Even though the cream puff is French in origin, the best cream puffs in Los Angeles are made by a Japanese bakery. Beard Papa, a chain from Japan which has gone international, serves fresh and natural cream puffs, filled to order.

There are about five shells to choose from – original, eclair (topped with chocolate), Paris brest, dulce de leche (the original with dulce de leche squirted into it), cookies (which has pieces of cookies baked into the dough), and the mini puffs. If they have them, the mini puffs are a great way to try different fillings.

Once you’ve chosen your shell, you can choose from a three, sometimes, four different fillings. Vanilla and chocolate are pretty much standard, with the third flavor rotating – recently they’ve had green tea and strawberry. Once you’ve ordered, they start filling your shells with pastry cream.

The cream puffs come packed in a cute box with their mascot on the side. Something about the sight of cream puffs just makes me happy.

Of course, I become deliriously happy when I bite into one. Both the pastry and the custard are light, not too sweet, and don’t weigh you down. The girl in back of me said she wanted to eat two. I thought she was being a glutton, until I finished mine – then I wanted to eat a second one too! I’ve tried the chocolate and vanilla custards, which are both fantastic. I brought some to a Chinese New Year party, and people raved about the green tea.

Does the whimsical name Beard Papa add to enjoyment of eating these puffs? Maybe. Would they be equally as delicious if the bakery was named Mustachioed Mama?  Do I want to rush back and buy more? Yes!

Location – 2130 Satwtelle Blvd. Suite #110, Los Angeles 90025
Website – http://beardpapa.com
Kid-Friendly – Yes
Kid’s Menu – No
Pesco-Vegetarian Friendly – Yes
Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly – Vegetarian – yes, Vegan – no
Gluten-Free Options – No