Inside NYC’s Hottest Vietnamese Dessert Pop-Up | NYT Cooking

Meet Lauren Tran. Her pop-up bakery, Bánh by Lauren, started as an Instagram account in 2020 when the pandemic shut down restaurants like Gramercy Tavern, where she worked under the pastry chef Miro Uskokovic. During the pandemic, she sold weekly “bánh boxes” that featured Southeast Asian flavors in the form of classic French pastries and desserts. They consistently sold out within a few hours. Now, she organizes pop-ups at different locations throughout the city, featuring flavors like Vietnamese coffee and condensed milk, as well as her signature pandan coconut chiffon cake. They attract scores of people willing to show up early and wait in long lines for a chance to try her creations. Follow along to see how Lauren and her husband, Garland Wong, make it happen.
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[@vikingsruleU]

I quit school to pursue my passion and my Vietnamese parents reacted the same way lol. Jimmy Yang, a Comedian said, " It's better to disappoint your parents for a couple years than to disappoint yourself for the rest of your life". I love hearing stories like Lauren. I hope she knows she inspiring people

[@0_0juiced]

Where did he say Jimmy Yang was Vietnamese?

[@0_0juiced]

Stop trying to be a smart ass

[@vikingsruleU]

@@0_0juiced reading comprehension can be tough for some people lol looks like that person deleted the comments

[@gloriaxia5784]

Jimmy is Chinese

[@duydo6924]

It's Jimmy O. Yang. His surname is Ouyang (歐陽) .

[@ttrnet123]

Her partner is like a rock. Every couple needs someone like that.

[@uzomaokafor8384]

Honestly, I thought the same thing. He was already helping her so wholeheartedly before marriage. They married well.

[@chardizard]

"When we got married I told her we could do anything." - POWER COUPLE

[@ellosteve]

FRR

[@umdangt]

What a beautifully edited video. That line really hit hard in the most beautiful way.

[@neverresign7248]

The real American dream.

[@jackhammer078jack4]

The problem is there are far and few of those around. All what people want is status and money. It is all about who has the bigger than the other.

[@Jenny-tu9fc]

@@neverresign7248YESSS!!!! The true American dream ❤️😊😊

[@karenm5129]

As a daughter of immigrant Filipino parents AND a pastry cook/baker...this made me so emotional. Truly inspiring. I wish the best for them.

[@petalss5325]

He is so supportive. It goes to show how great person and pastry chef Lauren is. Really hope there own shop takes off and hope to go to her shop in person one day!!

[@BriansBitchinBakery]

This gave me so much hope and inspiration in a time I didn’t know I needed it. I’m from Houston too and left veterinary school to pursue baking. A few months ago I was hosting a pop up and had a few Vietnamese moms come by my booth and questioned why I threw away vet school and asked “how does your mom feel about that?” My mom was actually there and came up to them and said “as long as my son is happy, I’ll support him.” I cried in my car after the pop up thinking about my moms words. Thank you Lauren for sharing your story 🥹 I’m hoping to manifest a fraction of y’all’s success and happiness 🥹

[@LegacySB]

You're an inspiration too and your mom is amazing! Goodluck with everything! Stories like yours inspire others!

[@bijoudeaux1]

how far were you?!

[@LovingGodLovingOthers]

I live in Houston do you still have a bakery up? I would like to try it out

[@paulal.o.aplaylist6234]

​@@LegacySBI'm sure you will. All the best my friend.

[@yippeehaha24-y1y]

When I heard about your mom's disappointment, I couldn't help but feel the pain of it. As a person of Chinese descent, I've heard the same - mostly from my father. I'm glad you were still able to do what you wanted to even if mom still wished you went to med school. Also, very, very excited about your brick and mortar in the future. I had visited and taught in Vietnam in the summer of 94 and it was the first time I encountered Vietnamese food, coffee and more. Still have such fond memories of Vietnam and the people I met along the way.

[@keystosuccess565]

@@MrLifeUnderTheScope😂😂exactly!

[@fastbuckwu]

Asian/ Immigrant parents are always like "We didn't escape the homeland so you can grow up to be a chef!"

[@goldenboy6667]

​@WiggleWiggle454stop being bot weirdo

[@OceanicPearlz1]

@@fastbuckwumy dad was like: u could get ready to work at mcdonalds not even mcdonalds would hire you

[@KyleSeliger]

This is what New York is about. What a wonderful story about two deserving and hardworking people. We can still eat fresh without shareholders being involved!

