Tradition/Innovation: Hong Kong & Modern Baking

Join HAIBAYÔ as we welcome Peter Yuen, owner of La Pastisserie P, Divs Ray, owner of Umami From Scratch and facilitator Jefferson Mok as they explores how place, culinary traditions, and history play a part in the innovations that arise in diaspora communities. Enjoy a sampling of pastries from these bakers and learn how their heritage comes in through their delectable creations. After the conversation, take a walk down to Patisserie P to walkthrough the bakery with Peter.

Event Schedule

• 10:30 -10:45 Welcome, sampling, and mingling
• 10:45 – 11:15 Panel conversation
• 11:15 – 11:30 Q&A
• 11:30 – 12:00 More sampling, mingling, and optional walk down to La Patisserie P

This event is generously supported by the Field Foundation. We are grateful for this opportunity to explore our connected traditions through food ethnography and historical storytelling.

Peter Yuen is an award-winning pastry chef and a graduate of The French Pastry School. He opened La Patisserie P in 2004, taking over the spot of his father’s original bakery, the New Hong Kong Bakery, which was opened in 1982 on Argyle St. Peter brings both tradition and innovation to his offerings, updating traditional Hong Kong baked goods and French-style pastries with new flavors. The two styles don’t often intersect so that their traditional qualities shine through, highlighting Peter’s understanding of classic techniques and how to help them evolve.

Divs Ray of Umami From Scratch is a self-taught baker who gives traditional bakery treats a unique flair by incorporating ingredients inspired by her travels and childhood in India. Officially in business since April 2023, Divs has now done 18 pop-ups across different neighborhoods in the city and has been featured in the prestigious Pastry Arts Magazine, Chicago Eater and Secret Chicago. Now she hopes to find residency opportunities at cafes to showcase her creations and reach more people in Chicagoland.

HAIBAYÔ is a creative initiative that aims to energize the historic Asia and Argyle corridor through innovation cross-cultural, multi-generational collaborations. Their intention is to curate spaces, events, and digital content while incubating a diverse range of artists, creative entrepreneurs, and local Asia on Argyle businesses.