Inheriting the old signboard from over thirty years ago, Lido’s Big Ice Fruit insists on slicing fruit to order.

Text and photos byMazhi Little Rabbit

If you’re a Tainan resident over 30 (from the West Central or East districts), you’re probably familiar with “Lido Theater.” Built in 1968 and closed in 1995, it was located on Dade 10th Road in the Dalin area of Section 2, Datong Road, and has now been demolished and replaced with a building.

However, there used to be a very famous spinal adjustment and massage shop near Lido Theater. I often accompanied classmates to line up there for treatment of scoliosis (it was run by a highly sought-after master with extremely good business), and I also got spinal adjustments done there myself. Plus, when my parents mentioned going to that area, they would always say, “It’s near Lido Theater,” so I have some vague memories of the theater.

[Lido’s Big Ice Fruit] The owner’s (a female boss) parents opened “Lido Ice Parlor” next to Lido Theater in 1979 (the 68th year of the Republic of China). It was very popular with customers due to its high quality, but eventually closed. The owner, who had previously run a restaurant and worked as a professional bartender, felt it was a pity and decided to carry on the legacy. So she reopened at No. 680, Section 1, Ximen Road, near the Little West Gate Roundabout (close to Grand Formosa Regent). (Near Dayi Lize Hotel)

Previously, because the Little West Gate Time Inn was nearby, my sister and I have been coming to [Lido’s Big Ice Fruit] since it first opened. The boss, who is from Guanmiao, is very good at selecting fruits, and having previously worked as a professional bartender, she pays great attention to quality and presentation.

The fruits in the shop are carefully selected by the boss — fresh, sweet, and of excellent quality. Moreover, everything is sliced to order and never pre-cut (to avoid oxidation). So ordering a fruit platter might require a short wait, but it’s definitely worth it. At least, I personally dislike pre-cut fruits because they tend to get mushy and develop an unpleasant texture due to released juices.

Additionally, the boss insists on making the syrups herself, simmering them over low heat for several hours at a time without burning them. I really admire that. Nowadays, not many shops are willing to make syrups from scratch, and this kind of dedication is more commonly found in Tainan’s historic district. As people who love fresh, high-quality fruits, we naturally became regulars and have recommended the place to family and friends who enjoy fruit-based ices. Everyone has given positive feedback.

Among the several ice parlors in Tainan, I originally favored Yucheng (though the lines there are outrageously long these days). Now, I come to Lido instead. In addition to their signature fruit platters and mixed fruit ice, their summer mango ice, signature Mood Juice (grape lemon honey juice), and various other juices are all favorites of mine. Friends visiting Tainan, feel free to check it out.

% Located at No. 680, Section 1, Ximen Road, it sits between the Little West Gate Roundabout and Grand Formosa Regent, with its sign directly opposite Little West Foot Herbal Tea. The sign is quite eye-catching and not hard to find.

% The store is always bustling with activity.

% The fruits look very appealing and taste just as good.

% There are photos of the interior of the store below for your reference.

% There are also seasonal specials in winter, so do ask if you’re around then.

% Many fruits are either market price or seasonal specials, so remember to ask before ordering.

% You can see “The Mango Platter” is really popular here. The boss says she picked them specially. In April, the supply is still very limited, the prices are very high, and there’s little profit, but she still makes and sells them, hoping customers can enjoy delicious mango ice.

% On some days, making this bowl requires using four mangoes. The boss even uses one whole mango just for the sauce — that’s quite luxurious. The ice cream is from President, and overall it’s very delicious. Although it costs 160–170 NT in April, the price at Yucheng is similar, so I’m quite used to this pricing. As long as I get delicious, high-quality mango ice, I’m happy.

% Mangoes started appearing here in mid-April, which surprised me a bit. The boss said she specially selected them. In April, the quantity is still very small, the price is very high, and there’s little profit, but she still goes ahead and sells them, hoping customers can enjoy tasty mango ice.

% In April, this bowl uses four mangoes. The boss directly takes one mango to make the sauce — how extravagant. The ice cream is from President. Overall, it’s very delicious. Although it costs 160–170 NT in April, the price at Yucheng is similar, so I’m quite used to this price range. As long as I get delicious, high-quality mango ice, I’m satisfied.

People in Tainan really love fruit. Most ice parlors stay open until 1–2 AM. In the past, the fruit stalls around Dongmen Roundabout were open 24 hours, so fruit platters and fruit ices are also one of Tainan’s signature foods.

% If you visit Tainan, I highly recommend this place. It’s a true hidden gem. The taste is excellent, but the portion size might be a bit smaller than what you might expect from a traditional fruit parlor. This isn’t the kind of place you’d see in the night markets of northern Taiwan.

% The service isn’t fast, but the fruits are genuinely fresh and prepared right when you order. I was quite impressed. I usually don’t go for sweet things, but I found the balance of flavors here really well done. I didn’t order any drinks, but I tried a bite of someone else’s order.

% The concept is the same as other traditional fruit parlors.

% But if the fruit parlor isn’t open, the other staff members might not be available either. So if you’re disappointed you couldn’t try such delicious fruit ice, most shops are closed during the day, not just this one. The boss said she’s training herself (to improve service speed).

% I also wasn’t expecting to see red bean milk frost here, which is usually associated with Mengquan Ice on Minquan Road. It must be pointed out that it’s really rich and creamy.

% If you like red bean milk frost, you must try it here. It’s very thick and creamy. There’s a lot of red bean and milk, and it’s not overly sweet.

The commitment and delicious flavors of this old shop are highly recommended to those who love Taiwanese fruits. If you have a chance to visit Tainan, do give it a try.

I’d also like to share a perspective: good fruits aren’t cheap to begin with. Varieties and grades differ, and the sources and types of fruits at Yucheng, Yicheng, Lily, Little Bean Bean, and Kana vary, as do their prices. Personally, I prefer Yucheng and Lido for their use of higher-quality fruits. A former supervisor once told me after trying Yucheng with their family and then going to Lily that it really is true that you get what you pay for. Each place has its own strengths, so just pick the one you like best.

【Lido Big Ice Fruit】
No. 680, Section 1, Ximen Road, West Central District, Tainan City
Phone: 06-214-0875
Business Hours: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM