It’s hot—come to Kaohsiung for some ice cream treats!

Text and photos by /Kaohsiung Food Map
(Photography by Ah Xiong / Written by Soso and Kaohsiung Food Map. All rights reserved.)

Meizai says: Originally just hoping to be that little neighborhood ice shop where everyone loves to gather, it unexpectedly gained huge popularity as a super-popular ‘ice house.’ Balanced delicately between simple beginnings and the eager eyes of fans, what kind of charm does this little ice shop, soon to celebrate its first birthday, have to offer?

The passionate owner insists on shaving the clear ice into a snow-like, fluffy texture—going so far as to replace all the ice-shaving blades every month—and now he has something new up his sleeve.

On an early summer afternoon after a meal, looking for a place to cool off on the street. Before the crowds get too big, I head back to the Ice House. In this simple, wooden Japanese-style space, the ice makers and customers move about freely, offering an instant cooling sense of relaxation. The owner, just back from a trip to Japan, leans on the window-side bar counter, chatting and laughing with a young doctor enjoying some ice down the alley: “Look at all these old neighbors and friends who love coming here for ice—I’d never dare serve you anything but the best ingredients!!” I’m really curious what new creative concoctions this southern lad, who’s always full of ideas and quick to act, has come up with recently!

The Ice House's offerings are mainly divided into two series: the “Seasonal Limited Series,” which showcases the owner’s endlessly creative, multi-layered creations; and the “Signature Series,” whose items radiate a more mature charm and unique appeal.

[Seasonal Limited – Mount Fuji]

Centered around Marukyu Koyamaen matcha, evoking a strong Japanese feel, this Mount Fuji features a lush green peak covered with a light dusting of snow, while the flowing cheese sauce adds not just visual interest. The idea of incorporating cheese sauce into ice was the result of many trials to find the right mix ratio. The final version offers a savory flavor that pairs surprisingly well with condensed milk or Hokkaido milk soft serve, creating a harmonious taste experience!

Also, because the base is a light, delicate clear ice that doesn’t overpower, it especially highlights the subtle, sweet aftertaste of the rustic matcha from Marukyu Koyamaen. You can customize it with chewy mochi pearls, warm matcha jelly, and plump red beans, mixing and matching based on your mood to bring out different flavors.

[Seasonal Limited – Berry Christmas Tree]

A visual showstopper in the popular Christmas tree series, as the strawberry season fades, the seasonal Christmas tree makes a bright debut in a fresh new style!

This time, the star of the festive tree—beloved by girls—is played by berries. A berry syrup made from strawberries, blueberries, and blackcurrants is paired with the also sweet-and-sour kiwi and crisp black grapes.

Here’s a little hidden surprise: just like stumbling upon a precious little gift in the snowy Christmas landscape, when you slowly scoop with the wooden spoon, you’ll discover sweet caramel soft serve hidden inside. Mixed together with the various ingredients, it adds different rich layers to the ice with every bite!

While enjoying this sweet-and-sour taste, the Christmas Tree is also paired with a caramel pudding topped with a crispy caramel crust. The super cute Christmas tree visuals + sweet-and-sour flavor + soothing dessert—this whole creation brings a warm happiness with every spoonful!

[Seasonal Limited – Yogurt Fruit Ice]

For those who enjoy the natural sweet-and-sour flavors and refreshing taste of fruit, try this yogurt-passion fruit flavored ice.

If the ‘Berry Christmas Tree’ is a bold, outgoing girl, then the ‘Yogurt Fruit Ice’ is a cool beauty with a playful and subtle charm. The syrup made from simmered passion fruit pulp and yogurt creates a uniquely cool taste, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find playful caramel soft serve popping up, and even more local in-season fruits layered within!

[Signature Series – Brown Rice Cheese Ice]

Part of the Signature Series, the ‘Brown Rice Cheese Ice’ has a modest yet rich flavor perfect for savoring slowly.

With a base of fluffy Japanese-style clear ice and Hokkaido soft serve, drizzled with a syrup made from Japanese brown rice tea that has a roasted rice flavor, and topped with a slightly savory cheese sauce. The overall presentation is a light, minimalist style ideal for hot summer days. Enjoying it in this tranquil Japanese-inspired space offers an exceptionally peaceful and healing experience. It’s then garnished with colorful black sugar molasses pearls, adding a pop of color to the minimalistic design!

Ice House
Address: No. 23, Tuojiang Street, Qianzheng District, Kaohsiung City
Phone: 07-3318345
Business Hours: Weekdays 13:00–21:00, Holidays 12:00–21:00

Kaohsiung Food Map
About the Author: Kaohsiung Food Map is run by Ah Xiong and Xiao Gao, sharing local southern cuisine and cultural flavors, occasionally introducing travel destinations, sampling signature dishes from all over, capturing beautiful scenery, and sharing Taiwan’s food and unique human warmth with everyone.
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