Embarking on a leisurely afternoon on campus, I decided to elevate the vibes by bringing a delightful array of treats from a hidden gem I uncovered—a bakery specializing in delectable Colombian sweets named Columbus Bakery which is housed in Caledonia road. Having tried the different Colombian sweets before, I decided to share the experience with whoever is in school that day.  With a stroke of luck, I found myself surrounded by a group of Colombian friends ready to embark on a sugary adventure filled with laughter, mispronunciations, and the irresistible charm of Colombian pastries. Joining me were Mateo, Sara, and Angie, eager to savor some of Colombia’s finest pastries.

Our sweet journey commenced with the Chicharon de Guajava, a Colombian puff pastry that playfully mimics the appearance of savory pork chicharrón. However, don’t let the resemblance fool you. This puff pastry is a divine fusion of buttery layers enveloping a luscious guava custard mix. The unanimous verdict? A resounding hit, especially with Mateo, who declared it his ultimate favorite.

Transitioning seamlessly to another pastry adventure, we dove into the Pastel de Gloria. Similar to the Chicharon de Guajava in structure, this pastry takes a delightful twist by embracing dulce de leche as its star filling.

With our palates primed, we eagerly approached the Alfajores—generously sized cookies featuring a sumptuous arequipe or dulce de leche center. While the Colombian versions are designed for individual enjoyment, we found them on the drier side, leaving us yearning for a more generous dollop of dulce de leche. A consensus arose that a perfect complement to these treats would be a steaming cup of coffee.

Saving the pièce de résistance for last, we indulged in the Milhojas—a masterpiece featuring layers of butter-rich puff pastry, velvety custard, and a tantalizing brush of arequipe on top. The excitement in the air was palpable, and these Milhojas did not disappoint. In a matter of minutes, they vanished, leaving us utterly satisfied and craving more. Undoubtedly, the Milhojas secured the crown as the standout star of the selection.

While the treats received mixed reviews—some earning accolades while others deemed average by my Colombian friends—the true essence of the experience lay in the joy of sharing these delectable Colombian sweets with cherished friends. After all, it’s not just about the flavors; it’s about the memories forged over bites of sweetness and the shared laughter that accompanied each indulgent moment.