Queso de tuna is one of Mexico's more unusual sweets: despite the name, it contains no cheese or dairy at all, but is a firm, dark paste made purely by reducing the syrup of the prickly pear (tuna) for hours until it sets. A short tasting walk through the dulceria stalls near the Palacio Municipal and inside Mercado Hidalgo samples queso de tuna alongside ate de membrillo (quince paste) and other traditional potosino sweets.
| Price | 80-140 MXN for a full tasting (approx USD 4.70-8.25) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 45 minutes-1 hour |
| Address | Near Palacio Municipal, Zona Centro, 78000 San Luis Potosi, S.L.P., Mexico |
What is included
- Tasting of queso de tuna, a dairy-free prickly-pear sweet
- Tasting of ate de membrillo, a dense quince paste
- Tasting of mueganos and dulce de leche
- Explanation of the pre-Hispanic origins of queso de tuna
Good to know
- Operator
- Self-guided, visiting independent dulceria stalls
Location
Near Palacio Municipal, Zona Centro, 78000 San Luis Potosi, S.L.P., Mexico
22.1502, -100.9765 View on map
Highlights
- Tasting queso de tuna, a pre-Hispanic sweet unique to the region
- Comparing it side by side with ate de membrillo
- Learning why the sweet is naturally suitable for diabetics, per vendors
- A short, inexpensive add-on to any centro historico walk
Tips for visiting
- Ask vendors for a small sample before buying a full piece
- Queso de tuna keeps well and travels easily as a souvenir
- Combine this stop with the Mercado Hidalgo tasting walk for one longer outing
Ready to book
Queso de Tuna and Traditional Sweets Tasting
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