El Fresal: A taste of Croatia in the heart of Colombia
- by croatiaweek
- in Food & Wine
(Photo: El Fresal)
Located along the highway between Bogotá and Tunja, El Fresal is more than just a dessert shop—it’s a piece of Croatia in Colombia.
With a history spanning over 50 years, this charming red barn is a tribute to the resilience, culture, and culinary traditions of a Croatian family that made Colombia their home.
A Croatian Legacy in Colombia
El Fresal’s story begins in the aftermath of World War II when the owner’s great-grandparents, grandmother, and her siblings fled their homeland.
“They spent several years in a refugee camp in Trieste, Italy, and eventually had to choose a country where they could start over. They chose Colombia for many reasons. Starting their new life was a difficult process, but that’s how our Croatian culture arrived in Colombia,” the owner tells us.
(Photo: El Fresal)
Settling in their new country was no easy feat. It took years of hard work before they had the financial stability to start their own business.
Their journey began with strawberries—a nod to the farm work that helped them rebuild their lives. This is where the name El Fresal comes from, meaning “The Strawberry Field”.
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“Later, they opened a small shop along the highway between Bogotá and Tunja. At first, they sold traditional Croatian food, but over the years, they focused exclusively on desserts, which became the signature of the business. El Fresal has now been open for over 50 years,” they add.
Today, El Fresal is more than just a place to eat—it’s an experience. The picturesque red barn welcomes visitors into a warm, European-inspired setting where Croatian culture is present in every corner.
“From one of our viewpoints, you can see a lake where herons gather and rest at 5 p.m.”
The menu features a mix of European desserts, including Croatian favourites such as kiflice and, occasionally, strudel. These traditional treats have been passed down through generations, keeping the family’s heritage alive.
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While the Croatian community in Colombia is not as large as in countries like Argentina, it remains close-knit and proud of its roots.
This was evident during the 2018 World Cup final, when Croatia played against France—El Fresal became the gathering place for Croatians in Bogotá, uniting them in celebration.
(Photo: El Fresal)
For those looking to experience a taste of Croatia in the Colombian countryside, check out El Fresal.