[@OceanicPearlz1]

Yes! As a newyorker confirmed!

[@YJ-es6su]

Lauren, you are definitely not a disappointment; you are an amazing person and clearly a great baker. And kudos to Garland - together you certainly can do anything together.

[@lifeandsuchvideo]

Her pandan coconut chiffon cake is the best cake I've ever had in my life. I'm so glad she's getting to open a brick and mortar so more people can try it. Her pop ups are so hard to get into. So proud of you Lauren! Thanks for sharing your talents with all of us.

[@WhatsOnYourMind.]

Hey, did her location open up yet, and would you know the location? Ty in advance.

[@YoBoyMarcus]

@@WhatsOnYourMind. I just read in an article that they will be opening their bakery at 42 Market Street in the Spring of 2024.

[@giatownsend9563]

I love how supportive her husband is throughout this whole process! Honestly that’s what makes a great partner! Someone who you can rely on, work on projects together, and make a difference!

[@houchi69]

Happy for them! As someone who was an immigrant myself, my parents would also like me to be more "successful". Not for them, but they want it for me. I am sure it is so hard for Lauren to hear those words from her mother. I hope that her mother is watching this, and reading all these positive and encouraging comments, and realized that she raised an amazing daughter. Lauren has this determination and success because of her upbringing. Lauren was shaped by her parents. I hope her parents will realize this and be proud and happy for her daughter's decision, no matter what it was and how different it was from the parents' expectation.

[@mariaermides]

This made me so emotional! I know how hard it is to feel someone's disappointment when you're really just trying to follow your heart. I admire her journey and hope she continues to do really well.

[@MelissaK-lh4ig]

I just want to tell you that Jesus loves you and that He only died on the cross for you to give you eternal life ❤️ Matthew 11:28

[@stephennetu]

This is the definitive American Dream. That level of hard work and dedication, building something from scratch. What an inspirational and brilliant story. Thank you for sharing. I am cheering you on, Miro!

[@melz4766]

@@WoozlewuzzleableSo? I mean any parents are going to be disappointed when their kids decide to do something they don’t “approve of” 😅

[@remremremerrr]

Garland going above and beyond for Lauren is so amazing and loving. They give each other confidence to chase their dreams! love it and would looovvve to try all of their desserts!

[@cpp8227]

Such a wonderful story!! Wishing them every success!! Thanks for sharing!

[@donnaluvsdonuts56544]

as a fellow vietnamese-american, this brings me so much joy and and makes me so emotional. im so happy for and proud of you guys!! sending all the best vibes for this to continue to flourish 🤍

[@techietam]

It's wonderful to see Viet-Am businesses like this sharing Vietnamese culture through delicious food. Wishing them the best.

[@culturalhouse2643]

Vietnamese bakeries are underrated. Someone needs to open up a bakery that rivals 85 degrees etc.

[@jimmyhuynh7563]

wait for me

[@tecamey]

That’s a beautiful and lovely story and such supportive couple. I’m surprise that NYC doesn’t have Vietnamese bakeries like in SoCal. More power to Lauren for introducing her culture in her passion for baking

[@TheHappybunny671]

From SoCal OC specifically and there just ain’t the Vietnamese or even South East Asian community there. My shock compared to me going to banh mi Cali 3 banh mi for 6 dollars getting one for 15 in New York and they had like chicken? Was so confused lol. It’s mostly Chinese in NYC some Korean very different demographics

[@maestoso47]

Nice to see cultural NYC vibrancy returning back after a couple of years.

[@lindalately]

For real

[@unicorn_bread]

What an incredible and talented couple. They deserve all the success and recognition that is already coming their way.

[@jobturkey7418]

Garland is the man. I also don’t know why the parents names the dude garland but good on you for making us proud

[@aarons5689]

Pandan is a flavor I was introduced to in Vietnam. My first thought was- why do we not use this in the US?? It’s so good!!! I hope to score one of her creations someday soon. They look delicious. Congrats to this couple. Lovely lovely people. I actually got a little choked up watching this. Really touching.

[@alyssagriffin5781]

As a person who lives out of New Orleans, I am blessed to have Vietnamese cuisine. Viet-Cajun is a flavor I love. I love Asian flavors!

