The Must-Try Under-The-Radar Spot In Portland, Oregon That Food Lovers Adore
Berlu Bakery in Portland, Oregon, is one of those spots you can’t help but tell people about once you’ve been. It’s small, welcoming, and filled with pastries that clearly have a lot of care behind them.
Each item feels thoughtfully made, and you can tell the team takes pride in what they do. The menu changes often, so there’s always something new to try, but the quality stays consistent.
It’s the kind of place you stop by for a treat and end up staying a little longer just to take it all in. There’s something special about it, for sure.
Berlu Bakery Basics
Small but mighty, Berlu Bakery flies under the usual radar yet quietly draws steady lines from folks who know where to look. It sits on Southeast Belmont with a tidy counter, warm smiles, and a focused pastry case.
Expect casual counter service and quick turnover, not lingering tables or long tasting menus. Order at the case, grab your prize, and enjoy a relaxed stroll through Buckman. The vibe suits a morning errand that turns into a small victory.
Think quality over quantity. The menu is tight, the flavors are clear, and the results feel intentional. Less noise, more joy.
Timing Tricks That Work
Doors open Thursday through Sunday from nine in the morning to three in the afternoon. Early birds score the widest selection and avoid the midday second guessing.
Your future self will thank you for setting the alarm. Arrive near opening for popular pastries and rotating specials. The team bakes in finite batches and does not restock late.
Once a tray is gone, it is truly gone. Rainy mornings can be a secret weapon. Lines move quickly and the neighborhood stays calm. Bring an umbrella and savor that extra breathing room.
What To Order First
Start with pandan bánh bò nướng. The springy crumb and gentle coconut aroma make an easy first step into Vietnamese sweets. It hits comfort notes without leaning heavy.
If timing aligns, chase the mochi pandan waffle. Crisp edges meet a chewy center and the contrast is half the fun. It disappears fast for good reason. Round things out with pineapple cardamom cake.
Bright fruit meets cozy spice in a slice that feels both familiar and fresh. Think coffee companion, not sugar bomb, and you will be smiling.
Chef Cred You Can Taste
Chef Vince Nguyen brings serious recognition to a modest room. His James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Northwest and Pacific signals craft and care, not hype or noise.
Guests taste the training in every bite. Flavors nod to Vietnamese roots while leaning into Portland produce. The combinations feel confident rather than complicated. Nothing tries to show off.
Technique supports simplicity. Textures land right, sweetness stays balanced, and little details carry the day. You leave remembering how clean and focused great baking can feel.
Friendly To Gluten Free
Many core pastries lean naturally gluten free thanks to rice and tapioca flours. That means chewy textures without a flour hangover. Flavor leads and structure follows.
Do a quick scan of labels in the case. Staff happily steer you toward options that fit your needs, whether you avoid wheat entirely or just prefer lighter bakes.
Bring a friend with different preferences. The menu usually offers something for everyone, from classic sweets to playful riffs that still read as comfort.
Savory Picks Beyond Sweets
Berlu is not only about sugar. Watch for a light bowl of bún or an avocado toast that swaps in slices of bánh bò nướng. It sounds daring until your fork makes friends.
Savory choices keep mixed groups happy. If someone wants lunch rather than pastry, you are covered. Portions stay modest, so think snack or light meal.
Balance your order. Pair one savory with one sweet to learn the range. You will leave with a fuller picture and a happier stomach.
Where To Park And Pair It
Street parking rules the block around Belmont. Give yourself a little buffer to park and enjoy a short leg stretch to the door. Stress drops the moment you see that pastry case.
Turn the stop into a neighborhood mini outing. Grab coffee nearby or cruise a few local shops. The area rewards unhurried mornings.
If mobility is a concern, drop a passenger curbside, then circle for a space. A bit of teamwork makes the visit smooth and friendly.
Drinks And Seasonal Specials
Pair pastries with Vietnamese style drinks. Look for lightly salted coffee, pandan tinged sippers, or refreshing iced teas that keep sweetness measured.
Everything is designed to play nicely with the bakes. Menus rotate with seasons and chef whims. Reading the board is part of the fun. See something new, then lean in with curiosity. Love a special. Order two.
Future you will celebrate that foresight on the car ride home. Keep an eye on social updates for pop ups and limited runs.