Key Facts
- Dish
- Chè (Vietnamese dessert soup)
- Location
- Berlu Bakery, 661 SE Belmont St., Portland
- Chef/Owner
- Vince Nguyen
- Key Ingredients
- Coconut milk, cendol (mung bean jellies), seasonal fruit, herbs
- Opening
- June (last year)
- Award
- James Beard Award in 2023
Background
Berlu Bakery, located at 661 SE Belmont St. in Portland, has gained attention for its Vietnamese cake bánh bò nướng, described as gummy, light, airy, and neon green. The bakery’s chè, a Vietnamese dessert soup, is also praised as a standout.
Chef and owner Vince Nguyen opened Berlu Bakery on Belmont last June. He previously ran the modernist tasting menu restaurant Berlu, which closed shortly after he won a James Beard Award in 2023. His culinary background includes stints at Noma in Copenhagen, Michelin-starred San Francisco restaurants, and Castagna in Portland.
Current Situation
The chè at Berlu Bakery features a lightly sweetened coconut milk broth with ice cubes, wiggly green mung bean jellies called cendol, and seasonal fruit such as strawberries, peaches, nectarines, blackberries, or raspberries. Herbs like Thai basil, lovage, or mint add fragrance, while basil and passion fruit seeds and mini tapioca pearls provide texture.
Nguyen is specific about fruit selection; earlier this summer, his chè included two varieties of blueberries, one sweet and one tart. The dessert is a lighter, fresher take on the traditional version, which typically includes red beans, textural seeds, and sticky rice.
Impacts
The recognition as Portland’s best dessert soup could increase customer interest in Berlu Bakery, potentially boosting sales of the chè and other items. The bakery’s creative approach may attract both locals and visitors seeking unique Vietnamese-inspired desserts.
Nguyen’s fine-dining background and use of Pacific Northwest produce may influence other chefs and bakeries, encouraging innovation in traditional recipes. The bakery’s success could also highlight the versatility of Vietnamese desserts in the broader culinary scene.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the chè continues to receive positive attention, Berlu Bakery may see sustained growth and possibly expand its menu or hours. However, seasonal fruit availability could affect the dessert’s composition, with variations depending on what is best in season.
Should Nguyen choose to introduce new chè variations or other desserts, the bakery could further solidify its reputation. Conversely, if the hype fades, the bakery may rely on its established customer base and the enduring appeal of its signature items.
Source: wweek.com