[@cleansingwithheatherkim4910]

Wow I’m so proud of her and I know deep down her parents will realize how much she’s accomplished and be proud of her

[@fiction_agency]

My mum sent me this video (because I love cake) and I lol'ed because my parents said the same sorts of things to me when I left finance. Mum said, "yep always true with Asian parents" haha! Loved learning your story and hope to visit one day. Sending love from a fellow Vietnamese(-Australian though) from Hobart, Tasmania.

[@jlife9092]

Bánh by Lauren is opening a bakery at 42 Market Street in Chinatown next year

[@tommy1334]

Great storytelling, loved the way this was edited

[@kat-ip6vq]

Vietnamese desserts are OUT OF THIS WORLD GOOD!! nothing beats Viet food

[@vanessaaguilar-griffith1349]

Lauren & her husband are darling! Thank you for showcasing diversity & inclusion. Please share another video of their journey to brick & mortar! We dont see a lot of AAPI representation & this would be truly valuable💖

[@ffkeixi]

These cakes and pastries sound and look delicious, but what I was really struck by is Lauren and Garland's dynamic as a couple! Her husband seems so kind and supportive, it was really touching.

[@chillwithmycats1718]

I feel very touched while watching this! It's amazing to see this generation of Vietnamese-American pursuing different types of dreams as amazing as this! I loved that this video covered the background prior to and during the beginning of all of this.

[@elainev670]

Coming from south east Asia, I love the pandan leaves. I love it in rice, in dessert, in curry, in bread, in moon cake, in pastries. All the best to this chef!

[@Rangoon8]

Where can you get the Pandan leaves?

[@elainev670]

@@Rangoon8 in most Asian grocery store, frozen section

[@cynfulification]

With the high rent in New york,the best option is to buy a food truck and do a pop up shop. They can also rent out a ghost kitchen to bake and use a truck to manage sales. It is so much cheaper than renting out.

[@An-eb8uk]

She needs to do a pop-up in Philly!!! The Viet community here would go crazy for her pastries 😭😭

[@ro.3645]

Yes!! I was picking up a few of her boxes in Brooklyn and the amount of people waiting in line from philly (myself included) and dc was crazy

[@An-eb8uk]

@@ro.3645 we literally have the largest Viet population on the east coast!! She needs to come here🤣

[@slodoco]

Hopefully you guys can get your own store when this commercial real estate market blows up. You deserve to have your own place. Those cakes look amazing! I will look into Pandan!!! Looks great!

[@leddik]

I love these types of stories. She is so amazing. I love her resiliency and determination.

[@mjl5497]

Just put these pastries on my NYC itinerary! Great story, cheering for your continued success Lauren! I’ve never had pandan & can’t wait to try!

[@s._3560]

Coconut pandan chiffon cake has been already in existence in Singapore and Malaysia for many decades since early 70s. It is sold in many bakeries in these 2 countries. We call it Ondeh Ondeh cake because it is adapted from the main flavours of Ondeh Ondeh. Ondeh Ondeh is a dessert that is marriage of Chinese + malay local ingredients; made with pandan, grated coconut, gula melaka and mung bean/glutinous rice flour. These are influenced from Chinese desserts like tangyuan and other southern Chinese steamed kueh (粿) cakes made from rice flour/glutinous rice flour. Separately, we also have Pandan Chiffon Cake that is the mainstay of almost every bakery in Singapore and Malaysia.

[@ropro9817]

Wow, what a great story. 🤗 I hope Lauren and her husband do well! Hope to visit one of her popups or a permanent store sometime in the future! 🤞

[@ItsKarenReyes]

LOVE these episodes that highlight the passion and culture that make people cook or bake! Please do more of these.

[@2ndround415]

So absolutely inspiring and beautiful! Toronto needs a pop up!

[@1will2kill]

collab with La La Bakeshop

[@peacelife]

Aw! So nice to cover a story like her. Vietnamese childhood's desert ❤❤ yumm. Like a docu with such a warm touch

[@emilywynstra]

This was so special! Wishing Lauren and Garland continued success and many more years of baking 🤍

[@carlahall173]

I need a follow up on the rest of their journey. I’m emotionally invested into the outcome and their success! I’m also Vietnamese sooooo. It’s making my mouth drool on all the flavors of my childhood..there’s that. 😊❤

[@ferociousbee]

Congratulations on the brick and mortar!!!! Loved watching your journey and growth via instagram in the past three years!

[@Sam_Fu]

Incredibly happy for them! Well deserved recognition. Can’t wait to visit the bakery!

