Readers who closely followed last week’s Ancestro review may have noticed some news: A physical café and bakery will be opened by Balong, the Filipino-American breakfast sandwich phenomenon that came before the Mexican brunch pop-up in the Cadejo Coffee kitchen.
The project’s specifics have been kept under wraps by Balong chef Justin Dauz, who gained a devoted following for his breakfast sandwiches on freshly baked pan de sal rolls. However, a recent GoFundMe campaign disclosed some important information: Dauz intends to operate Balong in a turnkey location by April, complete with well-maintained old bakery equipment and surprisingly affordable rent.
Not stated? Where will it be? However, I was able to identify the site from a quick image of the defunct Meianna Bakery inside the Fubonn Shopping Center on Southeast 82nd Avenue after watching the fundraiser video.
Dauz, who I spoke with over the phone last week, confirmed that my assumption was accurate.
Yes, Dauz laughed and added, “I thought you had figured that out.” A space down the hall caught my friends’ attention at Baon Kainan, but they ultimately decided not to take it. When the landlords inquired about a baker, they recommended me. The space had everything I was searching for once I saw it. This is the place, I thought.
The Dauz family, who grew up in San Jose, California, frequented Asian markets like Fubonn and Filipino-American bakeries like Goldilocks, Red Ribbon, and Valerios, which he aims to imitate with Balong. Dauz remarked, “I want to be the next in line.” The next to take the initiative.
Balong’s breakfast sandwiches are served on pan de sal, which are fluffy, mildly sweet Filipino rolls that are cooked in-house. With the new panadera, Dauz will be able to increase production.Thanks to Balong
There are already a few Filipino bakeries in Portland, like St. Barbra and Shop Halo Halo, but Balong’s business strategy is different because it focuses on bread. In the hopes of making breakfast sandwiches the preferred option in Portland, Dauz already has one wholesale customer in the Northwest Portland cafe Minnow.
In addition to those sandwiches, Dauz said he intends to incorporate further Filipino ingredients into his rice bowls and breakfast plates reminiscent of Denny’s, which will feature kaldereta gravy and longanisa sausage. Additionally, he hopes the bakery will be able to host the New Manila events he has worked on with other Filipino-American companies like Baon Kainan, Makulit, and Kalesa Coffee.
Over the past year, we’ve organized a few fun events that have united Filipino Americans, Dauz added. It’s a truly unique effort that preserves and ties us to our heritage.
Beginning in April, Balong will be open Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2850 S.E. 82nd Ave. #27, located inside the Fubonn Shopping Center; eatbalong.com. Visit Balong’s GoFundMe page by clicking this link.
Russell, Michael; [email protected]
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