Heladeria Americana is the first-ever ice cream shop to operate in Colombia. Based in the coastal city of Barranquilla, the iconic establishment was founded in the 1930s by Andreas Aristidou, a Greek immigrant. Now in its third generation, this family business has grown into a small ice cream empire with seven outlets across the city.
Heladeria Americana, Colombia’s first ice cream shop
Antonis Mandralis-Aristidou, the current general manager, was born in Colombia but spent much of his life in Greece. Speaking to Greek Reporter, he shared his pride in continuing the legacy of his grandfather.
“Heladeria Americana was founded in 1936 by my grandfather, a Greek immigrant from the Peloponnese. It was a time of great opportunity and growth for Colombia. He introduced the concept of ice cream, sweets, and dining in Barranquilla,” said Mandralis-Aristidou.
Evgenia Mandrali, the owner of Heladeria Americana, also born in Greece, arrived in Colombia as a baby. “I came to Colombia in a little basket with my mother when I was just six months old,” she shared with Greek Reporter.
“Our restaurants are well-respected in the city. We offer a bit of everything—a traditional Mediterranean eatery,” she added.
Frozo Malt, an emblematic and original product
From its roots in ice cream to serving Greek gyros, Heladeria Americana has made a significant impact on Barranquilla’s gastronomic landscape. However, its signature product, the Frozo Malt, has remained the highlight of the business since the 1930s. Originally created by Andreas Aristidou, it continues to be a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
The Frozo Malt—its name derived from the English words “freeze” and “melt”—offers a unique blend of frozen and warm textures. Resembling the consistency of a milkshake but with the richness of ice cream, it features a mild chocolate flavor topped with tropical fruit jelly (the secret ingredient) and a now-famous cookie.
True to its tradition, the Frozo Malt is served in a tall glass, just as the founder intended decades ago. The combination of light chocolate ice cream and tropical fruit is described as an indescribable delight.
“We have served it for 82 years in the same traditional tall glass. The recipe hasn’t changed much. Barranquilleros and visitors love it,” said Mandralis-Aristidou.
As the general manager, Mandralis-Aristidou admits to feeling torn between his two homes. “When I’m in Colombia, I miss Greece. When I’m in Greece for long periods, I miss Colombia. Some say Greece is like Colombia, but I think Colombia is more like Greece,” he reflected.
The Greek community in Colombia, though small, is vibrant. During the turbulent decades of the 1980s and 1990s, marked by guerrilla warfare and drug-related violence, many Greeks left the country. However, as Colombia became safer and experienced economic recovery in the 1990s, many returned, bringing with them innovative businesses like Heladeria Americana.
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