Universal Bakery
★★★★★ 4.5 (140) • $
"Stop. And, stare.If people aren't stoppin' and starin' when you walk through the doors...you're going to the wrong places! J/k. Well, kinda.Even when I go to AZN restos, it happens cuz you know how nosy aunties are....Not even a booger hangin', they'll stop, stare, and whisper *something something*. Universal Bakery has been a staple in the local community for three decades (second location is in Daly City) and I've slept on them because I wrongly assumed they only sold pan dulce (bread). They have an entire menu of Guatemalan breakfast and lunch fare that you do NOT want to miss out on. Walked in, got some stares so I knew I was in the right place!Universal Bakery is open for takeout and dine-in only. No delivery. No outdoor seating.M E N UArray of Guatemalan pan dulce (bread), breakfast, pan con todo, tortas, snacks, tamales, entrees, tostadas, and atole (hot bevs): https://tinyurl.com/2atcmhrc. Cc's accepted. Order at the counter, pay, and your order will be delivered to your table. F O O D * Doblada: Shredded beef, cabbage, grilled onions, salsa, handmade tortilla ($7.75): https://tinyurl.com/y7sm93v4You've had a quesadilla and you may have had a [Honduran] baleada but have you had a doblada?It's a deep-fried flour tortilla that's stuffed with shredded beef, stewed cabbage, grilled onions, and mild red salsa. It's crunchy, savory, and deeply satisfying. I like that the shredded beef had crispy caramelized edges. While it looks to be a knife and fork situation, they only have plastic utensils so you're going to have use your hands to attack this bad boy...with plenty of napkins on deck. Make sure to ask for a side of their habanero sauce that packs a spicy tang.They're so generous with the shredded beef that one is good enough for a meal...not a "little craving"/snack that the menu indicates.* Pollo en Crema y Loroco: Chicken in cream sauce, herbs, vegetables, rice, choice of tortillas or pan francés ($16.95): https://tinyurl.com/bdfsurb5They were sold out of the pepián de res (Guatemalan beef stew) and I saw several people eating the pollo en crema so went with this. It did NOT disappoint. Two skinless, bone-in chicken thighs stewed in a savory cream sauce with edible flowers (loroco) served with a side of flavorful arroz (rice) and creamy frijoles (mashed black beans). I choose the pan francés which is freshly baked on the hour. The mini french baguette was lightly crisp with an airy, fluffy softness. Really good for sopping up the cream sauce and frijoles. S E R V I C EFriendly and prompt. Staff spoke minimal English but I got by with my terrible Spanish. The young lady in the hairnet at the front of line preparing all the hot food orders was so sweet!A M B I A N C ECasual with a handful of tables.You'll probably have to share tables with strangers because it's busy during peak hours.P A R K I N GVery challenging street parking but that's the city. Overall, Universal Bakery is an awesome hidden gem serving delicious Guatemalan food. They've been in business for 40 years and with just 120 reviews...it proves longevity has nothing to do with social media, trendy novelties, or hype."
"Can't believe I haven't submitted a review for Chalos to date. Chalos have the most delicious empanadas which have become a regular delivery staple in our household (spicy beef and ham & cheese are firm favorites). The food is consistently excellent, the presentation great, and the coffee is some of the best in the area. Highly recommended."
"I've seen advertisements for this place plenty of times on yelp as well as an Instagram. Every time I've come by in the past, there was no parking and today I got lucky. I pulled over and jumped out the truck! What you first have to understand is, I'm from South America. I grew up, with my mom making empanadas my entire life. I've had her cook them here and I have gone back to South America and had them there. To me, empanadas are life and I am a harsh critic. Unfortunately, they are not for me. To me, from the dough to the ingredients inside, it all lacked that South American flavor. I get it this, they are playing to the neighborhood. You know what I found crazy odd, they don't have Aji. Aji is our version of salsa picante. It's like going to a Taqueria and there's no salsa for chips. Come on guys, that's the real travesty. But Remember, this is coming from an empanada snob! Now, for you folks that have not grown up with this cuisine, come right on in. The bottom line, they are tasty. A plus, they had so many types of emanadas, from beef to vegan. I also have to add, that the service was friendly, attractive and attentive."
