Visit Sanfeng Taro Ice City in Banqiao for some classic old-school flavors — how can you not take home a pack of ice bricks?

Text & Photos /Viviyu

My friend joked that I could be lured anywhere with just ice, and, well, it’s kind of true. The moment taro ice is mentioned, my eyes light up. For my friend, this Sanfeng Taro Ice City is a nostalgic spot from their youth. We walked about 10 minutes from Banqiao Railway Station to this old shop. Just by looking at the exterior, it’s clear that it’s a favorite among locals.

For dine-in, find a seat first before ordering at the counter. The environment here is definitely not one with comfy seating or air conditioning, but it preserves the authentic old-school vibe. Even the design of the ice cabinets feels like it’s been around for decades. Take a look at the price list on the wall — you can tell it’s been updated several times over the years.

Even the business hours are written in a very casual way, simply scribbled on a cardboard box: “Open after 12:30 PM.” If you’re all about atmosphere, this might not be your place, but if you’re looking for an old-fashioned ice shop, don’t miss it.

The old signboard gives off a vibe reminiscent of the dessert shops students would visit after school. Most of the ice offerings have remained unchanged, with only a few new items added. Of course, the prices have definitely gone up.

Taro Paste with Red Bean & Milk Snow Ice

Red bean and milk have always been a great pair, and my friends shared a plate between two. This flavor really hits the mark.

Taro Paste with Peanut Pudding & Milk Ice – $75
The staff, noticing we might be tourists, kindly reminded us that the peanuts used here are hard-shelled, not soft. Surprisingly, the savory, crunchy peanuts added a unique twist to the snow ice — it actually tasted pretty good.

Our group of four ordered three plates. I had just said I couldn’t eat any more, but somehow I managed to finish a whole plate of ice. Ugh, I really love this stuff.

Taro Paste Milk Ice
I was actually quite hesitant when choosing my ice because there were so many options I wanted to try, including mango ice. But after my friend’s recommendation, I went with the more iconic taro paste. The taro paste was incredibly smooth and creamy — the texture was amazing. The sweetness from the condensed milk paired perfectly, and the snow ice at the bottom was another highlight. It had that classic old-school texture, not the clear ice commonly used these days.

Mixed Ice Brick – $80
The most famous item here is the mixed ice brick. Many people come just to take it home. Remember to bring an ice bag, or you can also buy a Styrofoam box. My favorite parts of the ice brick are the longan > taro > pineapple. You can really taste the natural aroma of the ingredients. This afternoon treat brought back a strong sense of nostalgia. Who knew there was such an old-school ice shop in Banqiao? If you’re craving ice bricks, head to Sanfeng Taro Ice City for a taste of the past.

Sanfeng Taro Ice City
Phone: 02-2952-4097
Address: No. 15, Minzu Road, Banqiao District, New Taipei City
Business Hours: After 12:30 PM

FollowViviyu’s Little World Fan PageGet instant updates, never miss a post
‘VIVIYU’s Little World’ ~ Travel Across Taiwan, Explore the World