Traveling through the regions of Spain for my first time, I thought it would be fun to check out the local helado (ice cream) shops and sample their products. I was curious to know how popular flavors compared to those in states. Additionally, I had no predetermined idea of what their products would be. My sampling and visit covered local, independent and chain stores. Ben & Jerry’s and Häagen-Daz were not on the visitation list.
When entering the shop, I presented my card and a piece of paper that read:
Hola mi nombre es Darryl y durante el viaje a través de España, yo escribo una historia llamada “Las heladerías de España”. Me gustaría saber si usted estaría interesado en compartir información sobre su tienda de helados. Me interesa saber lo que su sabor más popular es, su sabor favorito personal o artículo y de cualquier información que le gustaría compartir sobre la tienda.
Le agradezco su tiempo.
Gracias, Darryl
Translation:
Hello my name is Darryl and while traveling through Spain, I am writing a story called “The Ice Cream Shops of Spain”. I would like to know if you would be interested to share information on your ice cream shop. I am interested to know what your most popular flavor is, your personal favorite flavor or item and any information you would like to share about the shop.
I appreciate your time.
Thank you, Darryl
Here is a little bit about my stops along the way.
Madrid, population 3.2 million
- Freddo – Freddo, in Old Madrid.
- I met with Eddy, the owner. He explained that this was a popular franchise throughout Spain and he has been in business in this location for 3 years.
- Gelato was featured with Dolce De Leche the most popular flavor. www.freddo-freddo.com
Barcelona, population 1.6 million
- Frigo and Happiness Station, 1st location at Plaza del Pi, 6.
- The concept here is of mixing toppings and Gelato.
- I tried the vanilla and strawberry gelato with three toppings blended together. It was a nice twist to simply offering a scoop of gelato.
- They plan on opening more locations across Spain.
Farrggi
- Team leader is Rike and served by Julia, located at intersection 5 Carrer De Veguer and Baixada De La Liberteria.
- I ordered the hazelnut and Chocolate gelato. Nice product, but I prefer bolder flavors.
Gelaaati Di Marco – Carrer de la Libreteria, 7
- Amazing presentation of gelato, cakes, cookies and sauce toppings.
- Some of the flavors were presented in the shape of a rose.
- Very creative, with gelato you have the opportunity to display product in a very creative way.
- Gelato colors are not a bold as ice cream and flavors are usually milder.
Toledo, population 85k
- You can see by the population count, this is a small town, so no surprise to find very few ice cream shops.
- The ones I did pass were mainly small groceries with a freezer case by the door, displaying only novelty items such as fruit pops, ice cream bars and all Nestlé products.
- The one gelato shop I did pass by was closed, simply because it was siesta break, usually lasting from 1pm – 5 pm and very popular throughout Spain.
Granada, population 257k:
- Definitely the “Grand Daddy” of gelato shops.
- Los Italianos, Paola de Roco & Sobrinos, C.B. / Trip Advisor shares the comments.
- Yes this was another gelato shop, however presented as it was in the 30’s.
- The product is not presented as you typically see it, lofting above the pan, but rather served from a traditional freezer chest. Choose your flavor from a menu board.
- I ordered the Cassata, which is basically a slice of ice cream cake served in a sugar cone. This was their signature items and offered in a variety of flavors.
- This stop was my favorite, the staff was formally dressed in whites, very accommodating, creative product selection and overall appearance for the shop.
Segovia, population 56k:
- No sampling here, basically experiencing much of the same while in Toledo.
- Few shops to choose from and the ones that were open offered novelties and ice pops.
All in all, I really enjoyed the shops that I visted and especially meeting the people working in them who were very pleasant and accommodating. If you plan on visiting Spain, be sure to try different places like I did and remember get there before 1:00 or after 5pm.
Adiós por ahora
Contact Darryl, to start your own gelato shop.
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