Sunny Shine Bbq

If you're looking for excellent BBQ Pork (Cha Siu), Roasted Pork Belly (Siu Yok), and Roasted Duck (Siu Ngap), this is the place to be. While I wasn't a fan of this restaurant at first, I've come to appreciate its above-average food—it definitely satisfies when you're in a pinch. While it's the best BBQ Pork in El Monte, it doesn’t quite match the distinction of being the best taco joint in the area. This is a local spot where you can enjoy some delicious Chinese delicacies, and there are some dishes that are just too challenging to make at home, so it’s worth going out for them. We always order the same trio: Cha Siu, Siu Yok, and Siu Ngap. They are absolutely delicious. If you want to impress a Chinese friend at a potluck, bring a box of these three—it’s sure to win them over! Now, I’ve had to get used to certain cultural quirks here: 1. **Portion Sizes:** When you order BBQ pork, it’s measured by weight. If you ask for 1 lb, you might end up with 1.2 or even 1.5 lbs! I once thought, "I just asked for 1 lb, why did I get so much?" So, if you want a pound, it’s safer to ask for half a pound instead. It's a bit of a gamble, so be ready for leftovers or a food coma! 2. **Addressing the Chef:** You’ll hear the term "See Fu," which means "master" in Cantonese, used to refer to the chef. All the chefs here are called See Fu, and if he keeps cooking this well, I’m happy to keep calling him that! 3. **Language Barrier:** It can be tricky—just the other day, I had to text my wife to find out the Cantonese names for Roasted Pork Belly and Roasted Duck while writing this review. It's helpful to know what you want to order in Cantonese: BBQ Pork (Cha Siu), Roasted Pork Belly (Siu Yok), Roasted Duck (Siu Ngap). Also, be familiar with numbers—knowing how to request the amount you want can save you some confusion. Google Translate isn’t always reliable; I recommend using Bing for better results. Also, know how to ask for the meat to be cut, so the chef doesn’t end up with his cleaver in hand, demonstrating how it’s done! Overall, if you're in El Monte and craving some comforting Chinese BBQ, this local spot is worth a visit!

The duck was a bit too salty for my taste, but otherwise, it was decent. The other dishes were also passable, though not particularly outstanding. The prices are reasonable. If you're in the mood for Chinese food but want to avoid a trip to San Gabriel (for instance, to save on gas), this could be a good option for you.

The food is fantastic, with generous portion sizes, and the service is very friendly. Food rating: 5/5.

This restaurant has recently changed ownership, and the menu has seen some slight updates, including the addition of Sichuan-style spicy dishes. However, the food quality remains excellent, the prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous. The decor and ambiance leave much to be desired, and the service is just average, typical of a standard Chinese restaurant. Despite these drawbacks, I would still recommend trying this place because of the great food. Give it a try!

I haven't been to Sunny Shine in a while, and I noticed they recently changed ownership. Their menu has also changed, and the BBQ items and other dishes aren't as good as they used to be. The food is quite different from what I'm used to.