A cup of coffee and a scoop of ice cream—just like a vacation. Yilan’s super refreshing Italian gelato

Photos and text byPurple Smile

A type of Italian gelato has started to gain popularity in Taipei. This Italian-style gelato contains about 8% milk fat, giving it an exceptionally refreshing taste. This trend has recently made its way to Yilan, where Xiaolei (Summer Light) has appeared right next to Yilan’s Kiwi Square. This quaint little shop, with its fresh style, specializes in Italian gelato and coffee. On a hot day, go grab an ice treat and try something new—you’ll be amazed by how incredible their frozen desserts are.

The shop is located right next to Kiwi Square, on the side of the “Mao Mao Rabbit” sculpture. The storefront isn’t big and might even seem a bit unremarkable at first glance. But visiting during the day, with the summer blue sky, white clouds, and green surroundings, creates a very comforting atmosphere. If the weather isn’t too hot, sitting under the big tree with a cool breeze blowing is truly a delightful experience.

This spot used to be, just like the Kiwi Square across the street, part of the old Japanese-style railway dormitories owned by the Taiwan Railways Administration. Unfortunately, most of them have been demolished, leaving only this small section. The owner gave it a slight makeover, turning it into a charming white cottage. With large floor-to-ceiling windows and a predominantly white color scheme, it gives off a stylish and romantic vibe. And “CHALET ‘Xiaolei’”—the original meaning of “Xiaolei” is “little cottage.” Once you know that, it feels even more romantic.

As you step into the shop, the first thing you see is this colorful array of gelato. This Italian gelato, also known as gelato, comes in a variety of colors and flavors, making it the most beautiful section of the store. So many vibrant hues—each flavor looks absolutely delicious. The gelato display case is a new model from the Japanese manufacturer Orion, resembling a high-end jewelry display case in a department store. But your eyes will still be drawn to these mouthwatering gelato flavors.

MENU—the shop offers a simple selection. The owner has also carefully developed seasonal limited-edition flavors: mango sorbet, lychee sorbet, kumquat sorbet, and kiwi sorbet. As for the classic bestsellers: Shizuoka matcha, bittersweet chocolate, vanilla pod, pistachio, and caramel milk.

The shop’s featured flavor sign

Highly recommended!!

Xiaolei’s handmade sorbet series is made with 100% fresh fruit, containing absolutely no artificial fruit flavorings or additives.

Another item they sell, which is also of great quality, is illy coffee.

Hehe, the shop really isn’t big—it only has this small round table and some seating near the door. Thanks to the large glass windows that let in plenty of light, the view outside is full of greenery, creating a very relaxing atmosphere.

The shop’s specialty is Italian gelato—buy a two-scoop serving and it’s packed full!!

This is the chocolate + vanilla flavor. These two flavors don’t need much introduction—you probably already know what they taste like!! But as soon as you take a bite, you can feel their high quality!!!! The chocolate has a rich, mellow flavor, and the vanilla aroma is simply enchanting~ Absolutely wonderful. Plus, the texture is very refreshing—you won’t feel overly stuffed or greasy by the end.

Pistachio + matcha. The pistachio flavor bursts with a strong nutty aroma right from the first bite—fantastic. And the matcha is a flavor we’re absolutely obsessed with!!! The balance of bitterness and sweetness in the matcha is perfect, making it impossible to stop at just one bite—truly delicious.

Kumquat + caramel. The kumquat flavor here is also excellent—cool and naturally sweet with a fruity aroma, very much reflecting local flavors!! I heard they occasionally use local fruits to create delicious gelato flavors, which is really exciting!!! Especially the red-heart guava from Yuanshan—if they made that into gelato, it would definitely be amazing.

These two are fruit flavors—one is kiwi, the other is mango. Both deliver a rich burst of fruity aroma, fresh and natural. Oh, did anyone notice the glow around the ice cream? Each lamp here shines with a different light—it’s quite fun.

The illy coffee is top-notch in quality, with a well-balanced flavor. The latte tastes really good too.

Eating ice cream while enjoying this view is so relaxing.

The little kids are so lucky—they’re having so much fun eating!!

It’s so rare to find such an outstanding ice cream shop in Yilan, especially right next to the bustling Kiwi Square. Sitting inside the shop with the air conditioning on is comfortable, but enjoying delicious ice cream under the outdoor umbrella, watching the people come and go, has its own unique charm. Hidden just beside the Kiwi Square’s Mao Mao Rabbit, don’t forget to stroll over after visiting the square.

[Xiaolei Gelato & Coffee]
Address: No. 27, Railway Lane 1, Hemo Road, Yilan City, Yilan County (near the Mao Mao Rabbit sculpture at Kiwi Square, intersection of Yixing Road and Minquan Road)
Phone: 03-9333030
Business hours: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

We are Ben & Jean—we love food, travel, photography, and 3C.
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