A 50-year-old ice dessert shop in Tainan: Enjoy a bowl of shaved ice for just NT$15

▲ The classic taste of traditional ice desserts.

Reported and photographed by Reporter You... / Tainan

When visiting Tainan’s Baihe District, it’s hard not to make a special stop at this corner shaved ice shop that has been in business for 50 years. Using mostly local ingredients as the main components and clear ice as the base, a bowl of clear shaved ice costs as little as NT$15. Its affordable and refreshing taste attracts many travelers who come here especially.


▲ % The store opens early every day, starting business in the morning.


“Yuxue Ice Branch Shop” is located in the small town of Zhumen in Baihe. When our reporter visited around 11 a.m. on a summer morning—right during lunchtime—there were only a few people scattered outside enjoying their ice. Eating ice has always been a beloved summer tradition in Taiwan, but most ice shops open in the afternoon. It’s rare to find one that opens as early as 7 a.m. and sells ice for breakfast. This shows the character of this old-fashioned traditional shop.

The 50-year-old “Yuxue Ice Branch Shop” features signature lotus seed ice and taro ice, all made from local produce. Shop owner Guo Yingfeng says that the lotus seed season runs from May to October each year, making it available only during that period. The oval-shaped lotus seeds can be eaten after boiling for just 10 minutes. After being processed by the shop, the lotus seeds give off a sweet honey aroma, melting in your mouth with just one bite. Paired with simple clear ice, it’s quite refreshing.


▲ % The dish also emphasizes simplicity.



▲ Lotus seed ice topped with red bean paste.

The taro ice doesn’t go the route of pouring large amounts of mashed taro over the ice either. Instead, pieces of stewed taro are spread out over the clear ice. The ice is based on an old-fashioned banana syrup, creating a sweet and cool taste. For those who find just ice and toppings a bit plain, you can also ask the shop to add condensed milk, red beans, or pudding. Each flavor is homemade. A small bowl starts at NT$15 for clear ice, NT$25 for taro ice, and NT$35 for lotus seed ice. For those who love ice desserts, you’d be hard-pressed to find such honest pricing and quality all across Taiwan.

% You can also pair it with other local specialties.


Address: No. 114-1, Zhumen, Baihe District, Tainan City
Phone: 06 685 3388
Business hours: 07:30–20:30