A Filipino Vegan Bakery in Long Beach Draws Crowds
San & Wolves, a Filipino vegan bakery in Long Beach, has finally opened its doors after years of pop-ups, much to the delight of plant-based pastry enthusiasts. Partners Kym Estrada and Arvin Torres have launched their long-awaited bakery along the bustling 4th Street corridor, offering a delectable array of plant-based Filipino treats.
Delicious pastries at San & Wolves are a fusion of Filipino flavors and vegan ingredients, featuring ube, salted caramel, and cheddar toppings. The bakery boasts house-made butters, sweetened condensed milk, and ube halaya, among other from-scratch goodies. Classic Filipino delicacies like buko pie, pandesal, bitsu-bitsu, and ensaymadas are freshly baked daily, alongside modern twists like ube Pop-Tarts and pandan cinnamon buns.
Estrada, a long-time vegan, humorously admitted, “I don’t even know how to crack an egg.” Despite her lack of egg-cracking skills, the duo has managed to attract a loyal following, with customers patiently waiting in line for their favorite vegan pastries. The bakery often sells out, leaving eager patrons lining up down the block, a testament to the popularity of their offerings.
From Pop-Ups to Storefront
Estrada’s journey towards a vegan version of pan de coco began nearly a decade ago, with Torres joining her in creating vegan versions of traditional Filipino pastries. Their pop-up appearances in New York City in 2017 garnered a dedicated following, leading them to settle in Long Beach in 2019. Faced with overwhelming demand and sold-out events, the partners decided to open a physical bakehouse, a dream that once seemed unattainable.
The process of opening a brick-and-mortar location was arduous but rewarding. Estrada and Torres attended business classes, enlisted the help of a business coach, and scouted for the perfect space. The former framing store was transformed into a sunny bakery, where shelves are now stocked with blueberry cornbread bibingka, weekend-only doughnuts, and other delectable treats. The bakery has allowed them to increase production, reducing sell-out times from a couple of hours to five hours.
Embracing Tradition and Innovation
San & Wolves aims to introduce customers to the vibrant flavors of Filipino cuisine while honoring traditional recipes. The bakery also hopes to appeal to a younger audience while remaining accessible to older generations of Filipinos. All cashiers are fluent in Tagalog, and customer feedback, especially from Filipino elders, is highly valued.
Estrada and Torres are proud to offer a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of tastes, with an eye towards expanding their savory options in the future. In addition to pastries, the bakery now serves coffee sourced from the Philippines, adding another layer of authenticity to their offerings. They encourage customers to explore other Filipino bakeries in the area, promoting a sense of community and culinary heritage.
San & Wolves is located at 3900 E. 4th St., Long Beach, and is open Tuesday to Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit the bakery to experience a fusion of Filipino flavors and vegan delights that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.