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110 reviews for Beard Papa
Review Highlights
"I absolutely LOVE this place for their cream puffs."
(in 71 reviews)
"Saturday: Green Tea and Strawberry."
(in 25 reviews)
"I've also recently tried the strawberry."
(in 24 reviews)
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110 reviews in English
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Review from K P.
Wilmington, CA
I just went here today after reading all the reviews since I was going to be in Gardena anyway.
Things to know before going?: This is a small stand located INSIDE of Marukai, the stand is CASH ONLY, and the cream puffs are freaking awesome. Okay now, go ahead and grab your keys and go.
Still reading for more info? This place is pretty awesome. It's located inside of the Marukai market, right when you walk in you just go to the left towards the small food court area. It's really small but hard to miss. Everything looks clean and the service was quick and courteous. Although, when we first got to the stand there was no one there so we left and came back later. I'm glad I did.
I ordered the regular cream puff, it was flaky and filled to the brim with custard. I had to fight the urge to go back and order more. : ) -
Review from jo jo j.
Torrance, CA
11/15/2011
fillings (vanilla, choc, strawberry) are decent but every so often the cream puffs are a bit stale
if you only do one thing then you should do it perfectly every time -
Review from Michael S.
Marina del Rey, CA
The beard may need to be trimmed.
As Beard Papa continues to grow and add more locations, the quality of the franchises is becoming inconsistent. Seeing Beard Papa in the Marukai Pacific Square Food Court still got me excited like a little kid seeing Mickey at Disneyland. My wife was like, "Calm down. After dinner, honey." She's so patient with me.
Of course, she was hoping I'd forget all about it after eating dinner. Haha. No way. Not when Beard Papa is involved. It was Sunday, so I got Strawberry Cream Puffs. The mix of Strawberry Puree and Custard Cream was oozing out the puffs from multiple sides. The flavor was still the same blissful hallucinogenic stuff dreams are made of.
The puff exterior didn't seem to be the freshest. My hunch is that because the Beard Papa food stand was so slow that they were old. Our whole time at the food court area, we were the only customer that hit Beard Papa. Maybe Sunday nights are just slow.
Is Beard Papa's still seductively sweet and yummy? Oh, you betcha! This location though is really just between A-Ok and fan level compared to other BPs. Come with that in mind and get exactly what you want: light and luscious cream puffs.Listed in: Sweets n Treats
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Review from Alex B.
Carson, CA
1/25/2012 7 Check-ins Here
Great desserts! My wife usually makes me stop by after going for ramen. Their cream puffs and eclaires are delicious! Cons: cash only, they close early (inside Japanese supermarket) and a couple of times they have ran out of pastries
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Review from Derik R.
Santa Ana, CA
10/11/2011
This is a review for just the chocolate covered eclair with regular filling.
It was a really good pastry, the shell was exactly what it should be, sort of stiff but with just enough give so as not to feel stale. The filling is extremely tasty, like a very cold, sweet vanilla custard. Also they give you a TON of filling, I mean to the point of it almost exploding when you take a bite. Let that be a word of caution, be careful when you eat this if you don't want to stain your clothes.
A cheap, tasty pastry in the middle of a cool market...what's not to like? -
Review from Cassandra S. K.
Redondo Beach, CA
7/5/2011
I have to tell u. Even with all the morning sickness (and not being able to hold down food at times), there was one thing I was actually craving despite all the stomach madness. Beard Papa's cream puffs. YES... One day I got this crazy craving for it (to a point where I updated my status on FB!) Could not stop the craving. Drove hubby crazy for three days until I finally, finally got it. (Every time we had time to get it, it was already too late. One day we even stopped by at a Korean bakery for a substitute, but those cream puffs did not come near the Beard Papa's cream)
The cream is not heavy at all. It is so refreshing and delightful. I don't think I have found any other cream puffs that matched the flavor of these. Even to the nauseous stomach, these weren't yuck. They were still heaven. As I am writing this review.. I am starting to drool.... I have not tried other flavors, and somehow I am not so interested in trying them.. hahaha
Hubby got his reward for taking me here, finally. Fondant au Chocolate. Complete with the heating instructions at home. He was in choco heaven himself. heheheheheListed in: Adventures of a Pregnant Lady
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Review from Vincent H.
Torrance, CA
12/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Luv their puffs! The best puff in world!
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Review from Eddie C.
Torrance, CA
6/21/2011
Yummy yummy yummy!!!
Love these vanilla cream puffs. Eaten chilled is such a wonderful delight. Its filling are so full and creaming, its sooooooooo good! Can never have just one, its so addicting.
