Simmering, Sizzling, Soulful: A New Frontier For Baken

Food is practically a love language for Filipinos—a fact so self-evident it might earn a knowing smile from Chefs Jordy Navarra and Johanne Siy. Their place in the Asian culinary spotlight, whether at Toyo Eatery in Karrivin or Lolla over in Singapore, is built on a shared reverence for heritage that endures.

Still, even for Chefs of their caliber, some experiences are refreshingly unfamiliar. Who better to introduce a little excitement in their lives than Rachel Carrasco, Founder and CEO of Baken—a boundary-pushing snack brand that embodies true indulgence. Carrasco isn’t looking to push the boundaries of Filipino flavors alone. With Navarra and Siy, she’s offered a new medium for their culinary canvas—one that will help her open doors for bacon beyond its place in snacks. Enter: Baken 1104.

RELATED: Meet Baken: Your Go-To For All Things Bacon

The Finest Bacon

With sizzle, crackle, and an irresistible crunch, Baken’s culinary possibilities came to life during every one of 1104’s evening feasts—each one kissed by smoky heat and infused with the spirit of innovation. Chefs Navarra and Siy thoughtfully interpreted the essence of Baken’s tastiest products into dishes that deserved a spot on the fine dining menu.

It was a cascade of mouthwatering cuisine—a kaleidoscope of bacon-infused flavors curated by a powerhouse culinary trio. The journey began with a snack stop. Baconsilog, fishballs and sawsawan made out of bacon jam anchored a tempting trio of savory bites that set the tone for the evening’s main feast. Lacquered in the snack brand’s forthcoming signature seasoning—lechon transformed the dinner into a decadent celebration of indulgence. Guests then stepped into the “sweet labs,” where they etched bespoke details onto cocktails and desserts subtly laced with umami. As the night drew to a close, each guest received a thoughtful pabaon from Panaderia Toyo and Baken—a savory, heartfelt tribute to Filipino hospitality.

Behind every remarkable bite lies a vision far grander than a fleeting culinary experience. For 1104, the collaboration with Toyo Eatery was less a pop-up and more a proclamation: bacon flips the script from breakfast staple to all day obsession, with a place in the global gastronomic dialogue. This tasting trail marked Baken’s bold new chapter, with Carrasco positioning her brand as a pantry staple, and also a mainstay, destined for menus and shelves from boutique cafés to luxury hotels.

Indulgent Passions

Under the generous spirit of this kamayan-style feast, Baken 1104 stands as a testament to what ambition can do for Filipino cuisine. From select shelves nationwide at places like Kultura and Terry’s to new retailers at Meatbros, Roots Collective, The Market Place, and Shopwise, Baken’s reach will continue to extend further, beyond a few evenings at some of the world’s best restaurants.

Baken 1104 proudly said: classics, elevated staples, and beloved homegrown recipes may be best left untouched. But with Baken? They’re properly reimagined—and are all the better for it.

Visit Baken’s website and Instagram to see what the snack brand’s been up to, and to keep tabs on future events that might just rival Baken 1104

Photos and Featured Image: BAKEN