Sweets in Puebla

The Mexican city of Puebla has more than one way to satisfy a sweet tooth. The next time your travels take you through the colonial town, don’t think the treats end with the chocolate in mole poblano.

The best place to get an eyeful of delicious options is to head straight to Puebla’s Calle de los Dulces, or “Sweets Street,” which is full of shops selling a variety of treats, two of which (like mole poblano) were created by the nuns of the Convent of Santa Clara.

Camotes de Santa Clara are sweet potato-based candies that come flavored with various fruits (or vanilla) and are hand rolled like cigars and often wrapped in wax paper. Buy them individually, or get a box of mixed flavors to try the entire spectrum. Sweet potato candy may sound weird to those who haven’t tried it, but it’s got an earthy taste that’s akin to the baked heart of the agave plant—which is another thing you should taste in Mexico.

Tortitas de Santa Clara are round, shortbread-like cookies that are topped with a sugar frosting glaze. Just try eating only one. As much as I liked the taste of camote, the tortitas kept me coming back to the sweet shops.

If you decide to bring some Puebla treats home for friends or family, remember to get enough for yourself as well, or those gifts may not survive the trip.