Every time I get some, always taste so good, so rich and creamy. The perfect snack for a hot day. I've tried to freeze it a bit, just so it can be part cream puff ice cream... :o Its always delicious however you eat it.
Mmmmm vanilla filled creamed cream puff....... GULP!! :D -
Review from Jolly M.
5/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
The vanilla cream puffs are fresh and delicious. The cream is a thick, velvety custard with vanilla bean speckles throughout the custard. The outer pastry is fresh and flaky, yet crisp. I highly enjoyed the contrast of the two textures.
4 stars due to my personal preference I think I like my custard a bit thicker versus the looser one that Beard Papa provides. -
Review from Rita A.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 9/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I cannot wait to eat to dinner and have dessert!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/17/2011
I have a weakness for anything sweet and I love the plain cream puffs. I tried the coffee flavor it… Read more »
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Review from Sylvia G.
Los Angeles, CA
6/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love Beard Papas! I have had them in Japan before so when they started building them in the US I was so excited.
Their cream puffs are definitely some of the best I've had. The inside is a really light vanilla custard (original) but you can also get different flavors that they have every now and then (green tea, coffee, strawberry, etc). Original is definitely my favorite, though. I also especially really like their eclair cream puffs (which just has hardened chocolate on top of the choux pastry). These cream puffs are also pretty large.
This location is inside of the Marukai Pacific Square shopping center so parking is easy and you can just walk inside the market and it's in the food court area. I just wish it wasn't cash only. :/ -
Review from Crystal L.
Torrance, CA
2/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have a confession!
Once upon a time I was completely out of cash but I was craving these little puffs so badly that I actually drove to a bank (since they don't take card) and withdrew money for the sole purpose of indulging in the heavenly joy that is Beard Papa.
The original cream is my favorite although I like strawberry too. When you can't choose between your favorites, why not have both?
So remember kids! Always have some cash tucked away somewhere in your wallet for emergencies! -
Review from Elise P.
Torrance, CA
6/3/2011 55 Check-ins Here
I absolutely LOVE this place for their cream puffs!
I've only tried their original flavor but i'm sure their other flavors are just as good! :)
I love eating these suckers but any more than 2 at a time and i feel kind of suck haha
If y -
Review from Catherine N.
Long Beach, CA
I've tried Beard Papa before (Hollywood location), and I thought it was overly sweet and not delicate in any way (that a cream puff should be). Didn't understand the hype, but it was a new thing to the states back then. Decided to give them another try since the Marukai/Gardena location is in the same plaza as the Tea Station I frequent. It's located in the food court inside Marukai, and the stand seems to always be empty. I stood watching the owner(?) for a good minute or two as he slowly played around with his register and flat out ignored me. When he finally acknowledged me, I placed my order as quickly as possible before he lost focus again. lol. They had special green tea and chocolate ones during my visit, so I ordered one of each and also a regular vanilla and a couple eclairs. The things are still ginormous, filled with so much filling that it's pretty hard to eat. The pastry is kind of hard and again, still not delicate in any way. It's so hard that when you bite into it (or against it), all of the filling explodes out creating a nasty mess. The filling was good though - not too sweet this time and very pudding-like. I did like how the chocolate on the eclair was a dark bittersweet chocolate. It was so thick though (prob. 3mm thick) and hard that it was difficult to bite through. I still don't know why Beard Papas puffs are so popular. Cream puffs should be light and delicate not massive ball-like weapons. Is there a location that just makes them better than the rest? Explain this to me! Please!
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Review from Gen M.
Yorba Linda, CA
6/6/2011
Great cream puffs, and I also like the eclairs (how can anything topped in chocolate be bad?). Use caution when eating - take your first bite at the hole where they fill it, unless you like the filling squirting out. I still like the original filling the best, chocolate second, but the "Special Flavor" fillings can be a nice changeup if you're a regular.
The atmosphere of eating in Marukai is the only thing that keeps this location from being a 5 star. Check out the Cerritos location (just south of the 91 and east of the 605) if you want a nice place to sit and gobble your cream puff... -
Review from Shannon S.
Carson, CA
I really enjoyed these little fluffy delights. Not overly sweet and the chocolate kind were with a dark chocolate. Very tasty treat.
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Review from Sharlette M.
Carson, CA
4/4/2011
This is what my boyfriend gets me when I'm PMS-ing so I can be the sweet loving girl I'm suppose to be, you know instead of the Emily rose I transform into 4 days of the month.
My point is this, I love beard papa. It makes me happy! And I don't care what the sign says, to me it only comes in 6 ;)
Also, come Wednesday's! You'll find me there since it's strawberry Wednesday's! -
Review from Jenn S.
Los Angeles, CA
Rundown
- NOT the best that I've had
- Over time, they have gotten smaller
- taste is decent
When I first had beard papa, I have to admit that I loved it. Probably was one of the better cream puffs I had eaten.
Fast forward a year later and I noticed that the cream puffs got smaller!!! Not cool. Maybe the smaller size made me unhappy and I somehow don't like the taste as much?
However, the different flavors are decent. I like the original and green tea flavor but I don't crave them.
Maybe the size did matter. :\ -
Review from Kim H.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
9/11/2011
Mmmm, best cream puffs ever!!!! The eclairs are good, but the original is the BEST!!! I need to try their green tea ones one day...
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Review from Toshi I.
Updated - 8/14/2010
Stopped by here after dinner to buy a cream puff for my MIL. Yeah, right, it was really for me but I'm about the value and not about being a cheapskate. Besides, it's better to share something this good.
Ok, so this place is located inside the Marukai alongside the other eateries in the food court area.
It's close to $10 for a half dozen of these but so worth it. It's the custard that makes it so good. Not too sweet which I think ruins other cream puffs.
This custard is also "light" in a sense. Not too pudding-like but lighter. They were out of the chocolate but that was ok.
My rating has not changed. This place is a 5 star cream puff mecca.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/17/2009
5 stars... anything less would be unfair. How could these be any better?! Now, I haven't been to… Read more »
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Review from Abegail A.
Carson, CA
6/28/2011
Haven't found cream puffs better than theirs. The custard filling is just so delicious and goes perfectly with the pastry which is just crispy and puffy. It's such a beautiful thing to watch them fill the pastry with the perfect vanilla custard filling. And to top it off, they sprinkle it with powdered sugar. It's really hard not to make a mess when eating it, but so worth it.
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Review from Ayumi S.
Torrance, CA
6/28/2010
Want good cream puffs? Want good flavored cream puffs? Want good flavored cream puffs that you'll get addicted to? Then come on down to Beard Papa's located inside the Pacific Square Marukai!
They have flavors of regular cream, chocolate, AND strawberry! All of them are reallllly good! There's also the choice of the hard chocolate covered cream puff :)
Don't hesitate on it now! -
Review from Joe N.
Los Angeles, CA
1/27/2011
Have you ever had the best cream puff ever? No. You have not. Not until you try Beard Papa's cream puff. The cream on the inside is slightly sweet and has a really smooth consistency. The mid-crust has a good texture and the outer shell provides a crispy flake. It's all topped off with a wisp of sugar powder, which makes it the perfect cream puff.
Double recommended!
This one sits in the Marukai supermarket. When you walk in, its to the right. Remember to bring cash, because thats all they take. -
Review from Penn T.
El Segundo, CA
12/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
I guess I just don't have Beard Papa as much to notice if there's actually a difference between their different stores but this place was just as good as the ones I've had in other parts of Southern Cali as well as NYC.
Oh and I usually stick with just the original flavor. I love chocolate but I don't like the chocolate ones as much for some reason. Simple is best when it comes to BP's. -
Review from Liz T.
Long Beach, CA
6/11/2010
THINK ORGASM in your mouth and nose! the kind of best orgasm ever that leaves you paralyzed [or just your face with a smile but not in a bad way like botox] and weak.. every bite.. every wift.. ::droool::
this has changed my opinion of cream puffs, at first I was "ehh, cream puff.. whatever i want some pastry, i guess i'll eat a couple" not a big fan.. but THIS.. OOOOOH MYYYYY wow.. changed my life.. i am now in love with cream puffs.. haha just kidding.. still don't like them.. but I sure do LOVE THESE! they aren't any cream puff.. they are ORGASMIC!
they will be worth every penny [i lose] and pound [i gain] -
Review from Ciara G.
Mmm Cream Puffs... drool
And not just any cream puffs but Beard Papa cream puffs. They are the best of the best hands down. If you haven't tried one yet, you must.
Original (Vanilla) is incredible but they also have other cream flavors to fill your puffs with.
Monday and Tuesday: Coffee
Wednesday: Strawberry
Thursday and Friday: Chocolate
Saturday: Green Tea and Strawberry
Sunday: Strawberry
Gooey, creamy, puffy, goodness. droolListed in: South Bay EATS
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/9/2010
Hey look it's Papa! The cute Beard Papa man looks just like my Papa (see pic) and so much that I'm… Read more »
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Review from Isabel F.
