Esmeraldas Inka Café

Esmeralda’s Inka Café: Where Lima melts in Schöneberg

In 2007, Gerhard Eilers, born and raised in Lima, opened the Inka ice cream parlor offering specialties from Latin America. A few years ago, Esmeralda Maldonado, also from Lima, took over the ice cream parlor and transformed it into Esmeralda’s Inka Café. Since then, the small café at Belziger Straße 44 has become a true Berlin institution for anyone looking for ice cream beyond stracciatella and pistachio. Homemade ice cream made from milk and frozen fruit pulp, in the Latin American, Peruvian style, is at the heart of the offerings, with exotic fruits specially imported from Peru and Brazil. You can taste it with the first spoonful.

Around 18 different ice cream flavors are available, including exotic tastes like papaya, guava, or lucuma, a subtropical stone fruit known as the “Gold of the Incas.” Particularly exceptional variations include Algarrobina, made from the syrup of the carob pod with a caramel-like taste, as well as Chicha Morada made from the pulp of Peruvian purple corn.

More than Ice Cream: Peruvian Cuisine and Coffee

However, Esmeralda’s Inka Café is more than just an ice cream parlor. Esmeralda Maldonado serves Peruvian breakfast with homemade empanadas, Latin American tapas, first-class highland coffee, and sometimes even live music. Additionally, there is a small selection of savory Latin American specialties, including Peruvian tamales in banana leaves, Papa Rellena, and Chilean empanadas. Fair prices also make the café attractive for families. The lovingly designed decoration, the sunny terrace, and relaxed music create a cozy atmosphere. With its authentic character, the ice cream parlor at Belziger Straße 44 stands out from the crowd.