[@mountainaire7382]

There's a huge Vietnamese culture in Houston. Many refugees, like her parents, arrived by boat in the Port of Houston in the 1970s. We have such great restaurants here, but not great bakeries like this one. If and when I'm in NYC, I'll look for your place. In the meantime, if you ever want to come to Houston for a pop-up, I'll look for it. I love sweets and I love Vietnamese food!!!

[@chelzmerrrr]

I absolutely love this! What a power couple! True definition of passion, love, and support!! I hope to try some of your yummy eats one day! Sending all the aloha from Hawaii!

[@TN-ow7yd]

tears to my eyes....looks so good. anything does with love will always succeed. blessing to all.

[@BrookeKittell]

Love the whole story of this! Wish the best for Lauren and crew!

[@tamekakdunbar9292]

I wish you both all the best. Nuff love from Jamaica 🇯🇲

[@elynn226]

This gives me so much hope for my small business. I'm a baker as well! Worked for a few years in bakeries and restaurants, and now I'm trying to make my small business bakery into an actual shop. If you're Malaysian living in KL, I hope you see this !

[@pheacroissant]

I wish them great success for years to come! For an Asian child, with immigrant parents, to be brave enough to break away from their expectations of you, takes guts. She's already successful.

[@freddyvelasquez4168]

Wonderful story. Thank you for sharing your culinary journey with us. Continued blessings for a successful business and marriage. Cheers from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

[@ToRung]

Nothing can describe my joy for you right now ✌🥰💝

[@functionoflightone]

what an amazing couple. So proud of them. Wish them all the best.

[@doodahgurlie]

I’m surprised pandan isn’t more popular in the West. It’s an amazing flavor and aroma. I hope you do more like the banana cakes and the grilled banana wrapped in sticky rice with coconut sauce (it won a SE Asian dessert contest years ago). What about all the desserts that are wrapped in banana leaves and steamed with peanut and coconut fillings? Love those! Che troi nuoc and such (I hate che ba mau as it’s always showcased and it’s one of the worst due to all the whole beans used). You should make the pandan waffles!

[@inamorales9374]

So happy to hear of stories like this ❤ wishing them the best!!!

[@annat6249]

My dad did not have high expectations like typical Vietnamese parents. He didn’t want me to be a doctor or anything. He wanted me to have a stable job like be an accountant and work for government. I took an accounting class and drop that class in a few days. I went for technology field. I enjoy my job now and make much more than accounting. Technology career can make as much as Doctor. Follow your dream but please choose a realistic dream. Major like art, social study, and yes baking. If you really good at baking and your passionate about it, go for it. But if you are just okay, my advice is making it a hobby. My two cent for younger crowds. This story is inspirational but does not work out for everyone. I am very glad Vietnamese bake good are more widely introduced

[@julremnacua3282]

Power couple. Love them. They're a great reminder that life is bearable and conquerable when you grow with the right person or people.

[@dedetran]

This is amazing! Congratulations Lauren and Garland!

[@anachan5953]

what a perfect couple this is what marriage is about complementing each other to succeed

[@Jayman5281]

Culture diversity is the future!! Love to see these kind of stories!!🤙🤙

[@insulaarachnid]

I loved hearing the story behind Bánh by Lauren.

[@MichaelNicastro]

This was inspiring on many levels. Shoutout to a great couple, together they are gonna keep growing together!

[@rennahalim5401]

Found this video in the morning. Made my tears 😭. Cus i am also a Pastry Chef and sometimes i wonder if my decision was right, or i took the wrong decision study Culinary in Australia back then. Now this video can be my motivation to work harder and enjoy my job. 🙏🏻✨ Thank u!

[@concreteroads]

What a power couple! Love her determination and his support!

[@tigerx22]

Omg love their story!❤❤🎉🎉 their growth & persistance is inspiring. If they are making things happen, so can we! We all start & we arent going to be perfect or have all the answers, but be willing to fail & learn to improve❤

[@TheLKD1990]

Your biggest advantage is your supported partner❤. You should try using Hoa Đậu Biếc(Butterfly Pea) in Bánh and i would love to see your take on Chè, Xôi dishes 😊

[@HenkieDo]

