September 18, 2026 – 12:13
Do you love sweet treats and La Catrina? A Mexico City paletería has transformed the cultural icon into a colorful frozen dessert, capturing the attention of food lovers and dessert enthusiasts across social media platforms.
Ts’unu’um Paleterias, an artisanal paletería specializing in imaginative frozen treats and traditional Mexican paletas, is currently gaining widespread online attention for its striking, Catrina-shaped ice cream—a playful and visually stunning tribute to Mexican culture and heritage. The creation bridges the gap between traditional confectionery artistry and modern culinary trends, offering locals and visitors alike a chance to experience a beloved national symbol in an entirely new format.
Artisanal ice cream shops in Mexico City have increasingly turned to creative presentations to stand out in a competitive culinary landscape, but few have managed to blend artistry and flavor quite like Ts’unu’um. The shop’s signature Catrina-shaped ice cream has quickly become a sensation on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, drawing curious patrons to the storefront to witness the craftsmanship firsthand. Customers have the option to order the intricate Catrina-shaped treat served either in a traditional crispy cone or a convenient bowl, depending on their preference.
The flavor profile accompanying the artistic creation is just as diverse as the visual presentation. Customers can choose from an array of rich flavors, including classic chocolate, earthy taro, and the beloved traditional Mexican flavor known as beso de ángel, which typically features a sweet, cherry-infused cream base mixed with nuts. In addition to the headline-making Catrina creation, Ts’unu’um also offers other whimsical shapes, such as a meticulously crafted duck-shaped ice cream that appeals to younger visitors and those looking for a lighthearted dessert experience.
Beyond these novelty shapes, the shop maintains an extensive selection of traditional paletas that honor classic Mexican flavor combinations. The menu features refreshing and authentic options such as guava, horchata, tres leches, arroz con leche, tamarindo, and mango-chamoy, among others. These traditional offerings highlight the shop’s commitment to preserving the rich heritage of Mexican paleterías while infusing modern creativity into the daily menu. Each frozen treat is crafted to offer a balance of texture and taste, utilizing the natural richness of the ingredients to deliver an authentic flavor experience.
Affordability remains a key component of the shop’s appeal. Prices for these artisanal creations range from 35 to 50 pesos, making them accessible to a wide demographic of neighborhood residents, students, and tourists exploring Mexico City. Despite the intricate designs and the use of premium ingredients, the pricing strategy ensures that the treats remain an everyday luxury rather than an exclusive commodity. The commitment to quality is evident in the shop’s ingredient sourcing, as all of their frozen delicacies are made with fresh, natural ingredients rather than artificial flavorings or preservatives. This dedication to freshness enhances the natural fruit and dairy flavors, setting the artisanal shop apart from mass-market ice cream producers.
The cultural identity of the shop extends far beyond its menu, deeply embedding itself into the very name and branding of the business. According to the owner, the shop’s name, Ts’unu’um, originates from a Mayan word for hummingbird—specifically variations like "tzuzun" or "ts’unu’um." This meaningful linguistic choice also inspired the official logo of the paletería, which features a hummingbird gracefully carrying a paleta in its beak. The hummingbird holds significant symbolic value in various indigenous Mexican cultures, often representing joy, energy, and resilience, which aligns seamlessly with the vibrant and lively atmosphere the shop aims to project.
With its playful shapes, dedication to natural ingredients, and a wide-ranging menu that bridges traditional flavors with modern innovation, Ts’unu’um offers plenty of compelling reasons to visit. Yet, among all the colorful options on the menu, its intricately sculpted Catrina creation remains the sweetest tribute of all to Mexican culture. As the shop continues to draw crowds and digital acclaim, the intersection of traditional iconography and modern dessert culture proves to be a winning recipe for the Mexico City artisanal scene. Would you order one?
