Houston – Sweets by Belen serves up Peruvian Pride during Latin Restaurant Weeks
Latin flavors are taking center stage in Houston this month—and at Sweets by Belen, dessert is leading the way.
Hidden in a strip mall in Katy, Sweets by Belen is more than just a bakery. The pink oasis of all things sweet is the embodiment of a dream. Owned and operated by Belen Bailey, a proud Peruvian immigrant and self-taught baker, this Latina-owned business has become a local favorite for its delicate, hand-crafted desserts infused with Latin American soul.
Bailey’s journey began with humble roots. Her first location on Hillcroft started as a small storefront with no seating, just to-go orders and a whole lot of heart. Over time, her unique pastries, many of them inspired by the flavors of her native Peru, won over customers from all over the city. Earlier this year, she expanded into a second, larger location in Katy, Texas, complete with a few café-style tables and a cozy “Lonche” Peruvian tea-time experience that showcases Bailey’s personal china collection. It’s a nod to Peruvian hospitality and to the power of staying true to your roots.
Now, during Latin Restaurant Weeks, Bailey is sharing her culinary heritage on a bigger stage.
“We have so much to offer,” Belen says. “Latin cuisine is more than tacos and tamales, it’s sweet, it’s refined, it’s beautiful.”
Latin Restaurant Weeks, which runs through July 26, is a multi-city initiative designed to spotlight Latin-owned culinary businesses. It began right here in Houston and has since grown into a nationwide celebration, offering diners the chance to support Latin restaurants, chefs, and food trucks while discovering the rich diversity of Latin American cuisine.
For restaurants like Sweets by Belen, the event brings more than just foot traffic—it brings visibility.
“This is our moment,” says Bailey. “People are looking for new flavors and new stories. I want to share mine with every plate I serve.”
This week, she’s doing exactly that with special menu items like her fresas con crema taco, a strawberries-and-cream creation that fuses Latin comfort food with a playful twist.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, Sweets by Belen is a must-stop on your Latin Restaurant Weeks tour. Come for the desserts, stay for the story—and leave with a taste of something truly sweet.