Queso Helado from Arequipa Earns Global Recognition

Queso helado, one of Arequipa’s traditional desserts, has received international recognition after being included by TasteAtlas among the best frozen sweets in the world. The preparation is associated with Arequipa, a Peruvian city known as the “White City”.

Despite its name, queso helado is consumed as a frozen dessert. Its identification with Arequipa’s culinary tradition was highlighted alongside its presence in TasteAtlas’s selection of preparations from different parts of the world.

A regional preparation gains wider attention

The recognition placed a local specialty in an international gastronomic context. Queso helado is presented as part of Arequipa’s food identity, rather than simply as a product identified by its name or preparation style.

TasteAtlas drew attention to the dessert’s tradition and flavour in its survey of foods from various countries and regions. The inclusion gave the preparation visibility beyond its traditional setting in Arequipa, according to the report.

Producers promote new varieties

Local producers used the distinction to promote queso helado and to work on additional versions of the dessert. Kedulsura, an enterprise dedicated to promoting the Arequipeño product, presented new flavours after the recognition became known.

The activity around the dessert combines the international mention with continued local promotion. Kedulsura’s new offerings were presented as part of efforts connected with the product’s growing visibility, while queso helado remained linked to Arequipa’s traditional gastronomy.

The recognition therefore brought together two aspects of the preparation: its established place in the culinary identity of Arequipa and the attempts by local businesses to expand its presentation through new flavours. The report did not identify a specific ranking position for queso helado within TasteAtlas’s selection.