La Tropical, a Variation of Tasty Treats

By Miguel Flores

Photo Credit: La Tropical Instagram Page

Craving something sweet? Tangy? Or maybe even a little both? Then Neveria y Paleteria La Tropical is the place to go. The name “Neveria and Paleteria” is Spanish for ice cream and popsicle shop, but the shop is mainly referred to as just “La Tropical”. This small Mexican ice cream shop is for more than just their ice cream; their mangonadas, cupped fruit mixes, and other crazy snacks.

I have loved Mexican ice cream shops ever since I was young. They’re always filled with creative food ideas that you wouldn’t think to put together. I had a hard time deciding what to try because it all looked so delicious.

I noticed the pop of color the shop had as soon as I walked in. Pictures of popular snack choices, the yellow, orange, and green walls. A long red counter was sectioned in parts with one side that had all of the ice creams and popsicles and another with “aguas de sabor,” meaning “flavor water.”

I am a huge mango lover, so I decided to get their mangonada and for my drink, an agua de nuez (pecan water). Mangonada, one of the most popular choices, is a cup filled with mango ice cream mixed with tangy chamoy, topped off with mangos and a tamarind candy stick.

The mangonada is both sweet from the mangos, but savory because of the chamoy. The combination of both created a new flavor of a spicy candied mango.

The agua de nuez is delicious in its own category. The drink was sweet and is a favorite of mine to order. I got this in the biggest cup they had because it is such a flavorsome drink. The drink also features actual pecan pieces which any pecan lover will love.

La Tropical is a good place to go if you are wanting to hangout with a friend while enjoying something to munch on. Many families come to get their fair share of snacks and drinks, and it looks as though the parents enjoy it more than the kids do.

My experience at La Tropical was amazing. The different choices of snacks and drinks they offer is sensational. The foods I tried were some of my favorites to get at paleterias and they definitely surpassed my expectations. It was one of the best I have tried. If you are a fellow Mexican ice cream shop lover or just someone who wants to try it for the first time, La Tropical is the place I would tell you to go.