How Chef Vince Nguyen's Pastries Turned Berlu Into One of Portland's Hottest Bakeries
Briefly

Berlu Bakery is reopening with an expanded menu, while continuing to serve its signature dish, bánh bò nướng. Chef Vince Nguyen shifted from cooking Pacific Northwest flavors to traditional Vietnamese cuisine during the pandemic, connecting with his Vietnamese roots. The bánh bò nướng became a hit during a pop-up, leading to Berlu's reopening in late 2021. Nguyen's recognition as Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific at the 2023 James Beard Awards reflects this successful transition and commitment to Vietnamese desserts.
Chef Vince Nguyen initially focused on showcasing Pacific Northwest flavors in his 2019 tasting menu. The COVID-19 lockdown inspired him to explore Vietnamese cuisine more deeply.
The bánh bò nướng, a signature dish of Berlu Bakery, originated from Nguyen's childhood memories, offering a connection to his heritage during a challenging time.
Read at Eater Portland
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