Bik-Lun, a San Diego food business drawing on Filipino and Chinese heritage, is exploring potential permanent residencies in San Diego as it continues operating through pop-ups and other food services.
Owner Chantal Partolan founded the business after hosting supper clubs in 2022 and officially launching Bik-Lun in 2024. After initially operating through baking pop-ups in Long Beach, Partolan moved back to her hometown of San Diego in 2025, where Bik-Lun now appears at small local businesses, including Moniker General and Joon Shoppe. According to San Diego Magazine, some potential residencies are already in progress.
Partolan grew up cooking and initially viewed it as a creative passion rather than a career path. She previously worked in a corporate environment before pursuing food professionally, and Bik-Lun also offers small-batch catering and private-chef services.
The food draws from Partolan’s Filipino heritage on her father’s side and Chinese heritage on her mother’s side. She says her cooking is guided by memories, including those of her grandparents, who have since died. Red bean and black sesame reflect her Chinese heritage, while sinigang, a sour and savory Filipino soup, connects to her father’s family.
Bik-Lun has collaborated with other Filipino-run small businesses, which Partolan says helps her reconnect with her own memories and experiences. Upcoming appearances listed by San Diego Magazine included Home Ec + Best Bud with Magnaye, Patine’s new Bankers Hill location, and the Mingei Museum for Merkado Kultura. Partolan planned to offer more savory food, including a breakfast sandwich, at the Home Ec event as customers have become more familiar with Bik-Lun’s sweet offerings.
Beyond potential residencies, Partolan is interested in combining her food and photography work and has discussed the possibility of a cookbook. For now, Bik-Lun continues to build its presence through pop-ups and collaborations while Partolan works toward establishing a more permanent place for the business in San Diego.
