Milohas Pastries : At Milohas Pastries in San Jose, the moment you step inside, the enticing scent of freshly baked empanadas welcomes you. Before even glimpsing the display cases, the aroma of golden-brown pastries, both sweet and savory, fills the air. These empanadas range from Colombian classics to innovative interpretations with calzone ingredients.
Milohas is owned by Mireya Báez and her husband, Ernesto Prada, originally from Bogotá, Colombia. Both had different careers before their journey into the world of pastries. An economic recession in Colombia in 1998 led them to a crossroads, where they decided to pursue their passion for cooking.
Ernesto Prada, in particular, displayed exceptional skill in making pastry dough, a painstaking process of rolling and folding that yielded perfection. After coming to America in 2005, they initially worked in their trained professions but always had a culinary dream.
Ten years ago, they made that dream a reality by opening Milohas, a place where they sought out authentic ingredients, even importing some, like guayaba paste, for their signature Guava Fingers.
Milohas offers a variety of authentic dishes, including cheese bread, arepas, traditional soups, and more. However, the star attractions are the 20 different savory and dessert empanadas. Each one exudes culinary excellence that beckons you to savor them all.
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The empanadas are baked, aligning with a culture of healthy living. However, those who favor fried empanadas can request them that way. The display labels provide vital information, with color-coded indicators for meat, vegetarian, or gluten-free ingredients and allergen details.
Among the delectable options, you’ll find chicken empanadas with tender shredded chicken seasoned to perfection, ground beef empanadas with diced onion or potato, and an array of vegetarian choices. The dessert empanadas, such as apple, pumpkin, and guava, add a sweet touch. The bakery’s namesake, milohas, presents layers of pastry and custard topped with arequipe, a Colombian version of dulce de leche.
To enhance the authenticity, Milohas offers specially commissioned Colombian ice creams, Colombian coffee, and imported Colombian snacks and sodas. Regular customers, like Johanna Andrade, drive long distances to savor favorites like buñuelos, the salty Colombian fritters that evoke cherished memories.
Milohas Pastries is not just a bakery; it’s a journey through the heart of Colombian cuisine, bringing a piece of Bogotá to San Jose.