Lauded Filipino Bakery and Cafe Hood Famous Launches Its First-Ever Delivery Service

With Washington’s stay-at-home order extended through May 4, many Seattle restaurants continue to shift gears during the COVID-19 pandemic. That includes popular Filipino dessert specialist Hood Famous, which closed its Ballard bakery and its newer all-day cafe in the International District temporarily in March. Instead of pivoting to takeout, the co-owners of Hood Famous launched a new delivery service this week, offering its well-known ube cheesecakes and other items for no-contact dropoff within the Seattle area.

The new system is a big step for the small bakeshop, which has gotten some national recognition after co-owner Chera Amlag was nominated for a James Beard Award this year in the Best Chef Northwest category. Included in the offerings is a “Sari Not Sorry” care package (“sari” meaning “variety” in tagalog), with longanisa chive scones, cassava cake, and ensaymada (a Filipino brioche bun topped with cheese). Ube cookies and bags of coffee from Fulcrum and Kalsada are available for nationwide shipping. “We want to offer goodies for those who may not be able to see friends and relatives,” Amlag tells Eater Seattle. “Just trying to spread a little love.”

Since Hood Famous’s temporary closure, Amlag and her husband, Geo Quibuyen (who co-owns the shop) have not just been organizing up the new delivery system, but setting up some wholesale partners as well. Ube cheesecakes can be found now at Pho Bac Sup Shop, Seattle Fish Guys, and Uwajimaya stores. They’ve also advocating for small business relief through the Seattle Restaurants United coalition. “We all need to pull our voices together,” says Quibuyen.

• Hood Famous Bakeshop [Official]
• Hood Famous [Instagram]