Heladería Coromoto facts for kids
Heladería Coromoto, often called Coromoto, is a super famous ice cream shop in Mérida, Venezuela. It's known for offering a huge number of ice cream flavors, so many that it earned a Guinness World Record! Manuel da Silva Oliveira started Coromoto because he wanted to create more exciting and unique ice cream flavors. Even though they have a record for many flavors, Coromoto usually sells about 60 different kinds each day, depending on things like the weather. Many travel guides, like Lonely Planet Venezuela, say Coromoto is a very popular place for tourists to visit.
How Coromoto Started
Manuel da Silva Oliveira, who came from Portugal, opened Heladería Coromoto around 1980 or 1981. Before starting his own shop, Manuel worked for big ice cream companies. But he wanted to create more exciting and tasty ice cream flavors. So, he decided to open Coromoto!
When the shop first opened, it only had four common flavors: vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, and coconut. But then, Manuel tried something new: avocado ice cream! It was a big hit because it was so unusual. This success encouraged him to experiment even more.
He kept creating new flavors. By the time he made his 593rd flavor, called "Chipi Chipi" (named after a type of shellfish), the Guinness Book of World Records noticed him! They added his name to their famous book.
In 2006, the first Coromoto franchise opened in Portugal. Manuel's oldest son, also named Manuel Da Silva Oliveira, opened it. After that, Manuel da Silva Oliveira spent his time between Venezuela and Portugal. Today, Jose Ramirez manages the shop in Mérida.
Amazing Flavors and Records
Coromoto is famous for offering an incredible 860 different ice cream flavors! This was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most in the world at the time. Even though they have so many, they usually sell about 60 to 75 different flavors each day.
Some of their flavors are very unusual! You might find garlic ice cream or chili ice cream. They even have fun, quirky names for some flavors, like "British Airways" ice cream. It's a truly unique place to try new and surprising tastes!
Where to Find Coromoto
Coromoto is located in Mérida, Venezuela. The shop is in a one-level building right across from a church. It's open from Tuesday through Sunday. Travel guides often call Coromoto "the most famous ice cream parlor in South America" and a top spot for tourists in Mérida.
See also
In Spanish: Heladería Coromoto para niños
