Top BBQ & Noodle - Gardena

Heralded as South Bay's substitute for San Gabriel, Top BBQ opened to lofty expectations. 

One of few places serving dim sum, they don't have much competition, but they are competitive all the same. 

Shrimp Hargow are among the better ones I've had. Good filling, and the wrapper has real texture despite falling apart too easily.

Shu Mai are standard shu mai, but the chewier wrapper gets props.

Char-siu Bao are more bao than char siu, but they're fluffy and filling. 

Steamed Spareribs are tender,

and I love a good Bean Curd Roll. 

Egg Custard Buns have a grainy filling, smooth without being too creamy. 

Duck Buns are a substantial appetizer, and two or three would make a meal. Pretty colors with cabbage and cilantro, but I prefer more duck, less bun.

Shrimp Chow Fun with "Thai sauce" resembles a drunken noodle. Delightful overall. 

Dry-fry Green Beans are a break from all the heavy meats. 

I also love the sauteed Cabbage, but quality will cost you, and here their whopping $16 for a one-dollar dish is a bit of a punch to the gut. 

Dinner is decent too, when dim sum time is over.

I didn't care for the Salt and Pepper Squid. Giant pieces of tough squid with a batter that tastes strangely sweet. Not like tempura, more like pancake. 

Char-siu Pork is sweet and sliced thin, a good standard,

but the Soy Sauce Chicken is a bit bland.

But they do make one heck of a Hainan Chicken. The rice is ripe with garlic and chicken broth, and the chicken is perfection.

I like it overall, a lot of solid stuff. It's quite good and I'm happy with it, but I don't think it's quite the SGV equivalent that was promised.

If you order on an app, the price is $3 extra on every single item. Call in your order - the staff are polite and helpful, and pick-up is easy with ample parking.