Taoyuan’s Super Popular Japanese-Style Ice Shop — Mango Snowflake Ice Topped with Mango Sauce

Text & Photos /Viviyu

Although it was pouring rain on a holiday afternoon and extremely hot, what I needed most after lunch was a bowl of cool shaved ice. That’s when I thought of this famous spot in Taoyuan, ‘Slow Kitchen,’ which mainly sells Japanese-style desserts like matcha azuki ice, fresh mango ice, and grilled mochi. The huge bowl of ice is incredibly satisfying, piled high with so many ingredients it almost overflows. Their most famous summer treat is the mango series, which most customers order. As someone who loves mango ice, I couldn’t miss out, so here I am to tell you just how delicious it is.

The shop is located at the corner of Chunri Road and Zhen San Street. It’s really hard to find parking if you drive there. I thought there would be fewer customers due to the heavy rain that day, but when I went in, it was still packed. The area outside is lush and green, giving off a Japanese garden vibe.

There’s a large wooden platform outside the shop. Just as I was wondering what it was for, I heard it’s used as a slide. Too bad it was raining that day — I’d have loved to see how it works.

A sign on the door lists the monthly closing days — the shop is closed every Monday and Tuesday, so be sure to check before you go.

There aren’t many seats inside — only about twenty or so — so it’s easy to find the place full and have to wait outside. Popular items sell out quickly, so it’s better to go early.

Inside, there are two dining areas: one near the windows and bar counters, and another with two- or four-person square tables. There’s also an outdoor seating area, but it lacks air conditioning and can get quite hot.

On the glass shelves by the tables, there are various cultural and creative small items, while informational brochures are displayed on the tables — feel free to take any you need.

The shelves on the wall hold limited-edition CDs.

This single-person table is perfect for those dining alone — even a solo ice treat can be a relaxing experience.

On the way to the restroom, there are some dismantled glass windows on display. The vintage frosted glass is rarely seen these days, adding a nostalgic atmosphere.

The menu focuses mainly on Japanese-style ice desserts, with all ingredients made fresh daily. Many people love the matcha azuki series.

In summer, mango or watermelon ice is a must, along with grilled mochi or sweet dumplings — all beloved local treats.

Just take a side shot to see the height of this bowl of ice. All the toppings are piled on top — this style of presentation is something you’d only see in Japanese-style ice desserts.

Deluxe Matcha Azuki Ice – NT$150

Look at the height of this bowl — no wonder it’s the deluxe version. The ingredients are layered so thickly it looks like a small mountain. I remember they used to serve it with a wooden spoon, but now it’s served with a metal one that doesn’t quite match the wooden base.

The matcha ice cream on top is a huge scoop, always threatening to slide off. You’ll need to take your photo quickly before it collapses.

This bowl is packed with ingredients: matcha ice cream, sweet red beans, mochi pearls, matcha jelly, condensed milk, and matcha syrup. The toppings are so abundant, filled with rich matcha and red bean aromas.

The matcha jelly has a nice chewy texture that makes you want to bite it again and again. The matcha flavor is intense but not overly sweet, pairing perfectly with the shaved ice.

The sweet red beans are plump and juicy, offering a soft and sweet taste that complements the matcha beautifully.

The mochi pearls here are similar to tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls), available in both original and matcha flavors. They’re not overly soft — instead, they have a nice chewiness. No wonder many people love these round, bouncy pearls.

Fresh Mango Ice – NT$130

In summer, you can’t miss out on a bowl of mango ice. Shaved ice topped with condensed milk and fresh mango slices, plus a side of rich mango sauce — this mango ice is simply luxurious.

The fresh mango isn’t hard or mushy at all — each piece is perfectly ripe, with great sweetness and texture. Even the mangoes I buy myself don’t taste this good.

The fresh mango slices on top aren’t enough — the drizzle of mango sauce takes it to the next level. Watching the golden sauce slowly drip down is amazing.

Just looking at the menu price of NT$280 might make you think it’s a bit expensive, but when it arrives at your table with its perfectly round shaved ice and generous toppings, you’ll feel the price is totally worth it.

After eating at ‘Slow Kitchen,’ you’ll definitely feel satisfied. The oversized bowl of Japanese shaved ice is so indulgent, loaded with fresh, generous ingredients that cover the entire dessert. In summer, you shouldn’t miss any chance to enjoy ice treats — especially the golden mango ice, which is absolutely irresistible. I recommend it to fellow mango ice lovers.

Just Visiting Slow Kitchen
Address: No. 52, Zhen 3 Street, Taoyuan District, Taoyuan City
Phone: (03)336-2667
Business Hours: 12:00–18:00 (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)

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