SANTA ANA, CA
VEGAN. PAN. DULCE. What??! Yes, that’s right. Everything my little heart could possibly desire has officially been veganized by some of the best chefs and bakers in the game. A huge thank you to Earvin Lopez, owner and founder of Soy Concha Bakery (formerly Vegan by Victorias), for making this special Mexican treat cruelty free.
Growing up in Oxnard, I often made trips to the panaderia just up the street. Inside, cafeteria-style trays were stacked and ready—no one leaves a fresh-baked selection of sweet bread with only one item in hand. I’d grab a tray and tongs and make my way to the first display case, one of many that lined two full walls. Near the front window and in the center of the store, racks stood loaded with golden bolillos—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. By the time I completed my counterclockwise survey and reached the register, I had at least six to ten pieces in my custom assortment: typically two “alligators,” a pink polvoron, two sugar-topped bigotes, and whatever my parents requested.
709 N. Bristol St., Santa Ana, CA 92703
Before our mini road trip to Soy Concha Bakery earlier this month, I hadn’t realized that years had passed since I’d enjoyed this childhood favorite of mine. My last taste would have been sometime back in 2016, the year I became vegan. Not knowing how pan dulce is made, I played it safe and avoided these bakeries found in nearly every Hispanic neighborhood. Turns out I was right to do so—traditional pan dulce recipes call for egg and butter. At Soy Concha Bakery, they’re serving up nothing but deliciously kind postres. 🙌
In honor of Valentine’s Day, my mom treated me to heart-shaped conchas in every color. For good measure, I had the gentleman behind the counter throw in a puerquito and one last pan dulce I couldn’t identify by name. Sadly, we’d arrived too late for a cup of champurrado, hot chocolate thickened with masa and rice flour. The night before I watched a video of Earvin whipping up a batch of rich, vegan champurrado, which he says goes with conchas like peanut butter goes with jelly. Next time I’ll plan to have dessert first.
Pro Tip: Get your box of goods home safely, pour a cup of coffee, pop your first pick in the microwave for about 10 seconds, brace yourself, and then let the sweet and comforting magic of every bite sweep you away. ✨
Dramatic? I think not!
Follow Soy Concha Bakery on Instagram for updates on business hours and the East L.A. shop coming soon. ✌️
