Adorably melts your heart: Taichung’s ultra-cute “Monster Snow Ice”

Text & Photos /Kui Xiao Sun

I bet many of you have already tried this ‘Ludi Bing no Kaibutsu’ (Monster Snow Ice)! Actually, I first saw it in an article by Orange Dog and was instantly charmed by how cute it looked back then. But when I found out you had to wait in line for up to an hour not long after that, I gave up for the time being XD Yesterday, right after brunch on a post-typhoon day, I came to check it out. Sure enough, even around 12 noon, it was still packed, but at least not so crowded that you’d need to wait that long. So I quickly joined the fun. (Honestly, I think pretty much every blogger in Taichung has written about this place by now XD)

What really surprised me was that by the time we left, there were already another 20–30 people waiting outside. You’ve got to hand it to everyone—they’re really dedicated. We just got lucky arriving a bit earlier, or we might’ve had to postpone our tasting again...

This ‘Ludi Bing no Kaibutsu’ (Monster Snow Ice) is a perfect example of transforming an old building into something new and exciting. From the outside, it’s the kind of house I’d love to win in the lottery and buy XD In front of the house, there’s a “dusty baby”?! (Reminds me of the one from Totoro.) There’s another one on the water tower on the roof. The abundance of wood gives the place a strong Japanese vibe, and the decorative trees make it even more charming.

They have numbered waiting tickets here—if it gets too crowded, you can actually draw a number and wait.

The interior has a distinct Japanese flair, and those custom-made snow ice machines really caught my eye. Previously, ‘Ludi Bing no Kaibutsu’ featured Marvel heroes, and this time we stumbled upon a Father’s Day limited edition. I’m sure they have special editions for other holidays too XD

Here, the minimum spend is one meal, dessert, snack, or drink per person. We each went for a snow ice—each one isn’t cheap at 200 NT$. You can also pick two small toppings (shown on top).

Once you’ve chosen your order, there’s a time limit for dining: 1 hour. Heading upstairs, you’ll find the space designed around the charm of an old house. Imagine if it weren’t ‘Ludi Bing no Kaibutsu’—it could’ve easily been a brunch spot. With its original room partitions and vintage terrazzo flooring, everything about this place just feels special as it ages.

It’s noticeable that most visitors to these “trendy” spots are still mostly young people—best friends, couples, all probably younger than me... chatting, laughing, their futures slowly blossoming...

I went for the no-brainer choice: ‘French Chocolate,’ while my friend opted for ‘Umeboshi’ (pickled plum) to cut through their fullness. When the two orders arrived, I was shocked—I always imagined the serving would be over 20 cm in diameter, but it turned out to be just 15 cm. It was so small I was momentarily speechless... Of course, you have to admit, this monster snow ice is seriously adorable. Super photogenic, with a playful look that really draws the eye. Plus, the wooden tray paired with traditional Japanese-style plates and wooden spoons gives off a real Japanese dessert vibe... This level of cuteness and the price point are very Japanese too XD

Even though I was taken aback by the portion size, it was genuinely delicious. The French cocoa wasn’t overly sweet, and the smooth texture made the snow ice almost feel like ice cream. The layered snow ice also added fun—you could scoop it out in flakes, which was quite entertaining. Plus, you can choose your own toppings. I picked mochi balls, tea jelly, and cornflakes, which added even more texture when eaten together.

My friend’s Umeboshi (pickled plum) was great too. I personally think it’s a flavor girls would enjoy—it’s sweet and sour without getting cloying. Perfect for summer weather or as a sweet treat after a meal. Though, to be fair, the two items we ordered weren’t the most photogenic. The table next to us had ones with roses, pink and white, which were also a highlight ^~^

If we’re talking about the hottest ice desserts in Taichung lately, ‘Ludi Bing no Kaibutsu’ (Monster Snow Ice) really stands out. With its ever-changing designs and ability to keep up with trends and holidays, there’s always something new to see whenever you visit. The space is super cozy and perfect for “hipsters”! It’s also a great spot for dates between besties or couples XD

That said, the portion size for 200 NT$ is a bit steep. I personally think it should be closer to 150 NT$, or this 200 NT$ price tag should come with a cup of sencha or matcha to offer better value. XD Of course, that’s just my personal opinion—you don’t have to take it too seriously haha.

With some free time recently, I checked out a few new spots to share with everyone. Food is always tied to your mood, and regardless of whether your experience matches mine, this is just one take XD

Ludi Bing no Kaibutsu: No. 1, Lane 61, Cunzhong St., Taichung City ＼ 04 2376 6776 ＼ facebook

［Enjoy life, never boring. — Kui Xiao Sun］、FB