Torrance, CA
3/10/2010 7 Check-ins Here
While in search for some yummy pastries to share with friends, I came across Beard Papa, which I called Papa Beard!
Like everyone has said this place is located inside Marukai Supermarket. The supermarket has a food court of sorts, with a couple of vendors and a nice sitting area. We ended up getting three of original cream puffs and three chocolate dipped cream puffs. Sadly they had run out of the cream flavor of the day, chocolate. But it didn't matter the pastries were superb! Everything is made fresh daily, which makes the pastries just plain amazing!
I can't believe I've passed by this place and never noticed it! Its one of those hidden gems of Gardena.Listed in: Dessert? Yes PLEASE!!!
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Review from Anna H.
4/17/2011
Chocolate dipped cream puffs are amazing. I'd choose Beard Papa's over Mammoth Bakery any day of the year. The outer crust is light airy and crispy. The cream inside's not too sweet, and when it's dipped in chocolate- forget about it. Amazing. One cream puff's huge but it's so easy to eat more than one in one sitting. Cash only, so sometimes I go to the market and buy something then get cash back just to get Beard Papa.
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Review from Henry C.
Torrance, CA
7/15/2009 2 Check-ins Here
BEARD PAPA.......YUUUUMMMMMM!!!!!!!
You wanna know who's got the best cream puff in town? (Maybe the world?) BEARD PAPA!
You gotta go to PAPA's and pick yourself up a good dozen of these sweet morsels because one will never be enough.
I went to the Gardena location (Inside the Marukai market) when it opened... and let me tell you, it was a wonderful discovery!
The cream puffs comes in a few flavors (Chocolate, green tea, and I think Strawberry at one point?) But my favorite it the good old original vanilla cream. The Beard Papa's cream puff cream is just so heavenly that it goes down smooth with a nice sweet taste. (yet not too sweet to be disturbing) Have not tried the other flavors yet but I'm sure it's almost as good as the original.
Remember... you want real cream puffs, GO TO PAPA! BEARD PAPA!
Make sure you don't just get 1-6 because you will regret later! -
Review from Yuko G.
Los Angeles, CA
9/25/2007
Ok, so everybody should know by now that Beard Papa's cream puffs are fantastic, right? But what about Fondant Au Chocolate??? Has everybody tried this yet?
I tell ya, this is soooooooooooo good!!! When you take it home, it comes with a heating direction. That's right, you are supposed to nuke this little son-of-a-heaven so that the chocolate filling inside can explode and spill out of the sponge like a volcano!!!
Oh this is indeed dreamy. Imagine, every bite filled with half melted warm chocolate and sponge together... Ecstatic!!! Forget whatever restaurant's $10 chocolate souffle! You can get this amazing Fondant Au Chocolate for under $3!!! Just have a glass of red wine and you are set!!Listed in: Ethnocentric? Proud to be…, Too Sweet? Too Girlie? No…
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Review from lauren b.
8/18/2010
Conveniently located in a very funny market is BEARD PAPA! Home of the best cream puffs ever!
I tried the green tea, eclair and original... I thought I would like the eclair the best but honestly, original is the way to go- sweet and simple. Mouth orgasmic.
I will probably stop by the Sawtelle location on the way home :) -
Review from Ronnie M.
West Los Angeles, CA
2/4/2008
Who likes humongo objects overloaded with milky cream?
Me!
But not in the form of beard papa! ick!
Too much cream. Never thought you'd hear me say it but enough is enough man!
The only way I can eat one of these is to open it up and dip strawberries in the cream. Any other way is just disgusting. -
Review from Tina T.
Torrance, CA
9/30/2009
LICK IT BEFORE IT OOZES EVERYWHERE!
Pros:
-Palm size cream puff in different flavors (depending on days).
-They are close your eyes... yum...
-Fillings are perfect, not too sweet and very buttery smooth.
Cons:
-They don't offer all the flavors at once.
-You can't eat just one.Listed in: Munchies & Snackers, SUGAR RUSH!
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Review from Michael B.
Redondo Beach, CA
8/27/2007
Man, I thought I was the only one who knew. OK So there's a bunch of us. The chocolate cream puff is basically to die for. The chocolate is kinda like that coating on a Tasty Freeze, except triple the thickness. It's really heavenly.
Be very careful. You can get addicted. This is bakery crack, man.
So if you would have asked me, before yesterday, what I think of cream puffs, I would have absolutely no idea. It was basically a metaphor for people who are pushovers. Now, a whole new world has opened up. Well, not really. I need to close this world before I gain a world of pounds. But I've had a peek, and I'll never be the same.
Therefore I bestow the highest honor of five stars, because Beard Papa has taught me something I didn't know about food. There it is. -
Review from Julie M.
5/20/2008
I'm not big on sweets or desserts (I know, what's wrong with me?)...
But these cream puffs! Wow... I got a single coffee-flavored one (I figured it wouldn't be as sweet). It was mocha-licious. I almost choked a couple times cuz I would breathe in the powdered sugar and it would scratch my throat... So be careful. Or maybe it's just cuz I'm a novice?
I keep wanting to call this place "Papa Beard's" as opposed to "Beard Papa's". Anyway, I need to try the rest of the flavors since I hear so much about how great they are. But the coffee flavor was on blast ;) -
Review from kawika m.
Gardena, CA
6/4/2008
Ono- Friggin - licious!
When recently in hawaii.........with my "friend" lael.....her bruddah...said..eh..you guys steh...at ala moana.....can you try put up some da kine.....cream puffs at Beard Papa!" We bought a bunch...and they were ono!!
To our suprise......we steh gardena side..and found one at da maruki grinds area......in gardena.
Missed the feeling of buying em at ala moana.....but they were still da kine!! Mmmmmmmmmm!!!
They are popular for their cream puffs..but also get good eclairs.
The cream puffs are good to us ...because...they are not sooooooo....sweet!!! Most bakeries make em with sweet like frosting...ack!!
But, Beard Papa...make em with like choclate pudding....MMMmmmm.....Onolicious!!! KIne....MMm!
They one in hawaii had more flavors.
A must check out if your in da area!
mahalo
KawikaListed in: SWEEEETZ & THANGGGGGGZ
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Review from Vikky D.
Long Beach, CA
9/9/2008
I remember looking for this particular location and not being able to find it because I didn't know it was located INSIDE the Marukai. Then over the weekend, we were across the street at Spoon House for dinner and decided to do some light grocery shopping. Lo and behold, there was the Beard Papa's!! Like finding money in your coat pocket!!
I showed some restraint and only ordered one for myself. The boyfriend got one each of the regular and the eclair. I had mine that night then asked for one of his the next night. Ooops! They were so good, how could I eat just one!?
I think what makes Beard Papa's puff stand out is the creamy goodness on the inside. It's just the right consistency of creaminess (not to thick, not to runny); it's not too sweet and I love the fresh taste of vanilla.
Lucky for me, we went to have dinner in Gardena last night with the boyfriend's family so we were able to stop by again to get more. I have a cream puff waiting for me at home and I am dying to get my hands on it!! -
Review from Mako S.
Torrance, CA
8/20/2009
I scream like a woman when my boss brings this into work for everyone....I mean, I don't do that. Located inside the Marukai Japanese market, I once got there 2 minutes before the shop closed and bought off the last bag the manager of the shop was probably taking home to his sick child. Oh well, you never should have gotten sick, imaginary shop owner's child. Is it crack? Not even close, just cream puffs filled with wonderful cream custard. Although I do question the addictiveness of the white powder on top.
You have a place in my heart, Beard Papa....or should I just call you Papa, you wonderful bearded man. -
Review from Christina L.
Pasadena, CA
1/31/2010
Totally didn't realize this place was inside Marukai Pacific Market, but you know, it's still delicious. Unlike other Beard Papas that i've had, this one was really creamy and the puff wasn't as dry. the owner is also very friendly! i'm so glad i was able to go with a friend right before they were about to close it. STRAWBERRY IS SO YUMMY.
the market also has a really cute little area where you can sit (inside where it's warm!).
FYI, it's CASH ONLY. -
Review from Melody L.
Arlington, VA
12/23/2006
I'd probably really give this place a 3.5.
It's a really lovable place and I love the Beard Papa icon and their bright yellow bags. I also love the way that when you bite into a cream puff, cream gets all over your hands, debilitating your fingers from touching anything in fear that cream will get all over anything else you touch. Sometimes I find myself craving Beard Papa's and other times my dad is scolding me for spending nearly $2.00 for a tiny pastry dessert.
But anyone that knows anything knows that Beard Papa's is more than a pastry dessert. It's a dollop of happiness in a light pastry encasing!!
BTW, I'd ditch the eclairs. They should cost less because they make the pastry that much worse.Listed in: Bakeries
