Ts’unu’um Paleterias, a specialized artisanal shop renowned for its handmade frozen treats and traditional Mexican paletas, has gone viral online thanks to its show-stopping, Catrina-shaped ice cream. The creation serves as a playful yet respectful tribute to Mexican heritage, merging the rich iconography of the Day of the Dead with the simple, nostalgic joy of cooling down with a frozen treat on a warm afternoon in the Mexican capital.
The striking dessert brings the elegant, skeletal features of La Catrina—originally created by cartoonist José Guadalupe Posada and later immortalized by muralist Diego Rivera—into a three-dimensional, edible format. Customers visiting the shop can order the elaborate Catrina-shaped creation served either in a crisp waffle cone or a convenient bowl, depending on their preference. To match the artistry of the shape, the shop offers the treat in a variety of rich flavors, including classic chocolate, earthy taro, and the beloved traditional Mexican flavor known as beso de ángel, or "angel’s kiss."
Beyond the viral Catrina creation, Ts’unu’um Paleterias boasts an expansive and colorful menu that highlights the diverse agricultural and culinary landscape of Mexico. The shop offers an array of whimsical shapes, including duck-shaped ice cream, alongside an extensive selection of traditional paletas. The flavor lineup reads like a celebration of Mexican palates, featuring fresh fruit and dairy options such as guava, horchata, tres leches, arroz con leche, tamarindo, and mango-chamoy, ensuring that every customer finds something to suit their taste.
Priced accessibly between 35 and 50 pesos, these artisanal creations are crafted using fresh, natural ingredients, reflecting a commitment to quality that underpins the shop’s daily operations. According to the owner, the establishment’s distinctive name is rooted in indigenous culture, drawing inspiration from the Mayan word for hummingbird—variations of which include "tzuzun" or "ts’unu’um." This meaningful linguistic nod also inspired the shop’s charming logo, which features a hummingbird gracefully carrying a traditional paleta in its beak.
The intersection of traditional culture and modern social media appeal has turned Ts’unu’um Paleterias into a must-visit destination for culinary explorers navigating Mexico City. While the shop offers a vast menu with plenty of unique items to try, its meticulously sculpted Catrina creation stands out as a particularly sweet homage to Mexican tradition. As the video clips of the frozen dessert continue to circulate widely across digital platforms, drawing curiosity from far and wide, patrons are left with a delicious dilemma when stepping up to the counter. For anyone fortunate enough to visit the shop in person, the ultimate question remains: would you order one?
