Dulcinea Panadería Oaxaqueña, a vibrant bakery located in San Jose, California, is captivating locals with its wide range of authentic Oaxacan baked goods. The establishment, which opened its doors in 2021, offers more than 100 varieties of cookies, pastries, breads, and cakes, all crafted fresh daily. Owner Monse Barrita, who initially launched her culinary journey with a food truck in 2016, has successfully transformed her passion for Oaxacan cuisine into a beloved community hub.
Barrita’s path to opening Dulcinea was anything but conventional. After closing a spa business, she considered starting a car dealership before returning to her culinary roots. “When I was younger, I would help my mom cut cheese and cook tortillas,” she explained. This early exposure to Oaxacan food laid the groundwork for her current success.
Dulcinea reflects Barrita’s deep connection to her heritage. The bakery’s offerings include traditional items such as moyote, a water-based bread flavored with anise and molasses, as well as empanadas de regañada and casquito de turrón, a cookie filled with coconut and meringue. Customers can also find a variety of baked goods, from classic croissants and donuts to unique specialties like the pig-shaped puerquitos, which are ginger-infused cookies.
The bakery was born out of resilience. After Barrita’s food truck, El Ferente, gained popularity but was shut down following an accident, she pivoted to catering. Unfortunately, the onset of the pandemic forced her to rethink her plans. During the lockdown, she focused on honing her bread-making skills, leading to the launch of Dulcinea, which has since developed a daily production list that spans five pages.
At Dulcinea, first-time visitors can expect to be overwhelmed by the selection. From the fluffy, sugar-dusted besos to the rolled brazo de reina topped with coconut, the bakery offers a taste of Oaxacan culture. The Oaxacan white bread, called ojalgra, is particularly popular, featuring caramelized sugar and sesame seeds that create a delightful texture when baked.
The bakery’s ambiance is inviting, with a casual atmosphere that encourages customers to relax and indulge. Karina Sabela, a regular patron, appreciates the homey feel. “Even though we are in the middle of downtown San Jose, it is a very casual place,” she noted.
Beyond sweets, Dulcinea also serves breakfast and lunch options. The menu includes breakfast burritos and traditional Oaxacan chicken mole tamales, which are seasoned with over 30 spices and herbs. Barrita highlights the memelitas, thick tortillas made from rich masa, topped with black bean and pork rind paste, and drizzled with a smoky chile morita sauce. This dish is described by Barrita as embodying the essence of pre-Hispanic flavors, offering a unique taste of history.
Complementing the baked goods, Dulcinea features beverages such as Café de Olla, made from coffee beans sourced from the Pluma Hidalgo region of Oaxaca. This coffee is roasted over a wood fire, resulting in a soft flavor that pairs well with the bakery’s offerings. Additionally, Barrita imports a distinctive hot chocolate made from Oaxacan cocoa beans and cinnamon, providing a slightly grainy texture and a rich finish.
For Barrita, the joy of owning Dulcinea lies in sharing her cultural roots with the community. She fondly recalls her childhood memories of savoring sweet treats brought home by her father from Oaxaca. “It just kind of hits home, transporting me back to my childhood memories,” she remarked.
Dulcinea Panadería Oaxaqueña continues to thrive as a testament to Barrita’s dedication and love for Oaxacan cuisine, drawing customers eager to experience the authentic flavors of her heritage.
Dulcinea Panadería Oaxaqueña is located at 795 S. Second St. in San Jose and is open Monday to Saturday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.. For more information, contact them at (408) 899-6021.
