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The Absolute Best Bao in Cerritos

The Absolute Best Bao in Cerritos

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You’re hunting for the best bao in Cerritos, and honestly, I get it—I’ve logged enough miles on the 91 to know this city runs on steam and dough. But here’s the thing: the top spots aren’t the fancy sit-down places; they’re the strip-mall counters where the pork belly melts and the pillow-soft buns arrive piping hot.

From the no-frills steamers at RiceString to the playful fusion fillings at Berry Brand, I’ve eaten my way through every flaky, fluffy contender. Skip the chain drive-thrus; the real deal is hiding next to the nail salon.

Scroll down and let the list do the deciding.

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RiceString Noodle Shack

RiceString Noodle Shack
🗺️ 11803 South St, Cerritos, CA 90703
☎️ +1562-210-8245
🌐 Website
Sunday: 9 AM–8:30 PM
Monday: 9 AM–8:30 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM–8:30 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM–8:30 PM
Thursday: 9 AM–8:30 PM
Friday: 9 AM–8:30 PM
Saturday: 9 AM–8:30 PM
Highlights
Authentic Cambodian noodle dishes
Warm, friendly, and attentive service
Clean, spacious dining with patio seating
Ample parking and easy access
Flavorful, well-seasoned house specials

Rice Noodle Shack has become my quiet refuge for Cambodian cooking in Cerritos. The broth is deep, the noodles are always perfectly chewy, and every house special arrives seasoned with a confident hand. I appreciate how the staff remembers my usual order and checks in without hovering. The dining room feels open and unhurried, and the patio offers a pleasant escape on cooler evenings. Parking is rarely a struggle, which matters when you just want a warm bowl after a long day. It is honest, comforting food served by people who clearly take pride in their work. I keep coming back for that steady, reliable satisfaction.

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Katsumura

Katsumura
🗺️ 11710 South St Ste 105, Artesia, CA 90701
☎️ +1562-278-2673
🌐 Website
Sunday: 12 PM–3 PM
4 PM–10:30 PM
Monday: 4 PM–11:30 PM
Tuesday: 4 PM–11:30 PM
Wednesday: 4 PM–11:30 PM
Thursday: 4 PM–11:30 PM
Friday: 12 PM–3 PM
4 PM–11:50 PM
Saturday: 12 PM–3 PM
4 PM–11:50 PM
Highlights
Fresh, high-quality meat dishes
Owner Andy’s warm hospitality
Thoughtful recommendations from staff
Consistently delicious, satisfying flavors
Inviting atmosphere for repeat visits

Katsumura surprised me with its focus on quality over spectacle. Owner Andy greets you like a neighbor, and his recommendations always steer me toward something better than I would have chosen myself. The meat dishes arrive fresh, juicy, and seasoned with restraint, letting the ingredients speak. Each visit has delivered the same consistent, satisfying flavors that make me trust this place completely. The atmosphere invites you to linger, and I have found myself staying longer than planned just to enjoy the warmth of the room. It is the kind of spot where repeat visits feel natural, almost inevitable, and I am grateful for that.

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ChoDang Tofu House - Cerritos

ChoDang Tofu House - Cerritos
🗺️ 12245 Artesia Blvd, Cerritos, CA 90703
☎️ +1562-924-6099
🌐 Website
Sunday: 10:30 AM–2 AM
Monday: 10:30 AM–2 AM
Tuesday: 10:30 AM–2 AM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM–2 AM
Thursday: 10:30 AM–2 AM
Friday: 10:30 AM–2 AM
Saturday: 10:30 AM–2 AM
Highlights
Perfect late-night dining choice
Generous portions for the price
Staff turns mistakes into joy
Sweating with pure satisfaction
Service that warms the soul

Pinoy Pinay Filipino Fastfood Restaurant draws a crowd on Saturday afternoons, and for good reason. The room buzzes with families and regulars, all digging into straightforward carinderia-style classics that taste like home. Nothing about the place is pretentious; it is simply honest cooking done well. The pork adobo is rich and tangy, the lumpia crispy, and the garlic rice perfectly fragrant. Service keeps pace with the chaos, and somehow everyone gets their food while the line stays long. I admire the efficiency and the warmth of the staff. It is a busy spot, but the energy makes the wait worth it.

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Berry Brand

Berry Brand
🗺️ 12604 South St, Cerritos, CA 90703
☎️ +1562-708-0588
🌐 Website
Sunday: 9 AM–9 PM
Monday: 9 AM–8 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM–8 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM–8 PM
Thursday: 9 AM–8 PM
Friday: 9 AM–9 PM
Saturday: 9 AM–9 PM
Highlights
Fresh, customizable acai bowls
Friendly service, clean shop
Generous toppings, fair prices
Free parking, convenient location

Jounetsu Ramen delivers a bowl that demands your full attention. The tonkotsu broth is thick, creamy, and deeply savory, coating every noodle with richness. The chashu is tender enough to fall apart at the slightest pull, and the salmon melts on your tongue, fresh and delicate. Service is quick, and the staff is friendly without being intrusive. I have visited on busy nights and slow afternoons, and the quality never dips. The portions are satisfying, and the flavors linger long after you leave. It is a straightforward ramen shop that knows exactly what it is doing. I keep returning for that comfort.

