Phoenix Food Boutique

Multiple Locations
www.phoenixfoodboutique.com

Phoenix specializes in Hong Kong desserts and it's one of the few places where you can get bite-sized mini egg tarts. They come in a box of six and the crust is akin to shortbread — sweet, buttery and texturally crisp. Take them home or give them to a friend as a well-deserved present. You'll be much appreciated.

Wonder Bakery

943 N Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90012
www.wonderbakery.com

It's located in the heart of Chinatown and fresh batches are made two to three times each day. The crust is wonderfully flaky and they ring up to $1.10 a piece. Yes, the price tag is on the higher end of the spectrum, but the portion size is generous.

Clarissa Wei writes about Chinese food in Los Angeles. Check out her work at www.clarissawei.com or follow her @dearclarissa on Twitter.