Irresistible Matcha Ice Cream Temptation – 3 Popular Matcha Dessert Shops in Taipei

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Taiwanese people have a strong fondness for Japanese cuisine, with many enthusiasts of wagashi (Japanese confections) and matcha. Especially, the various desserts made with bingsu (Korean-style shaved ice) and matcha are hard to resist. This spring marks the rise of another trendy dessert shop that serves traditional Kyoto-style desserts. Not only are their sweets delightful, but the decor and presentation also carry an authentic Kyoto vibe, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into a traditional Japanese sweets shop. Why not enjoy the beauty of spring with a cup of fragrant bingsu?

▲ Qinghong Zhabai (Green, Red, Black, White) Matcha Ice Cream from Chu Xin Li Liao. (Photo / Huang Shiyuan)

Chu Xin Li Liao
Although Chu Xin Li Liao mainly sells Nagasaki castella cakes on the first floor, the second floor offers Kyoto-style desserts such as red bean and mochi balls, Japanese-style shaved ice, and matcha ice cream. Beyond the sweets, even the decor and furnishings have a strong Kyoto feel, reminiscent of a traditional Kyoto confectionery shop. The matcha ice cream here comes with toppings like red beans, mochi balls (Japanese rice dumplings), and black sugar barley, featuring the four colors green, red, black, and white. Chu Xin Li Liao explained that the matcha powder used in Qinghong Zhabai is imported from Uji, Kyoto. However, considering local Taiwanese tastes, the matcha flavor has been adjusted to be less bitter while still retaining a rich matcha aroma.

Address: No. 86, Wende Rd., Neihu District, Taipei City
Business Hours: First Floor 09:00–21:00; Second Floor 12:00–21:00

▲ Matcha Ice Cream at Heiankyo Chashitsu. (Photo / Right Upper 45 Degrees)

Heiankyo Chashitsu
The matcha desserts at Heiankyo Chashitsu are made using the original, pure extract of matcha from Marukyu Koyamaen, a century-old tea shop in Uji. In addition to à la carte options, there are also many pre-set tea and dessert combos to choose from. But many come specifically for the matcha ice cream. Blogger Right Upper 45 Degrees noted that their matcha ice cream is rich and intensely bitter, with perfectly cooked red beans that are tender yet melt-in-your-mouth. The sweetness level is well-suited to Taiwanese palates, not as cloyingly sweet as the red beans typically found in Japan.

Address: No. 165, Shida Rd., Taipei City (Exit 5 of Taipei Metro Taipower Building Station, go straight for 2 minutes and turn left)
Phone: 02-23682277
Business Hours: 12:30–21:30 (Closed on the second and fourth Mondays of each month)
Dining Notes: Weekdays minimum charge 300 NTD + 10%; holidays minimum charge 450 NTD + 10%; weekday dining time limit 1.5 hours; holiday dining time limit 2 hours

▲ Matcha Cheesecake Combo at He Ming Gan Wei Chu. (Photo / Provided by He Ming Gan Wei Chu)

He Ming Gan Wei Chu
The matcha powder used at He Ming Gan Wei Chu is carefully selected from Kyoto — a commitment by the owner. Additionally, the owner has created a unique blend ratio, giving their matcha a distinct character. Their matcha features fine yet rich matcha granules, releasing a fragrant aroma with every bite. He Ming Gan Wei Chu offers a variety of matcha desserts, such as matcha cake rolls, mille-feuille, and tiramisu, along with frozen desserts like sundaes, soft-serve ice cream, and beverages.

Taipei Main Store
Address: No. 221, Jinhua St., Da’an District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-23518802
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday 12:00–22:00

Zhongxiao Store
Address: No. 40, Lane 31, Section 1, Da’an Rd., Da’an District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-87717720
Business Hours: Sunday to Thursday 13:00–22:00; Friday to Saturday 13:00–23:00