You might also want to check out the best seafood restaurant in Costa Mesa.

Pinoy Pinay Filipino Fastfood Restaurant

Pinoy Pinay Filipino Fastfood Restaurant
🗺️ 11900 South St #107, Cerritos, CA 90703
☎️ +1562-402-6682
🌐 Website
Sunday: 9 AM–7 PM
Monday: 11 AM–7 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM–7 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–7 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–7 PM
Friday: 11 AM–7 PM
Saturday: 9 AM–7 PM
Highlights
Packed on Saturday afternoons
Straightforward carinderia-style classics

One Sip Boba has earned my loyalty with its remarkably refreshing mango jelly drinks, which taste like summer in a cup. The fire shrimp rolls are a guilty pleasure, crispy and spicy with just enough heat to wake you up. Their popcorn chicken is dependably delicious, seasoned perfectly and never greasy. Yes, it is a bit pricier than other spots, but I happily pay for the consistency. The staff remembers my order, and the service is always swift. I find myself craving this place on random afternoons, and I have never been disappointed. It is a splurge, but one I make without hesitation.

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Jounetsu Ramen

Jounetsu Ramen
🗺️ 1035 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90802
☎️ +1562-612-4233
🌐 Website
Sunday: 12 PM–9 PM
Monday: 12 PM–3 PM
4:30 PM–9 PM
Tuesday: 12 PM–3 PM
4:30 PM–9 PM
Wednesday: 12 PM–3 PM
4:30 PM–9 PM
Thursday: 12 PM–3 PM
4:30 PM–9 PM
Friday: 12 PM–3 PM
4:30 PM–9 PM
Saturday: 12 PM–9 PM
Highlights
Rich, creamy tonkotsu broth
Tender, flavorful chashu
Fresh, melt-in-mouth salmon
Quick, friendly service

Seafood Cove 2 has become my go-to for a laidback meal that never fails. The service stands out from the first greeting to the final check, and the menu offers so many options that I always find something new to try. Every dish I have ordered has been consistent, tasty, and reasonably portioned for the price. I have learned to arrive early because the place fills up fast, and the wait can stretch on weekends. That wait, however, speaks to the quality people know they will get. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the staff checks on you without hovering. It simply works.

You might also want to check out the best breakfast burrito in Torrance.

One Sip Boba

One Sip Boba
🗺️ 4132 1/2 Woodruff Ave, Lakewood, CA 90713
☎️ +1562-377-6731
🌐 Website
Sunday: 11 AM–8 PM
Monday: 11 AM–8 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM–8 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–8 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–8 PM
Friday: 11 AM–8 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–8 PM
Highlights
Remarkably refreshing mango jelly drinks
Fire shrimp rolls worth craving
Dependably delicious popcorn chicken
A pricier splurge I'd happily repeat

Urban Feast surprised me with its vegetarian options, which often feel like an afterthought elsewhere but shine here. The portions are generous, and every bite feels thoughtfully prepared, not bland or apologetic. Their brown sugar milk tea is refreshing, with the right balance of sweetness and creaminess. The dining room is clean, comfortable, and calm, making it an easy place to sit and unwind. Service is fast and friendly, and I never feel rushed. I appreciate that a place like this exists in Cerritos, offering plant-based meals with real flavor. It has become my reliable choice for a peaceful, satisfying dinner.

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Seafood Cove 2

Seafood Cove 2
🗺️ 9211 Bolsa Ave Ste 106, Westminster, CA 92683
☎️ +1714-893-1976
🌐 Website
Sunday: 8:30 AM–9 PM
Monday: 8:30 AM–9 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM–9 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM–9 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM–9 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM–9 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM–9 PM
Highlights
Outstanding service and menu variety
Consistent, tasty dishes every time
Reasonable prices with many options
Worth the wait, go early
Laidback atmosphere, truly enjoyable

Bafang Dumpling keeps things simple, and that simplicity works beautifully. The potstickers are the star, with a crisp bottom and a juicy, savory filling that makes me want to order a second plate every time. Portions are generous for the price, and the braised pork combos are hearty and well-seasoned. The staff is friendly and accommodating, even when I ask for adjustments to my order. They also sell frozen dumplings to take home, which has saved many of my lazy evenings. This place does not try to impress with gimmicks; it just serves excellent food consistently. That is more than enough for me.

You might also want to check out the best restaurant in Costa Mesa.

