Taipei’s popular ice cream shop launches new brand: A themed bistro serving hot pot

Text and photos byXiao Hu’s Dream Food Blog

When it comes to my favorite shops in Taipei, “8%ICE” is definitely the one I instantly clicked with. There has never been a shop in Taipei that I’ve visited dozens—or even hundreds—of times… Let’s just say, if you haven’t tried 8%ICE, you’re probably not my friend (laughs). BUT, I have to admit that when I first saw the original “8%ICE” store a few years ago, I never imagined this brand could gain so many loyal fans so quickly, let alone open five or six different concepts along Yongkang Street.

The newest brand, “8%ice bistro,” is located right next to Yongkang Park—a spot you’re bound to pass through when visiting Yongkang Street.

A bistro or bistrot is a type of restaurant that originally referred to affordable eateries in Paris serving simple fare. Whether a restaurant is classified as a bistro usually depends on its menu, which typically includes French home-style cooking, slow-cooked dishes like cassoulet, bean stews, and more. There is currently no unified English translation or equivalent for the term “bistro.” Common translations include French bistro, wine bar, casual eatery, or simply calling it a “café” or “bistro.”

And “8%ice bistro” focuses mainly on hot pot—at least for now (laughs). The reason they serve hot pot? The owner loves eating it, so he decided to open a place where he can enjoy it in peace. This story sounds pretty familiar, doesn’t it? (laughs).

At the same time, you can also enjoy 8%ICE’s signature Italian gelato, soft serve, and various fruit sorbets here.

In addition to lunch and dinner hot pot options, you can also unwind with afternoon tea here—after all, it’s located in the Yongkang commercial area, though it may not feel as peaceful and quiet as it used to be (laughs).

You can also take away 8%ICE’s currently hottest bread. Isn’t the bread shelf usually swept clean by 5 or 6 pm...?

On the left side as you enter is the area for afternoon tea, desserts, and coffee, while the right side features individual hot pot stations. The overall design sticks with 8%ICE’s signature white base, stylish yet relaxing.

The decor leading down to the basement staircase reminds you of a “green space,” echoing the design of Yongkang “Park.”

I forgot to take pictures of the dining area downstairs, so I borrowed a shot from a buddy (laughs). It basically has around ten two-seater tables that can be adjusted based on customer needs.

The hot pot ingredients are relatively simple, which is great for people who have trouble deciding—they only need to choose among beef, pork, or vegetarian (laughs). Seafood is mostly ordered individually.

You can also try several different kinds of beer here too.

● ETtoday News Cloud reminds you: Minors should not drink alcohol. / Don’t drink and drive.

The wheat beer is 180 NT dollars. My friend ordered it and I sneakily took a sip—it’s refreshingly smooth =)

● ETtoday News Cloud reminds you: Minors should not drink alcohol. / Don’t drink and drive.

You can also try 8%ICE’s currently very popular cold drip coffee here. The coffee pot that looks like a whiskey bottle and the spherical ice cubes are super photogenic, and the taste is amazing. It’s almost a must-order drink when I bring friends to 8%ICE =)

Those who don’t drink coffee can opt for milk tea, which also comes with my favorite 8%ICE handmade cookies. Speaking of which, these cookies have become my go-to gift for friends—even ones abroad. They’re an unbeatable souvenir, and everyone who tries them loves them.

This colorful handmade cookie gift box is also available at “8%ice bistro”!

Back to the topic of “hot pot.” At “8%ice bistro,” there’s currently only one type of broth: Japanese kelp-based soup. The advantage of this broth is that it’s light, healthy, and doesn’t overpower the flavor of the ingredients—perfect for those who just want to enjoy the natural taste of the food.

As for dipping sauces, the one on the left has a subtle Japanese flavor with something like citrus vinegar, while the one on the right tastes a bit like the popular sesame sauce sold at Hao Shi Duo. The former goes well with seafood, the latter with meat—but lately, I’ve been eating mine plain without any sauce, XD.

I often joke that opening a hot pot shop in Taiwan is half won if you have good beef—and the same logic applies to “8%ice bistro.” Plus, I’ve always trusted 8%ICE’s dedication to ingredient quality.

This American premium beef short rib—just looking at the marbling is satisfying. After a few seconds in the refreshing kelp broth, it’s ready to be eaten quickly. The fat, the sweetness, the tenderness, the freshness—it’s rich, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.

My friend ordered the Kagoshima black pork belly, which looked pretty ordinary, but tasted surprisingly sweet—especially with a bit of sesame sauce for extra flavor. It was just as good as the beef, super tasty.

The side plate is incredibly generous… with three or four of my favorite types of mushrooms, seasonal vegetables (especially the corn, which is insanely sweet), tofu, and even handmade meatballs. One portion of meat plus this vegetable plate is way too much for anyone with a small appetite...

My friend ordered the vegetarian health mushroom plate, which is an option for those who don’t eat red meat. It includes three or four different types of mushrooms and wood ear fungus. Though the portions are small, they’re all fresh and delicious.

There are three types of handmade meatballs: shrimp, swordfish, and pork. You can also order a mixed set to try them all. The pork one is extremely tender, completely unlike the texture I expected (like regular meatballs), and I highly recommend it. The swordfish and shrimp meatballs also perform well, especially with their juicy, burst-in-your-mouth texture.

The clams given out for checking in during the opening period, but I don’t remember actually eating any as they were all snatched up by my seafood-loving friends (tear).

For sides, you can choose between udon noodles or plain rice. For those who love pork rice like me, I recommend the “pork miso rice.” This bowl is definitely one of the best I’ve had at a restaurant—the aroma of the miso is rich, it melts in your mouth nicely, and most importantly, the rice is cooked to perfection. A huge thumbs-up and an absolute must-order.

The dessert that comes after the meal is the 8%ICE’s proud homemade ice cream and tea (you can also choose coffee).

This box seems to be a newly launched cheesecake. My friend brought one back and I borrowed it for a quick photo. When I opened it, I found the wooden box was incredibly exquisite and beautiful—great for gifting and also has an eco-friendly vibe.

However, it might have just come out of the freezer, so there’s still a slight icy texture when you eat it. The flavor is somewhere between a dense and a light cheesecake, and the texture is too. It’s relatively a refreshing kind of cheesecake.

8%ice bistro
Address: 1F, No. 6, Lane 23, Yongkang Street, Da’an District, Taipei City (next to Yongkang Park)
Phone: (02) 2394-5566
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

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If “eating” is just about filling your stomach, then “food” would be far too boring~~~"