Best worldly treats

Sacramento boasts a very diverse population, and it's great to see that creating an equally diverse baking culture. Whether you're into sticky sweets, fancy desserts or freshly baked bread, the next time you have a craving, consider branching out on the international stage with these five globally delicious options.

1. Starbread: This South Sac Filipino bakery is part of a larger, Northern California-based chain, but it feels hyperlocal. And it sits atop this list because it’s got one must-have treat for Sacramentans: Señorita Bread. These soft knuckles of warm bread are baked in butter and sugar to sticky, caramelly perfection. At $2 for five you can’t beat the price, but you’ll likely eat 10 in one sitting and refuse to share. 6127 Mack Road; (916) 427-8598; starbreadca.com.

2. Elite Bakery Cafe: This tiny, family-run Armenian bakery makes one of the area’s most epic Napoleons. Made with egg-free custard and coated with crispy pastry shards, this dessert is not only delicious—it’s also visually and texturally beautiful. 5150 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Suite 107 in Carmichael; (916)765-9327; elitebakerycafe.com.

3.Pegasus Bakery & Cafe: The Chinese baked goods selection here is incredible. Dainty cream rolls, cloudlike sponge cake and perfectly executed filled buns are what keep locals coming back. If you’re looking for a Hong Kong-style birthday cake, theirs are the best in town. 6825 Stockton Boulevard, suite 265; (916) 662-7733; pegasus-bakery-cafe.local-cafes.com.

4. Neroe's Bakery: Fresh bread is the name of the game here. Think rye bread, Armenian bread, Russian bread, French bread, challah, the list goes on. You’ll also find a large selection of Russian and Eastern European goodies. 6451 Fair Oaks Boulevard in Carmichael; (916) 485-1886; neroesbakery.com.

5. Osaka-Ya: One of only a few traditional Japanese sweet shops left in California still making fresh mochi and manju, you’ll find row upon row of brightly colored rice-based sweets alongside an assortment of classic Japanese snacks and groceries. And don’t miss their famous snow cones. 2215 10th Street; (916) 446-6857; osakaya-wagashi.com.