Japanese-style shaved ice: delicious and photogenic – six trendy ice shops across Taiwan

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team, compiled and reported

Japanese and Thai ice shops from abroad have been setting up in Taiwan, offering diners more diverse choices. In addition to traditional-style ice shops, in recent years, more and more ice shops have embraced a trendy, artsy vibe. The textured shaved ice, drizzled with sauces, creates a highly healing visual experience, allowing you to enjoy delicious flavors while taking photos for social media.

1. Tamsui Asahi Couple
Located by the Tamsui River, Asahi Couple’s ice shop offers stunning riverside views paired with Japanese-style shaved ice, giving customers the illusion of stepping into an Okinawan store. The shop has both indoor and outdoor bar counter areas, but visitors love sitting outside, enjoying the artsy Japanese shaved ice while watching the Tamsui sunset.
 
Address: No. 233-3, Zhongzheng Road, Tamsui District, New Taipei City
Business hours: 12:00 - 20:00

2. Cheevit Cheeva Thai Snow Ice
The authentic and creative ice brand Cheevit Cheeva, originating from Chiang Mai, Thailand, has opened its first overseas branch in Taiwan. With simple and bright interior tones and a garden-style dining environment, it makes you feel like you’re in Thailand. The shop’s signature snow ice is made with fresh milk as the base, then topped with condensed milk and various other sauces, resulting in a rich and smooth texture.
 
Address: No. 23, Lane 240, Guangfu South Road, Da’an District, Taipei City
Business hours: 11:00 – 21:00

3. Kyushu Pure Ice Oishii Kōri-ya
The super-popular Japanese shaved ice shop Oishii Kōri-ya from Kyushu has opened its first overseas branch near Taipei’s Zhongshan Station. It airfreights multiple types of ice products sold locally in Japan and even uses water imported from Japan to create a cloud-like, fluffy, and smooth texture.
 
Address: No. 20, Lane 18, Nanjing West Road, Datong District, Taipei City
Business hours: 12:00 - 19:00 (Closed on Mondays)

4. I Want to Eat Ice
I Want to Eat Ice not only features a very Japanese-style storefront, but also focuses on Japanese-style low-sugar ice desserts and handmade treats. The Uji Kinako shaved ice and the outrageously Instagrammable “White Mountain Blaze Ice” are especially popular. The shop also offers healthy Japanese-style vegetarian meals.
 
Address: No. 80, Wenzhou Street, Da’an District, Taipei City
Business hours: 12:00 - 22:00