Sweet Unity: Surrey Bakeries Are Fusing Punjabi and Filipino Desserts to Create a New Cultural Craving
Local fusion bakeries in Surrey are shaking up traditional desserts by blending the bold spices of Punjabi sweets with the tropical indulgence of Filipino treats.
Where Kulfi Meets Ube: A Culinary Crossroads
In the heart of Surrey, B.C., an unexpected yet mouthwatering food movement is rising: fusion bakeries blending the rich traditions of Punjabi and Filipino desserts. Think gulab jamun donuts with ube glaze, halo-halo-inspired barfi, or cassava cake layered with gajar halwa. These hybrid creations aren’t just tasty—they’re telling a deeper story of community, identity, and innovation.
Over the past year, several local pastry shops have quietly launched or expanded menus that pay homage to both cultures. What started as a few Instagram-friendly experimental bakes has now sparked a mini revolution in multicultural dessert-making—drawing lines out the door and tens of thousands of views online.
A Sweet Spot Between Cultures
Surrey is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Canada, with large Punjabi and Filipino populations. But until recently, their culinary traditions largely remained separate.
“We noticed our customers were ordering both ube cheesecakes and rasmalai cakes at the same time,” said Arjun Kaur, co-owner of Lola & Lassi, a newly opened café that specializes in fusion pastries. “We thought—why not put them together?”
This inspiration gave rise to some of their most popular menu items, like:
- Ube Rasmalai Tres Leches: A spongy Filipino cake soaked in saffron-infused milk and topped with ube whipped cream.
- Bibingka Barfi: Rice cake meets milk fudge, combining chewy textures with cardamom warmth.
- Gulab Jamun Empanadas: A deep-fried delight merging syrupy dumplings with buttery pastry shells.
These bakeries are often family-run, with second-generation immigrants driving innovation. Many of them grew up with both cultures at home—attending Filipino fiestas one weekend and Punjabi weddings the next. For them, fusion is more than food—it’s identity.
Why It Matters: More Than a Trend
This isn’t just about creative desserts. It reflects a broader movement of cultural blending that resonates with younger generations seeking ways to express their hybrid identities.
According to Statistics Canada, over 70% of Surrey’s population identifies with a visible minority group, and Filipino and South Asian communities represent a large percentage. The fusion food trend is organically growing from the lived experiences of these communities, not from outside trendsetters.
Experts in culinary anthropology say this trend could signify the early formation of a unique regional cuisine in B.C.—a “third culture cuisine” born from immigration, community overlap, and social media influence.
“Food becomes a shared language when words fall short,” says Dr. Jasmine del Rosario, a professor of Cultural Studies at UBC. “This kind of blending isn’t appropriation—it’s evolution.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Fusion Flavors
Fusion bakeries are thriving thanks to digital platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where visually stunning desserts attract global attention. Businesses like Halo Lassi, Brown Sugar Babae, and Tita & Tandoor have seen exponential growth through online orders and viral content.
Locals are fully embracing the concept. In a recent Reddit thread, users raved about how these desserts “taste like home—but different,” and “feel like a celebration of both sides of my family.”
With plans for franchise expansion, community dessert festivals, and even potential collaborations with culinary schools, Surrey may soon become Canada’s new epicenter for multicultural dessert innovation.
More to Explore
- Fraser Valley’s Top 5 Ethnic Restaurants That Locals Love
- The Rise of Farmers’ Markets in Suburban Canada — More Than Just Food
Final Thoughts
In Surrey’s fusion bakeries, dessert is more than dessert—it’s a bridge between generations, histories, and homelands. As the lines between cultures blur in the most delicious way, these pastry pioneers are showing that the future of food is shared, soulful, and sweetly united.
