From Pigtown to the Nation: How This Local Food Shop is Making Waves in Baltimore’s Culinary Scene

Culinary Architecture isn’t just a store; it’s an experience. You’ll find fresh bread, colorful fruits, international ingredients, and unique home decor all in one spot. This delightful mini grocery shop and bakery, founded by Sylva Lin in 2015, has become a hub for food lovers in Pigtown, Southwest Baltimore.

Lin’s commitment to her community earned her a spot on the inaugural SPARK 10 list, which recognizes women making a difference through small-scale community manufacturing. The award highlights her role in helping people from diverse backgrounds, including immigrants and seniors, find jobs in food ventures.

Lin’s passion for cooking stems from her childhood. Growing up with parents who were avid cooks and urban farmers, she learned early on about fresh ingredients and the joys of cooking from scratch. “I grew up with a mindset that cooking is about trying new things,” she shares. Her experiences include tapping maple trees for syrup, foraging for mushrooms, and making apple cider.

Before launching Culinary Architecture, Lin worked in Washington, D.C. as a chef for the NBA’s Washington Wizards. When she moved to Baltimore, she noticed a different food scene, one that was not as abundant as she was used to. This sparked her desire to create something special in her new home.

At Culinary Architecture, she’s focused on bringing healthy and international food options to the local community. Shoppers can find unique ingredients that larger grocery chains often overlook, like specialty spices and teas.

During the pandemic, Lin adapted her business to focus on packaged food orders, ensuring that customers felt safe shopping in a more controlled environment. This pivot turned out to be successful, and now her store attracts both locals and visitors alike.

Carrie Baniszewski, the Executive Director of Pigtown Main Street, praises Culinary Architecture for its role in the community. “It’s a destination location,” she says, noting that it draws in visitors from beyond Pigtown.

Customer reviews reflect this sentiment. “Sylva is awesome,” one customer wrote. Another commented on the market’s unique finds, from baked goods to an impressive range of hot sauces.

Lin is proud of her achievement with SPARK 10, which acknowledges her efforts in micro-level manufacturing. “We provide bread for local restaurants and see this as a way to support our city,” she explains.

Every day at Culinary Architecture, Lin strives to create a welcoming space. “We are a gathering place for people,” she says. “We want everyone to feel comfortable here, like they’re at home.”

Despite the challenges of owning a small business, Lin remains optimistic. Culinary Architecture is not just a shop; it is a community cornerstone that uplifts and connects people. “Shop not for convenience, but for community,” she emphasizes.