Where to Find the Best Pastechi in Aruba
Typically eaten for breakfast (but fantastic for any time of day, in my opinion!) pastechis are these delightful pastries that are similar to empanadas packed with an assortment of different fillings.
They’re one of those must-try foods while visiting Aruba and are traditional to the ABC Islands (Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire). They’re made of slightly sweet dough, filled with an assortment of ingredients, and deep fried. And while I’m aware they’re not the healthiest food you can get, they’re absolutely one of the tastiest!
We were hooked on our first one and we haven’t looked back – in fact – we purposely drove around trying to find the best pastechi on the island!

These pastries are great for any budget and are perfect for a snack on the go, or as a quick lunch. We actually ate them for breakfast most days and brought them in a cooler to Aruba’s amazing beaches with us because they were so convenient to pack!
Here’s a roundup of my favourite places to grab pastechi in Aruba. You can’t go wrong at any of these and we loved how each of them were different. Other than the Pastechi House, none of these snack stands or bakeries are really walkable. I highly recommend renting a car in Aruba and exploring this incredible island at your own pace.
P.S. We paid cash everywhere we went, so I’m not 100% certain if any of these places take cash. I’ve made notes where I could! USD is accepted everywhere.
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Visiting Aruba for the first time? You’re going to LOVE it and it’s easily one of our favourite places to travel to. Here’s what to know before going to Aruba.
1. The Pastechi House
The Pastechi House is well known in Oranjestad and is a must-visit while in Aruba. While it isn’t really a place to sit down and dine – although there is seating inside the cafe and on the palm-tree lined street – the ambience around this local staple is relaxing and scenic.
It’s along the trolley path (which I recommend doing if you have the time, it’s a free activity!) but if you drive there is parking nearby which is paid, but very affordable.
30 minutes will cost you $0.55 and is more than enough time to explore the nearby streets and grab a couple pastechi. Just watch you don’t put square coins in the machine!
This tried-and-true eatery is guaranteed to awaken your taste buds. At the Pastechi House, you can find varieties such as cheese, chicken, carni (beef with raisins – my favourite), tuna, lobster, ham and more.
You can also try some amazing smoothies (batidos) which make for a perfect island breakfast. You’ll be hard-pressed just to pick a couple to try!
If you happen to visit in July, there’s a good chance it won’t be open. This is usually when the owner takes a well-deserved break. Also, if you happen to visit in the winter, the lobster pastechi will likely be unavailable since it’s seasonal.
Open 6:00 am – 7:00 daily. Cash only!
Address: Caya G. F. Betico Croes #42, Oranjestad


2. Bright Bakery
If there’s one bakery you’re planning to go to in Aruba, I definitely recommend Bright Bakery. It’s one of our favourite places to visit and I can’t tell you how many times we’ve been there.
Just a couple minutes from Hooiberg Mountain, Bright Bakery has been in business for 75 years and is the place to go amongst locals. From breads, cakes, pastechi and every baked good you can imagine, it’s one place not to miss to get some traditional Aruban food.
On busy days (like one of the times we were there Christmas Eve!) the lineups were crazy but they used a ticketed number system which keeps everything moving smoothly.
They accept USD – but keep in mind if you’re providing large bills, expect to receive Florin – the local currency – back.
Try their pastechi and bread pudding. They’re so good! We’ve also had breakfast there which is basic but affordable, and the fresh-pressed orange juice is the best I’ve ever had. If you’re visiting for a special occasion or holiday and have your own place like we did at Privada Stays, you can also order custom cakes to go.
Open Monday – Saturday 6:00 am – 8:00 pm and Sundays 7:00 am – 8:00 pm.
Address: Piedra Plat 44, Paradera


3. Huchada Bakery
Down the road from Bright Bakery is Huchada Bakery – a popular local favourite! It’s spacious with lots of indoor dining tables and picnic tables outdoors, a large cooler of sweet and savoury treats, and coolers packed with cakes, pastries, and smoothies. You’ll also find pizza and sandwiches, and even an ice cream bar.
Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast or lunch, there’s no shortage of choice here for you. There isn’t a menu so you have to peruse the display cases, but it’s also a ton of fun seeing what’s available to pick from.
But! The real reason we visited was for pastechi since we heard they were an island favourite. We tried ham and cheese (as this was one of the best combos we had), tuna, and beef (also a must-try!) which came in around $1.60-$1.80 USD. These were the biggest ones we had and so, so good.
The prices are very affordable here and definitely worth a stop in if you’re out in Santa Cruz.
P.s. If you’re out this way and looking for something to do, stop by the Donkey Sanctuary. It’s one of my absolute favourite free things to do in Aruba (free entrance, but consider spending a few bucks on donkey feed or donations to help run the sanctuary – or bring your own carrots)!
Open Monday – Friday 6:00 am – 8:00 pm, Saturdays 6:00 am – 7:00 pm, and Sundays 7:00 am – 2:00 pm. Cash only!
Address: 4 328, Santa Cruz, Aruba

4. Shoco Snack
If you’re hankering for some good Columbian fare, check out Shoco Snack. They have a tasty array of pastechi (including varieties like pizza and ham and pineapple!), and don’t worry if you see the display case empty. They’ll make them fresh for you!
If you’re craving something heartier, opt for their delicious local dishes like chicken (and chicken soup), pork chops, beef beef steak paired with rice, salad, and potatoes. You can also find arepas, patacón (fried green plantain), lumpia, croquettes, and empanadas here too if you’ve had your fill of pastechi.
You’ll find loads of locals here enjoying the food and it’s a bit off the beaten path (as in, out of the tourist area) which in my opinion will have some of the best and most affordable food.
Open for breakfast and lunch Monday – Saturday 6:00 am – 1:00 pm. Cash only!
Address: Schotlandstraat, Noord (I believe they have recently moved, and the address that pops up on Google maps is correct, not the address at 150 Bushiri)


5. Moko Snack Corner
Saving the best for last (in my opinion!) is Moko Snack Corner. Located a 10 minute drive from Eagle Beach and located on the side of the road is this unassuming pastechi stand that blew our minds. I can’t remember how many times we went back.
There’s no signage, but driving up the road you can see cars lined up on the side of the and crowds of locals hovered around a tiny snack stand flying the flag of Aruba.
Our favourites were the beef and ham and cheese, but you can also pick from chicken, tuna, and gouda cheese. They are a taste of paradise.
Every pastechi is $1.50 each, making this the most affordable place that we could remember. We’d order tons of these for the day and either chucked them in our cooler or saved them for breakfast the next day in our fridge because yes – even cold – they are still amazing.
This is the place to come if you’re looking for tasty Aruban food on the island. You won’t be disappointed. Oh – and if you’re looking for a drink to go with that – try the fresh-pressed orange juice. It seems pricey but it’s one of those times I say it’s definitely worth it.
Open daily from 6:00 am – 11:00 am (or until they sell out!). Cash only!
Address: Catiri 48, Noord


Looking for where to eat other than pastechis and bakeries? Check out our favourite places to eat in Aruba – from fine dining to food trucks!
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