Many of us save room for dessert at the end of a meal because we know that is where the real moment of pleasure lies. But beyond the hit of sugar, if you appreciate some artistry and originality in a dessert, have we got recommendations for you. From a mermaid-shaped waffle cone to a Hansel and Gretel-style chocolate tree, here is our unmissable guide to the most original desserts in the city.
Koko Yaki
There is no place here for traditional ice cream cones. But a fish-shaped waffle cone with unicorn sparkle ice cream? That’s more likely what you’ll find at this Japanese pop culture inspired taiyaki-style (a classic Japanese fish-shaped cake sold at street stands) ice cream parlor.
Amid the fun aesthetic, you can order a unicorn or mermaid shaped taiyaki, with your favorite ice cream and colored sprinkles, or the chocodark with chocolate ice cream, flambéed marshmallow, wafer sticks, and white chocolate. You can also customize your order by choosing your cone shape and flavor as well as the type of ice cream – taro, natural, vegan matcha, and chocolate – plus all the fun toppings. Check out their social media so you don’t miss out on the new and seasonal taiyaki creations.
Av. Parras 4, local A, Hipódromo Condesa, Cuauhtémoc
T. 55 2234 3334
IG. @kokoyaki.oficial
Tomasa
Fans of the traditional Mexican concha will find paradise in Tomasa. This cafe is inspired by proud Mexican women who, day after day, get up at dawn to knead the soft, sweet, and spongy dough that takes us back to the Mexico of yesteryear.
Alongside the standard concha, Tomasitas, mini conchas in chocolate or vanilla, are baked fresh daily. Order them plain or filled with cajeta, hazelnut cream, whipped cream, or peanut butter, or mix and match as you like. Accompany this traditional dessert with an Abuelita chocolate or vegan chocolate milkshake.
Atlixco 74, Condesa, Cuauhtémoc
T. 55 5437 9278
IG. @tomasa.mx
Petit Gateau
Petit Gateau has some of the most instagrammable desserts in the city. Located on the first floor of Mercado Independencia, this self-described kitty-inspired pink cafe with artistic flavors will leave you feeling like you’ve fallen down the rabbit hole into Wonderland.
For those who are not yet ready to let go of Christmas time, Petit Gateau is still running its seasonal menu, which includes the Kogarashi, a little tree made of chocolate stuck in a red wine pound cake with red fruit compote and cotton candy, or the Tronco de Noé, a chocolate log soaked in Licor 43 and served with a macaroon and a “mushroom” made of Greek yogurt. These artistic confections pair well with their hot beverages such as the Dulce Lluvia, chocolat brûlée, and mulled wine.
Calle independencia 40, Centro, Cuauhtémoc
IG. @petitgateauc
Ice Cream Nation
Ice Cream Nation is the first 100% Mexican brand to make ice cream on the spot using liquid nitrogen, meaning that everything happens at -196ºC. Some of the favorites include Mr. Brown, a glass of chocolate brownie cubes smothered in Nutella ice cream, whipped cream and your choice of topping, or Candyland, with an array of chocolate treats, a Turin bunny, Ferrero, Kinder Bueno, and Kit Kat.
There is something for every taste here. From Mexican “lemon pie” to milkshakes, sorbets, frappés, sundaes and even creations with a little tipple should you be in the mood. The White Tiger has vanilla ice cream with cardamom and Ojo de Tigre mezcal sprinkled with cacao nibs. The menu even includes sugar-free keto options.
Mérida 122, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc
T. 55 5264 1327
IG. @icecreamnationmx
