Huchada Aruba: Santa Cruz Local Bakery & Pastechi Spot

Huchada in Santa Cruz is the bakery you stop at on the way to or from Baby Beach — a sprawling local pastechi, soup, cheesecake and cake operation that’s been racking up 990+ Google reviews for one simple reason: their pastechi might be the best on the island. Open from 6am with a drive-through-friendly counter and ample parking, it’s a true Aruban institution.

About Huchada

Located on Route 4 in Santa Cruz (about 20 minutes from Palm Beach, 10 minutes from San Nicolas), Huchada is the kind of bakery where locals have orders memorized and tourists stand grinning at the variety. Indoor and outdoor seating, super-friendly staff, and a no-tourist-markup pricing model. There’s even an ice cream shop right next door run by the same family. Sundays close earlier (2pm) so plan around that.

Menu Highlights & What to Order

The pastechi (chicken and ham-and-cheese the most popular) are legendary — flaky outside, generously filled, served hot. The mushroom soup gets singled out as one of the best meals on the island. The Oreo cheesecake is a popular dessert pick. They also sell pizza by the slice (surprisingly good), pizzas, sandwiches, and a full birthday-cake selection. Cash and local debit accepted, card payments may need a smaller tab.

Practical Information

Address: 4 328, Santa Cruz, Aruba
Phone: +297 585 8302
Google rating: 4.5 from 992 reviews
Map:View on Google Maps

Hours:

Monday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM

What Diners Say

With 990+ Google reviews and a 4.5 rating, Huchada is consistently described as ‘authentic Aruban’ and ‘super busy on Sundays’ (the line goes out the door). Praise focuses on freshness, value, friendly local staff, and the bakery’s role as a community hub. Highly recommended on Aruba travel forums for anyone wanting an off-strip food experience.