Heladería El Gran Cholado Caleño is a slice of Cali, Colombia in central Oranjestad — a casual ice-cream and shaved-ice spot run by Colombian-Aruban owners that locals know for the cholado, the iconic Cali street dessert combining shaved ice, condensed milk, fresh tropical fruit, and shredded coconut in a tall cup. With 100+ reviews and a 4.3 rating, it’s the go-to for the Colombian community on the island and adventurous visitors looking for something genuinely different.
About Heladería El gran cholado caleño
Located on Ernesto Petronia 9 in Oranjestad, the storefront is small and unassuming — counter ordering, a few tables outside, and a colorful menu board listing both ice creams and the signature cholados. Service is bilingual (Spanish and English), prices are local-fair, and the energy is family-neighborhood. Cash typically preferred.
Signature Dishes & Menu Highlights
Order the cholado caleño — the signature dessert, layered shaved ice with three or four tropical fruits (mango, banana, watermelon, strawberry), condensed milk, fruit syrup, and shredded coconut. The raspao (flavored shaved ice) and traditional ice cream cones round out the menu. The chicha morada (Peruvian-style purple corn drink) is a great pairing.
Practical Information
- Address: Ernesto Petronia 9, Oranjestad, Aruba
- Phone: +297 732 3534
- Website:elgrancholadocalenoaruba.com
- Google rating: 4.3 from 117 reviews
- Map:View on Google Maps
Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 1:00 – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 – 9:00 PM
What Diners Say
Reviewers describe Heladería El Gran Cholado as ‘a slice of home for Colombians in Aruba’ and ‘unique to anything else on the island.’ Praised for authentic flavors, generous portions, and friendly service. A must-try for anyone curious about Latin-American street desserts.
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