As a second generation Vietnamese in the Netherlands it is beautifull to see how much I can relate to other Young Vietnamese across the world. It has been very tough for previous generations of our culture and family. That is why parenting has been so hard and straightforward. One thing that is represented throughout not only vietnamese culture but throughout a lot of families who have been trough hell and back. Is to see that love is not shown by words but rather by actions. since the possibility to express emotion was a luxury for previous generations. Being pragmatic and straightforward is showing that you care and putting in the work and action is sacrificing yourself for another. This video was very inspirational! Keep up the good work

[@Al3x_tt]

Congratulation to Lauren and I hope great success for her and the team and turn it in a permanent business somewhere in manhattan

[@Toshimitsutin]

As a first generation born to immigrant Vietnamese parents, I understand the sentiment of what it meant to give up on what your parents wanted, stability for their children, and instead pursuing your passion. It really drove home that this is a great success story and something to strive towards. I wish I could do the same, but one day!

[@marylenehall405]

I love this couple and the pastries look beautiful,unique and delicious.Her parents so loving even though she choose a different career path.And shoutout to the friends that took the time to help.

[@sittinpretty6153]

I love your cakes, thank you for baking them! I remember picking one up from your husband on the street outside your apartment (?) downtown during the covid times and it felt like such a gift.

[@nicolegregory4429]

I love this! What a beautiful couple and family. Hope they continue to keep up with the growth and success! ~N

[@1will2kill]

"systems and processes" - the unspoken heroes of operations

[@hayleywood2991]

Love seeing more visibility for pop-up workers and neighborhood businesses! Y'all should interview Comadre Panaderia in Austin next

[@Poetryspell]

He’s her rock and a reflection of her and she’s a reflection of him! I love this 🥹🥹🥹🥹

[@kimnguyen1227]

i find myself constantly clicking like button on this story. love it.

[@Meebee9689]

You should try Francy's ice cream in nj! Very inspiring couples too! The owner also worked at Michelin restaurants in nyc! She makes filipino inspired ice cream.❤

[@stephaniemorimoto7768]

Their desserts are amazing and hearing more about their stories and their relationship makes me love it all even more!

[@mtconfer]

Omg made me cry! So happy for them. Inspires me so much. I work in corporate marketing in NYC and am pouring my heart into music to one day soon do it full time. Thank you for sharing their story!

[@joes7028]

They are an amazing couple I hope they turn that company into something big

[@DamnAwesome]

Pandan and Ube are actually the best flavors ever!

[@andrew12942]

I love this! Beautiful story of beautiful people. Well made videos. Simply extraordinary

[@LHNguyens]

Asian parents do best at what they do, say how dissapointed they are 😘🤪

[@chervywong96]

Love how she uses pandan alot in her bakes, as it is quintessential for alot of desserts in southeast asia. Just want to point out that pandan is not literally pronounced as pan as in frying pan and dan as in a person's name. It is actually pronounced as PAH-AN-DAH-AN

[@AllYourBlocks]

Love this story, great people, amazing food 😍

[@AnnieBeanie]

I am so happy Lauren is opening up a store!!! I bought her Kickstarter and I can't wait!

[@djmadmike23]

And this is why America is great. When we embrace the differences and appreciate them. Not when we fight against them and each other! I'll be waiting in line!

[@SpicyJamCam]

I am so proud of you! Even if we don’t know each other. Keep living your dreams. You and your husband are inspiring, especially in these crazy times.❤❤❤

[@mariadizon7349]

So proud of you Lauren for pushing through with your dreams! You’re not alone in those feelings. Garland, you are an amazing partner. Wishing you both continued prosperity 💙

[@goldenthorn5188]

My parents are immigrants from Vietnam. It makes me happy to see our foods presented so positively and with so much support!!This made me emotional though because when she was mentioning how her parents were disappointed, it sounds like the exact same things my parents say to me.

[@triyanka6237]

😭😭Damn, I can’t believe how emotional I’m getting about this. You’re such an inspiration, Lauren🥰🥰

[@hobodavid738]

Hearing the initial doubt of who would marry that, to listening the massive support that person ended up being is amazing. Even better is the talent and fusion of cultures Lauren provides

[@lexie25a]

Good for her! She looks pretty happy and passionate.

[@SAmaryllis]

Thank you for highlighting such a cool small business. I've never heard of or had pandan before, it's on my list now to look out for!

[@jeffcollins9860]

I'm a white American living in Vietnam and bánh bò (the spongey cake) is something I enjoy immensely but unfortunately it's loaded with sugar so I don't have it often. Very cool to see someone bringing it to the masses in the US.