The world’s second-best freshly baked ice cream pineapple buns go on sale now — 3 flavors to choose from!

Reported and photographed by Huang Shiyuan / Taipei

The world’s second-best freshly baked ice cream pineapple buns will be available starting at 11 a.m. on August 13th. True to Japanese style, the pineapple buns are freshly baked — the hot bread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, then filled with ice cream (flavors include classic vanilla, matcha, and chocolate) for an extraordinary contrast of hot and cold. Each freshly baked ice cream pineapple bun is priced at NT$120, and pineapple buns alone are also sold, at NT$80 each.

▲ Freshly baked ice cream pineapple bun in classic vanilla ice cream flavor.

Cutting a freshly baked pineapple bun in half and inserting ice cream presents the first challenge: how to prevent the moisture of the ice cream from affecting the texture of the bread. Mitsutaka Mikami, Managing Executive Officer of the world’s second-best freshly baked ice cream pineapple buns, experimented with various types of yeast, flour, and fermentation times before finally discovering the golden ratio for the product. Mikami said that to make the pineapple crust crispier, the dough is hand-applied to the pastry — something a machine can’t replicate.


▲ Freshly baked ice cream pineapple bun in matcha ice cream flavor.

KIYO, the store manager of the world’s second-best freshly baked ice cream pineapple buns, said that to achieve the same taste and texture as in Japan, the pineapple buns use semi-finished dough made in Japan, which is frozen and air-freighted to Taiwan. Then, they are fermented using imported Japanese fermentation machines before being baked in the same type of ovens used in Japan. KIYO explained that the fermentation machines are necessary because Taiwan and Japan have different temperatures and humidity levels, and only machines can control the fermentation process to ensure the same texture as in Japan. As for the ice cream, Meiji brand is used.

KIYO noted that Japan has also agreed to allow the Taiwan store to develop flavors unique to Taiwan in the future. However, the next step will likely be introducing savory fillings already available in Japan, such as mayonnaise cheese and ham salad.


▲ Freshly baked ice cream pineapple bun. The dough is all air-freighted from Japan.

In addition, the shop offers some recommended ways to eat the freshly baked ice cream pineapple buns. First, take a big bite to enjoy the contrast between the hot and cold textures. Second, for those who love ice cream, use the provided straw as a spoon to scoop it out. Third, don’t take the bun out of the paper bag before finishing it to avoid melting ice cream dripping out. Fourth, gather the remaining ice cream at the bottom of the bag and sip it through the straw.

From August 13th to August 21st during the opening period, the first 100 people in line will receive a 50% discount on the ice cream pineapple bun, one coupon per person, limited to two per person.

Address: 1F, No. 22, Songshou Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2345-5222


▲ Takeout-only store.


▲ Pineapple cookies. NT$80 per pack.