Today we’d like to introduce you to Joel Uy.
Hi Joel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
High Altitude Bakeshop has quickly risen to prominence as Utah’s premier Filipino bakeshop, gaining recognition for its handcrafted baked goods, made fresh daily without preservatives or artificial ingredients. Founded in June 2019 during the pandemic, the bakeshop’s journey began as a passion project, offering baked goods to friends. These early efforts, warmly received and widely praised, fueled a journey of growth that has culminated in a unique and cherished space within the Filipino-American community.
I specialize in Ensaymada, a traditional Filipino pastry renowned for its soft, fluffy texture and rich, buttery flavor. Known for blending time-honored techniques with the finest ingredients available in the U.S., As an owner of High-Altitude Bakeshop I elevated the craft of Ensaymada-making to new heights. The results I have earned the business a reputation as a go-to destination for those seeking the “best Ensaymada” in Utah—a claim supported by glowing reviews from customers and the community alike.
Each product crafted It reflects a commitment to superior quality and a dedication to tradition. The items are made in small batches, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and consistent excellence. From the first bite, customers experience a perfect balance of tradition and indulgence, a testament to my roots in Filipino culinary heritage. This uncompromising focus on quality has made High Altitude Bakeshop a standout, not only among Filipino businesses but in Utah’s broader culinary landscape.
My journey has become a prominent bakeshop has been marked by several key milestones. Word-of-mouth among my friends and customers initially propelled the business, creating a loyal following within the Filipino community. This growing reputation eventually caught the attention of a leading supermarket- The Chinatown Supermarket in Salt Lake City, which extended an invitation to showcase High Altitude Bakeshop products in-store. This partnership brought the bakeshop’s offerings to a wider audience, further solidifying its status as a trusted name in Filipino baked goods.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Initially, the primary challenges I faced were sourcing high-quality flour and Filipino cheese. When I first started, Filipino cheese was unavailable in Utah, prompting me to request friends from Las Vegas and California to ship it to me. Eventually, I established a relationship with a California-based supplier, who now ships the cheese to Utah twice a month.
Finding a suitable flour with a high protein content of 11-13% proved to be a lengthy process, requiring multiple tests of various market-available flours before identifying the optimal one.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Sundance Film Festival Catering Experience:
High Altitude Bakeshop’s commitment to excellence has opened doors to incredible opportunities, including catering its bread and pastries to Asian Hollywood directors, film producers, and Asian stars during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. This prestigious event showcased the bakery’s ability to represent Filipino baking traditions on an international stage, further highlighting its unique appeal.
High Altitude Bakeshop’s Ensaymada has become a symbol of excellence, standing out in a crowded market by combining traditional recipes with a modern approach to quality control and ingredient selection. Customers have also come to appreciate the bakery’s transparency, knowing that every item is free from preservatives and artificial ingredients. The bakery’s dedication to using only the finest components ensures a product that is as wholesome as it is flavorful.
High Altitude Bakeshop has officially been recognized for its unparalleled craftsmanship in Filipino baking, earning the title of “Best Ensaymadas in Utah of 2024.” This prestigious award by Best of Best review highlights the shop’s dedication to quality, tradition, and innovation, solidifying its status as the go-to destination for Filipino pastries in Utah.
While Ensaymada remains the signature offering, the bakeshop also creates a variety of traditional Filipino bread, pastries, and cakes. Each item is designed to evoke a sense of home for Filipino customers while introducing new audiences to the rich flavors of Filipino cuisine. This dual mission has helped High Altitude Bakeshop carve out a unique niche as both a cultural touchstone and a culinary innovator.
One of the defining factors of High-Altitude Bakeshop’s success is its ability to adapt traditional recipes to the challenges of high-altitude baking. Located in Utah, the bakery operates at an elevation that presents unique conditions for baking. By developing and refining their techniques, the team at High Altitude Bakeshop has perfected the art of baking in these conditions, producing results that are consistent, flavorful, and true to their origins.
The bakeshop’s emphasis on community and culture is evident in every aspect of its operation. By remaining rooted in Filipino baking traditions while striving for the highest standards of quality, High Altitude Bakeshop has earned the trust and loyalty of its customers. Its products have become a cherished part of celebrations and everyday moments for families across Utah.
For anyone seeking authentic Filipino baked goods, High Altitude Bakeshop offers an experience that is unmatched in quality and taste. With its focus on tradition, craftsmanship, and community, the bakery continues to raise the bar for Filipino bread, pastries, and cakes, earning its place as a beloved institution in Utah and beyond.
All our product available for purchase at Chinatown Supermarket: 3390 South State St. Salt Lake City. Utah. 84115
What were you like growing up?
As an engineer by profession, I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic and Communication Engineering from the University of East in Manila, Philippines. I gained extensive experience as a Production Engineer at Acer Media Technology in Taiwan for eight years before relocating to the US.
In my free time, I enjoy cooking Filipino dishes and exploring other cuisines, although I never envisioned myself as a baker. My curiosity about baking began when I craved freshly baked Filipino bread and pastries, which were unavailable in local Asian stores here in Utah. The few options available were frozen and sourced from California, compromising their quality.
During my vacation in the Philippines in May 2019, I enrolled in a one-month special baking class and supplemented my learning with online courses during the pandemic.
This marked the beginning of my baking journey. High Altitude has reached its 6th year. My goal is to launch my own storefront a bakeshop & Cafe in the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.highaltitudebakeshop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highaltitudebakeshop
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17JwXKLPGB/
