Artisanal Italian gelato with a hipster vibe: 6 daily flavors to choose from & Taiwan’s only one of its kind

Reported by Hua Shaofu / Taipei

ZEITxLinck, located in Chifeng Street, Datong District, just opened at the end of July. The shop mainly sells Italian gelato and also offers drinks in the evening. The owners emphasize the safety and freshness of ingredients: “We use high-quality, safe ingredients to make our gelato. We don’t use powder or other chemical additives. All processes, equipment, and ingredients are transparent.”

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▲ ZEITxLinck offers six different flavors of Italian gelato every day. (Photo / Reporter Hua Shaofu)

The shop offers six different gelato flavors each day. Unlike others, their gelato display case is opaque—customers can't see the actual colors inside. A staff member explains: “This is actually a traditional Italian display cabinet, designed to block sunlight and air to preserve the most authentic traditional flavor of Italian gelato.” It’s said that very few people in Italy even own this type of case, which is known as “only for those confident and skilled enough to use it.” “We ordered it from Italy, and it took three months to arrive in Taiwan.”

▲ “ZEIT” is actually a German word meaning time or era. (Photo / Reporter Hua Shaofu)

“ZEIT” is a German word meaning time or era. The owner studied in Germany and chose the name out of a sense of “nostalgia.” The shop’s style—both exterior and interior—is perfect for the hipster vibe of the area and is also close to a park, making it ideal for families. Moreover, it’s recommended to enjoy the gelato on the spot. For takeout, customers can call ahead, and the shop will provide cooling packs.

In terms of pricing, the shop offers three types of sets where gelato can be paired with cake, sweet liquor, or sundaes (choose from three bases: cheese, grass jelly, or coffee jelly). Prices range from NT$160 to NT$280. Staff explain: “We’ll recommend suitable pairings, but if customers have their own ideas, we can accommodate them too.” Italian biscotti served with the gelato can be added for just NT$10 more.

▲ The “Doctor Strange” gelato is made with dragon fruit and kiwi. (Photo / Reporter Hua Shaofu)

Doctor Strange
This gelato is made with dragon fruit and kiwi. It’s recommended to pair it with a lemon cake made in collaboration with a Japanese private chef. The lemon cake has a layer of lemon glaze on top and sponge cake underneath, giving it a pound cake texture. If you find it too dry, pair it with gelato—preferably a tangier flavor.

▲ The Ippodo matcha flavor has a rich taste. (Photo / Reporter Hua Shaofu)

Ippodo Matcha
Made with premium Japanese Ippodo matcha, it has a rich flavor. It’s recommended to pair it with homemade cheese made from French fresh cream, which delivers a richer, creamier taste.

▲ Classic milk-flavored gelato paired with coffee, similar to Italy’s Affogato. (Photo / Reporter Hua Shaofu)

Classic Milk Flavor Gelato
This is a classic-style dessert, akin to Italy’s Affogato, often described as “breathtakingly delicious”—the concept of floating coffee. The coffee is blended from four types of beans and made using cold brew techniques. As it tends to be slightly bitter, it’s recommended to pair it with a richer, sweeter gelato. Staff suggest trying a bite of plain gelato, then a sip of plain coffee, and then mixing them together—it creates a unique flavor.

▲ Italian amaretti is the “only one of its kind in Taiwan.” (Photo / Reporter Hua Shaofu)

Italian Amaretti
A type of Italian almond-flavored brittle cookie, typically enjoyed with espresso in Italy. The shop specially selects Spanish sherry wine with a sweet taste. Staff explain: “This wine is made using blending techniques and has honey-like aroma, along with hints of raspberry and chocolate.” During testing, gelato paired with sweet wine not only balanced the alcohol but also created a wonderful flavor. Staff guarantee: “This is currently the only place in Taiwan offering it!”

Special promotion: Until the end of January, show the ETtoday News Cloud app when visiting the store and get a free sweet drink.

ZEITxLinck

Address: 1F, No. 35, Chifeng Street, Datong District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2558-9700
Business Hours: Monday–Friday 16:00–22:00, Saturday–Sunday 13:00–22:00

ETtoday News Cloud is currently running an interview and collaboration event with the shop
Feel free to email ettravel@ettoday.net or send a direct messageto the ETtoday Eats Facebook pagefor inquiries.

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