Urban Feast

Urban Feast
🗺️ 11329 183rd St, Cerritos, CA 90703
☎️ +1562-600-1688
🌐 Website
Sunday: 11:30 AM–8 PM
Monday: 11:30 AM–8 PM
Tuesday: 11:30 AM–8 PM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM–8 PM
Thursday: 11:30 AM–8 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM–8 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM–8 PM
Highlights
Vegetarian options unmatched
Generous portion sizes
Refreshing brown sugar milk tea
Clean and comfortable space
Fast, friendly service

Lunasia Dim Sum House elevates the afternoon tea ritual to an art form. The sakura egg yolk buns are a revelation, with a molten, salted egg custard that flows out like golden silk. The roasted Peking duck is masterfully executed, with crisp skin and tender meat that needs no sauce. I tried the durian soy pudding on a whim, and its pungent, creamy richness surprised me in the best way. Service is attentive and gracious, always anticipating what I might need next. The abalone chicken soup is a soothing, luxurious bowl that warms the soul. Every visit feels like a special occasion.

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Bafang Dumpling

Bafang Dumpling
🗺️ 453 Los Cerritos Center, Cerritos, CA 90703
☎️ +1562-991-6156
🌐 Website
Sunday: 10 AM–9 PM
Monday: 10 AM–9 PM
Tuesday: 10 AM–9 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM–9 PM
Thursday: 10 AM–9 PM
Friday: 10 AM–9 PM
Saturday: 10 AM–9 PM
Highlights
Generous portions, fair prices
Potstickers worth repeated visits
Friendly staff, dietary accommodations
Convenient frozen dumpling options
Tasty braised pork combos

Happy Kitchen Bee offers a French beef fillet that I have not found anywhere else in Cerritos. The meat is tender, almost buttery, and the flavor is refined without being fussy. The staff makes thoughtful recommendations, always steering me toward something I would not have considered on my own. The seafood clay pot is a fragrant, bubbling delight, packed with fresh ingredients and a deep, savory broth. Their house special lobster is outstanding, generously portioned and cooked to perfection. Prices are fair for the quality, and the portions leave me satisfied, never overwhelmed. It is a hidden comfort, and I leave planning my next visit.

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Lunasia Dim Sum House

Lunasia Dim Sum House
🗺️ 11510 South St, Cerritos, CA 90703
☎️ +1562-265-9588
🌐 Website
Sunday: 9:30 AM–8 PM
Monday: 10:30 AM–8 PM
Tuesday: 10:30 AM–8 PM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM–8 PM
Thursday: 10:30 AM–8 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM–8 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM–8 PM
Highlights
Sakura egg yolk buns
Roasted Peking duck mastery
Distinctive durian soy pudding
Attentive, gracious service
Abalone chicken soup richness

ChoDang Tofu House has saved many of my late nights when nothing else felt right. The portions are generous enough to share or to fuel a second meal, and the price feels fair for what lands on your table. One evening, an order came out slightly wrong, and the staff turned it into a moment of genuine care, bringing out a corrected dish with a smile and a small side of apology. I left sweating from the spicy stew, but pure satisfaction warmed me from the inside out. That kind of service stays with you. It is not just food; it is a comforting embrace on a dark evening.

You might also want to check out the best mexican restaurant in Anaheim.

Happy Bee Kitchen

Happy Bee Kitchen
🗺️ 17901 Pioneer Blvd, Artesia, CA 90701
☎️ +1562-402-8816
🌐 Website
Sunday: 11 AM–9 PM
Monday: 11 AM–9 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM–9 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM–9 PM
Thursday: 11 AM–9 PM
Friday: 11 AM–9 PM
Saturday: 11 AM–9 PM
Highlights
Tender, flavorful French beef fillet
Fresh recommendations from attentive staff
Delicious seafood in clay pot
Outstanding House Special Lobster
Generous portions with reasonable prices

Berry Brand has redefined my afternoon pick-me-up with acai bowls that taste freshly made every single time. You can customize them endlessly, and the toppings are generous without overwhelming the base. The staff is friendly, the shop is spotless, and the service moves quickly even during a rush. I never worry about parking here, which makes a spontaneous visit easy. The prices are reasonable for the quality, and the portion leaves me satisfied, not stuffed. It has become my default stop when I want something light, sweet, and refreshing. I have yet to leave without a smile on my face.

You might also want to check out the best coffee in Long Beach.

Micah TerryM
Writer

Micah Terry

Micah Terry chases Long Beach stories from the alleys and shorelines where official records often go quiet, favoring the raw, unpolished truths that surface outside city hall meetings. His writing turns overlooked moments—a late-night diner chat, a patched-up pier post—into narrative anchors for understanding the city's shifting tides.

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Food tour map
The Local's Blackbook 📓

The 48-Hour Insider Itinerary to Long Beach

Join our Long Beach Lighthouse newsletter and get our 48-hour insider itinerary to the top hidden spots in Long Beach.

  • Custom 3-stop crawl with QR codes for easy navigation
  • 5 photo-worthy hidden gems (Instagram gold)
  • Insider timing tips: when to go to skip crowds
  • Top spots in your inbox every week
Elena VargasE
Long Beach Black Book
The Local's Blackbook 📓

INSIDER ITINERARY

Join our Long Beach Lighthouse newsletter and get our 48-hour insider itinerary to the top hidden spots in Long Beach.