Tom's Chinese BBQ

Matt Wallaert 5 months ago

I can’t understand the reviews for this place. Nice enough lady, typical decor, but the char siu was awful (by Cantonese takeout standards). A step above the kind of American Chinese food you get everywhere but not by much and a far cry from what you can get in Convoy for the same price. It was too lean, which made it too dry, and she didn’t add any sauce/broth to the container to try to offset. I lived in both Hong Kong and NYC Chinatown…this is not it. Maybe it was an off day?

Hieu Huynh 5 months ago

Cash only so know that before you go. I got the roasted pork and 2 pork buns. The roasted pork was DELICIOUS! Tender, with crispy skin. Not too salty and good with rice or bread. I was a little disappointed in the bbq pork bun. The meat inside was pretty bland and large chunks of fat. With that said, I would definitely come back for the cooked meats on display. A to go spot with no seating.

AJ 7 months ago

I first visited this restaurant in 2010. I just moved back to San Diego, and was so happy to see it is still here. The food is exactly as it was, perfect. This is a mom and pop joint, a family owned business, which I love. This latest visit I tried their pork buns, coconut buns, and various other freshly made weekend items. Everything was great. This place is CASH ONLY. It's well worth the ATM withdrawal. I plan to come back soon to order the roasted pork, and roasted duck. Entering feels like a walk into China Town. It has a wonderful ambiance and energy. I really hope this restaurant stays open for decades to come. Current Menu with prices below. Run don't walk if you haven't been to this place. 2026 Menu and Weekend Specials attached in photos.

Viralyn a year ago

Cash only and super affordable, especially in this economy! I tried pretty much all the baked goods. The bread was fluffy and sweet and filling complemented all of it with either a savory component or lightly sweet filling. On the weekends you’ll be able to try their sesame ball and other weekend only specialties. I wish I lived in San Diego to be able to go more often but it made its way back with me to Dallas in perfect condition.

Trivyum 4 years ago

I'm sure I'm already preaching to the choir when I say that this is easily the best roast duck in San Diego. As for the buns, don't let people's reviews stop you from trying them yourself, like I foolishly almost did. The bread is soft and sweet and the BBQ pork inside is really good. I added some pictures for reference (There was more duck, but my mom already started eating before I took pictures.) You won't regret trying it, and it's all reasonably priced. I honestly think that the 1 star and 2 star reviews complaining about the taste come from lifelong smokers who burnt out all their taste buds. 🤷‍♂️ Also if you do end up LIKING this place, give it a GOOD REVIEW. Businesses, especially smaller ones need as much help as they can get during these times, and a lot of people drop reviews only if they had a bad experience. Help out your local businesses.