Authentic Japanese treats in Taoyuan’s cozy alleys

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department, compiled and reported by Liao Qiyu
 

The dreamy blue shaved ice paired with homemade yogurt sauce resembles a miniature Mount Fuji dusted with melting snow. Snap a photo on your phone and upload it to Facebook, and it instantly sparks curiosity among netizens: “Where can I get this?” A small Japanese shaved ice shop called “Nenshi Ryouri” (Warm Food & Cool Treats), nestled in a Taoyuan alleyway, has opened in August amid much buzz and attention.

With the concept of warm winter treats and cool summer desserts, Nenshi Ryouri has become a popular discussion spot in Taoyuan over the past half year, selling cute and imaginative sweets. Stepping into the small shop, you’re greeted by wooden tones and white hues, creating a bright and refreshing atmosphere. Take a closer look, and you’ll find charming patterns adorning the space—making it hard not to fall in love with this little shop.

The idea for Nenshi Ryouri stems from the owner’s childhood memories of the emotional impact brought by their grandfather. Since the Japanese colonial period, the owner’s grandfather, struggling to make ends meet, sold ice treats with his limited Japanese skills. From simple hygiene ice blocks to refreshing Japanese-style popsicles, the satisfied smiles of children after school and the satisfying crunch of ice as they enjoyed their treats were the simplest yet happiest moments of everyday life back then. Now, that sentiment has been passed down through three generations, and the owner hopes that through “Nenshi Ryouri,” they can, like their grandfather, become a source of profound everyday happiness for others.