Pan Dulce

San Jose is the home of a large population of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans. Because of this, we are exposed to various aspects of Mexican culture, one of which is food. When we think of Mexican food, we mostly think of the restaurants and food trucks that serve tacos, tortas, pozole, and tamales, but lesser acknowledged are the amazing Mexican bakeries. These bakeries sell pan dulce, which translates to sweet bread, and is used as the general term for sweet Mexican pastries. Here in Downtown San Jose, we are super close to three Mexican bakeries. 

First up is Dulcinea Baking Company, also known as Dulcinea Panadería Oaxaqueña. They are an Oaxacan Bakery located at 795 S. Second St., just a two-minute walk from Notre Dame. Oaxaca is a Mexican state known as the food capital of Mexico because of its commitment to indigenous traditions and its vibrant agriculture. This cozy bakery sells unique Oaxacan pastries like pan de Yema oaxaqueño, a brioche-style bread, and empanadas de lechecilla, sweet empanadas filled with Oaxacan custard. They also sell the classic pan dulces, like conchas, which are sweet bread with a crusted sugary topping, and polvoróns, Mexican shortbread cookies. 

A bit farther away is Con Azucar Cafe, which is right next to San Jose City Hall on 101 E. Santa Clara St. This trendier cafe aims to blend Mexican flavors with modern cafe culture, and is known for their unique conchas and Mexican-inspired lattes. They sell normal conchas, but also concha cupcakes, concha ice cream sandwiches, and giant conchas that are larger than your head. To pair with your concha, you can also get a duvalín latte, inspired by a mexican hazelnut candy, or a horchata latte. The cafe also sells modern cafe foods, like avocado toast and matcha. 

Last on the list is Mexico Bakery. This bakery and restaurant actually has three locations, but the one closest to us is right next to Con Azucar Cafe on 87 E. Santa Clara St. They actually have other Mexican foods, like tortas and burritos, that they sell alongside their baked goods. The bakery sells the classics: conchas, cuernos, crescent-shaped sweet bread, jos de buey, puffed pastries filled with a cake filling, and bigotes, croissant-like bread with sugar. The store is on the smaller side, so it would probably be best to take your pastries to go. 

If this article has inspired you to try out pan dulce, make sure to visit one of these bakeries out on your next trip downtown. Not only can you engage with Mexican culture and eat some great food, but you can also support local businesses!