Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico isn't just known for being “La Cuna de Independencia” or the capital of all things ceramic. Sure Miguel Hidalgo, father of Mexico's independence uttered his impassioned cry in front of the main plaza, but the real reason for traveling to Dolores remains tucked away in the plaza itself. It's something you'll be sure to find on every corner of the plaza, and not to mention, you can hear the enticing calls before you even arrive. Of course, I'm talking about the famous ice cream or “nieve” as they call it. This isn't your ordinary shop. You walk up to one of the open-air, old-fashioned wooden stands where at least twenty metal “botes” of ice cream await you. Depending on your desired size, for $6, $15, and even $30 pesos (all still less than $5 USD), you can eat your heart out. Not to mention there are endless taste-tests.
Top 3 flavors of Dolores Hidalgo's famous “nieve”
Beso de Angel: Part Angel Food Cake, part Tutti-Frutti, this flavor is a local favorite and sure to sweep you off your feet. With heavenly pieces of cherry and peach, it is truly a kiss from above.
Cookies and Cream: You can't go wrong with a classic. Don't speak Spanish? Communicating over delicious vanilla ice cream with chocolate cookies is certainly an international language.
Mango: Creamy and sweet just like the tropical fruit, you can't go wrong with this nieve de fruta. To mix things up, try it with a hint of chili powder!
Flavors for the brave
Shrimp: This one tastes exactly like it sounds, sort of like a frozen shrimp cocktail. There's not anything particularly refreshing about this one, and I only suggest it for the strong stomached.
Chicharrón (pork rinds): There's probably a reason why pork rinds are fried and not frozen. Unless you like your ice cream spicy and tasting like bitter meat, you'll want to steer clear.
Beer: Summertime and a nice cold beer is the way to go. How about you try yours frozen? Instead of dripping water or milk, this one is pure Corona. You know you're in Mexico when...
Avocado: For the avocado lover, this ice cream is the perfect treat! While it may conjure up strange expectations, it's a smooth, not too sweet, light, and creamy flavor that is particularly refreshing after a hot day out in the sun.