Nameless Tapioca Ice Passed Down for Three Generations – A Taste of Authentic Taiwan

Text & Photos /Orange Dog Loves Sweets

I still remember picking up a book called *The Distant Ice Cream Parlor* two years ago. It documents the author’s five summers spent traveling across Taiwan—from the north to the south and the east—capturing images and stories of 22 old-fashioned ice cream parlors and roadside ice vendors. For me, the era of ice cream parlors is something I only vaguely experienced, leaving behind only faint, nostalgic memories. So, “chasing ice cream parlors” feels like filling in the blurred images of that hazy period in my memory.

Perhaps it was my inner old soul acting up. That year, after reading the book, I had wanted to follow in the author’s footsteps and visit all the shops, but laziness and a busy schedule got in the way. This time, thanks to work, I finally had the chance to visit an old ice shop in Chiayi. My first stop was this tapioca ice spot on Minquan Road, beloved and supported by locals. Though it has no name, it’s always bustling with customers. Although it wasn’t featured in the book, it’s a popular, family-run, third-generation legacy shop, now managed by the whole family.

If you check in on Facebook, the shop will show up as either “Tapioca Ice at 165 Minquan Road” or “Nameless Tapioca Ice.” I’m not sure what locals call it, as I only stumbled upon its online introduction a few days before my trip. We arrived at around 10:30 AM, but I heard this nameless tapioca ice shop opens at 9:00 AM. “9:00 AM”—that’s when most people are just starting work or finishing breakfast. Who eats ice so early? When I asked this, I noticed customers kept coming in non-stop to buy or take away ice. There was almost no break in the flow of patrons.

And many of them were housewives, aunties, and grandmas—perhaps stopping by the market in the morning and picking up a bowl of ice for themselves or their families. The owner said their shop has been passed down to the third generation and still insists on making everything by hand. All the ice toppings are prepared in-house. Not only do they wash fresh grass jelly (not store-bought!) starting at 5:00 AM every day, but even the lemon juice is freshly squeezed on the spot. Who even squeezes their own lemons in the morning anymore? Just this level of dedication shows how deeply the spirit of this legacy is preserved. You can see their preparation area behind the cart—“quality ingredients” is why so many locals love this place.

A small serving of grass jelly ice or tapioca ice costs just NT$25, and a mixed ice is only NT$30. Where else can you find prices like that? Interestingly, when you order, they’ll ask, “Cup or bag?” It reminded me of the space tea ice at Taichung’s Fifth Market, which used to be served the same way. When I was a kid, ice tea was always packed like this, but it gradually faded away after plastic cups became common.

Now, it’s already the hot June just before summer vacation. By 9:00 AM, it’s already hot enough to make you sweat. So, coming for a refreshing tapioca ice at 10:00 AM actually makes perfect sense. That’s why I ordered two bags.

**Mixed Ice | NT$30 | Bagged**
When you can’t decide what to get, this is the perfect choice. It includes almost all the toppings available in the shop except lemon—grass jelly, agar, tapioca, red beans, taro balls, and more. Unlike the usual simple offerings, this one has it all.

For takeout, they simply tie it with a plastic string. When you’re ready to drink, carefully open the bag and sip with a spoon. That’s how we did it as kids. But since the bag isn’t very stable, it’s easy to spill if you’re not used to it. Beginners might want to opt for the cup version instead. Inside, along with the toppings, there’s also crushed ice. It’s cool, sweet, and not overly sugary at all. And you’ll still find plenty of toppings right down to the last scoop. For just NT$30 in Chiayi, no wonder business is so good.

**Tapioca Ice | NT$30 | Bagged**
A whole bag is half-filled with translucent little tapioca pearls—some soft and chewy. It’s incredibly refreshing and a true signature item here. I honestly can’t think of many other places that serve so much tapioca at such a low price. The tapioca is handmade using sweet potato starch and caramel, so the sizes vary naturally due to the handmade process.

I noticed quite a few people also buying lemon ice. With the sour-sweet flavor, it sounds refreshing just thinking about it in this weather.

Apparently, *Traveler’s League* once featured this place too. I’m a bit late to the game, but the owners and customers are super friendly—it feels like chatting with your neighbors. Aside from being affordable, full of charm, and delicious, it offers nothing less than the best. While trendy ice treats like snowflake ice and mango ice are popular these days, I prefer this authentic Taiwanese taste. For just a few coins, you get a whole bag of tapioca ice—a burst of coolness and a nostalgic flavor that feels pure and genuine. This trip made me realize Chiayi has quite a few hidden gems of old-school ice shops.

◎ Shop Info: [Nameless Tapioca Ice 165 Minquan Road, East District]
◎ Address: 165 Minquan Road, East District, Chiayi City
◎ Phone: 05-2781229
◎ Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
◎ Note: Irregular holidays; expect crowds on weekends—recommended to visit on weekdays

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