"SLC28-W2" // "The Good Food Route" - Ice Cream Shop (La Pergola)

_{In front the ice cream shop}

Hello / Bonjour / Saludos, Steemit!

For the second week of the culinary challenge SLC28-W2 – The Good Food Route, I decided to immerse myself in one of the sweetest and most unpretentious traditions of Tunisian daily life by visiting an ice cream shop that opens its doors almost at dawn and closes deep into the night, a place where local residents, students, families and night wanderers stop by for a refreshing pause, and this place is none other than La Pergola – Pâtisserie Yazidi, an establishment located at the crossroads of 49 Avenue El Ghazela Ariana and 55 Avenue Habib Bourguiba, operating every day from 5 AM until 2 AM, making it one of the earliest risers and latest closers in the entire area.

What initially drew me to La Pergola was the contrast between its modest exterior and the vibrant energy that seems to gather naturally around it, especially as night falls and the lights of the display case illuminate the pavement, transforming the sidewalk into a miniature stage where colors, textures, and aromas come alive, inviting anyone passing by to pause for a moment of sweetness.

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The Ice Cream Shop & Its Atmosphere

Upon approaching the counter, the first thing that captures your attention is the long, refrigerated display filled with metal trays of ice cream, each sculpted into generous waves that reflect the warm light above them, and even before tasting anything, the visual experience already conveys a sense of authenticity because the colors remain soft and natural, free of excessive artificial dyes, and the textures appear dense, creamy, and handcrafted.

_{The illuminated display showcasing a variety of handmade flavors}

The young ice cream vendor works with a rhythm that feels almost choreographed, moving from tray to cone with fluid, practiced motions, lifting each scoop with precision as the ice cream stretches slightly before settling gracefully into place, and the surrounding air fills with the gentle murmur of customers choosing their flavors, the sound of cones being stacked, and the occasional laughter of people enjoying a dessert that seems to slow down time, even if only for a few minutes.

_{Close-up of the artisanal ice cream with visible creamy texture}

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Prices, Quality & Signature Flavors

La Pergola offers a clear, accessible menu that reflects its mission to deliver quality without imposing high prices, making it easy for families and students to enjoy a treat without hesitation:

Number of Flavors	Price
1 Flavor	2.500 TND
2 Flavors	4.500 TND
3 Flavors	6.300 TND
4 Flavors	7.500 TND
1 Kilogram	35.000 TND
Extra Cone	0.500 TND

The signature flavors most frequently requested include pistachio, recognizable by its naturally muted green color and pure nutty aroma; nougatine, rich and studded with crunchy caramelized pieces; and vanilla, which in artisanal shops like this reveals the true craftsmanship behind the ice cream through its balanced aroma and velvety structure.

The textures are dense and unctuous, melting slowly in the mouth while offering enough structure to withstand the warm evening air, and the sweetness is measured, allowing each flavor to express itself without overpowering the palate.

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Payment Method

In the spirit of simplicity and efficiency that characterizes many small Tunisian food establishments, La Pergola accepts cash only, which keeps the line moving smoothly and maintains the swift rhythm of service.

My two-flavor cone cost 4.500 TND, exactly as indicated on the menu, and the receipt reflects the straightforward transparency of the shop.

_{The printed receipt for my two-flavor ice cream}

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My Personal Experience

For my tasting, I selected pistachio and fresh vanilla, which for me represent the perfect balance between subtle refinement and classic pleasure, because pistachio, when made properly, offers a deep, earthy, slightly toasted profile, while vanilla acts as the quiet companion that enhances its partner through softness and aromatic purity.

_{Enjoying my cone under the evening lights of Ariana}

I chose to sit on a low stone bench just a few steps from the stand, observing the continuous movement of cars, pedestrians and families wandering through the warm Tunisian night, and as I slowly reached the lower part of the cone, the flavors seemed to blend even more harmoniously, creating that familiar comfort only good ice cream can provide.

_{The last bites while watching the city’s nightly rhythm}

Before leaving, I took a moment to observe the young vendor once more, noticing the care with which he scraped the edges of the trays, refilled cones, and responded to every request with an attentive nod, a reminder of how much dedication lies behind even the simplest pleasures.

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Contest Questions

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

My favorite flavor is pistachio, especially when it reveals its natural earthy sweetness, slightly roasted aroma, and smooth, velvety texture that coats the palate beautifully, and I enjoy it even more with a topping of crushed almonds for added contrast and crunch.
A flavor I do not particularly appreciate is rum raisin, simply because I prefer ice cream flavors that remain entirely focused on cream, nuts or fruits rather than alcohol notes.

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What is the most popular flavor in your country?

In Tunisia, the most beloved flavors are pistachio, strawberry, vanilla, and nougat, each deeply connected to local taste preferences, and although ice cream is available year-round, I personally visit heladerías two to three times a month, more frequently during the warmer seasons when a refreshing cone becomes a small but meaningful pleasure.

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With which Steemit friend would you share an ice cream?

If I had the opportunity to share an ice cream with someone from Steemit, I would choose @eglis, whose enthusiasm for culinary discoveries always enriches any shared experience, and I would also gladly invite @suboohi and @uzma4882, knowing that they would appreciate both the flavors and the warm, bustling atmosphere of a Tunisian heladería at night.

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Location & Maps

Important data (quick reference)

Field	Information
Name	La Pergola – Pâtisserie Yazidi
Type	Ice Cream Shop
Address	49 Avenue El Ghazela Ariana / 55 Avenue Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia
Hours	Every day: 5 AM – 2 AM
Phone	+216 71 289 662
Google Maps	https://maps.app.goo.gl/AuW5uZ8JEULdSWNX7
SteemAtlas	[//]:# (!steematlas 36.8578123 lat 10.2652991 long d3scr)

[//]:# (!steematlas 36.8578123 lat 10.2652991 long d3scr)

Video (45+ seconds)

Here is the required video capturing the atmosphere of my visit: