Dulcería de Celaya

Stepping into Dulcería de Celaya feels like stepping back into another era of Mexico City. Founded in 1874 by the Guízar family, this beautiful old-fashioned sweet shop has been making and selling traditional Mexican confectionery for more than 150 years, preserving recipes and techniques passed down through generations.

The shop itself is part of the appeal. Ornate wooden cabinets and glass display cases are filled with colourful handmade sweets, from coconut cocadas and crystallised fruits to jamoncillos, delicate milk-based sweets, and alegrías made with amaranth. There's plenty to tempt you, and half the fun is choosing a few unfamiliar treats to try.

Originally established on what is now Calle Madero, Dulcería de Celaya moved to its current home on Avenida 5 de Mayo in the early 20th century. The family began by sourcing sweets from producers across Mexico before acquiring their recipes and making them in-house, a tradition that continues today.

It's also a personal favourite of chef Elena Reygadas, who recommended it for our Local List of Mexico City. And we can see why. In a city constantly reinventing itself, Dulcería de Celaya is a lovely reminder of the traditions worth holding on to.