Yilan Low-Fat Handmade Ice Cream – Rich Flavor with a Taste of Fresh Fruit!

Text & Photos bySan Gao Eats Han

It’s been a year and a half since my last visit to Yilan. With daytime temperatures in September and October still often exceeding 30°C this year, a trip out was just the excuse I needed to find some cool treats. Xiaolin Ice Hall has only been open for a little over half a year and is located right next to the Luye Forest. It's the perfect spot to relax after exploring the nearby sights.

The interior gives off a mostly take-away vibe — the space is small, with just one large communal table and very few seats. The shop specializes in low-fat handmade ice cream and gelato, and the fresh fruit flavors caught my eye. I’ve always liked this kind of simple but honest style, but of course you have to try it to know for sure.

J, who doesn’t usually eat sweets, took a rare glance at the dessert counter and ordered an Apple Raspberry Mousse (NT$80). It looked nice, but the taste was just okay. The ice cream options, however, were excellent. The gelato features two different flavors each day. I went for the Strawberry Kiwi Gelato (NT$80), and the owner kindly gave me a little taste of the yellow-red-hearted guava flavor first. In the middle was the Kyoho Grape Gelato (NT$75). There are more flavor options available in the boxed ice creams.

The combination of strawberry and kiwi reminded me of some smoothie flavors from abroad, but this gelato had no real “milky” texture. The sweet-tart aromas of the two fruits played off each other, creating a refreshing and enjoyable taste. Actually, I preferred the light pink guava flavor—it had a richer taste than I expected, and that little taste wasn’t nearly enough!

The ice cream also lacked that thick, creamy texture, being instead very fine but not slushy. The pale purple Kyoho grape flavor was just okay at first bite or two, but the more I ate, the more I loved it. At first, you get the flavor of the grape skin, which then gives way to a smooth, sweet taste—you’ll end up scooping the whole thing without even realizing it.

Xiaolin Ice Hall
Address: No. 13, Section 1, Fuxing Road, Luodong Township, Yilan County
Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed Wednesdays)

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