A new must-visit spot in Kenting with dreamy ocean views — a driftwood-themed restaurant!

▲ Opened for less than two years, Hollecup Ice has become a new hot spot for photos in Kenting, thanks to its unique driftwood art installations and stunning seaside views. (Photo /Hollecup Iceprovided, same below)

Reported by Wei Jinyun / Interview & Writing

On the route from Pingtung to Kenting, if you look closely, you can’t help but notice “Hollecup Ice,” a relaxed, resort-style café nestled near the Fanzai Bridge. Its architecture, rich in driftwood art installations and overlooking a vast beach, has made it one of Kenting’s newest photo hotspots.

▲ The owners used driftwood collected from the seashore to create their ideal vacation retreat without flashy décor, slowly building it up next to a simple seaside village.

What started as a dream vacation spot by four friends unexpectedly gained attention during construction. The bright lights at night turned the site into a bright spot in the otherwise fading seaside village, catching the eye of passersby who stopped to explore, gradually drawing crowds and transforming it into a café.

The owner’s wife shared that it was an elementary school classmate who brought friends from Taichung for a southern trip. They found that Kenting, due to overdevelopment, lacked a simple, relaxing vibe. Falling in love with the scenery here, they discussed with the landlady, Madam Zhuang, who agreed to let them use the space free of charge to build their dream spot. What they didn’t expect was that what began as a private relaxation base turned into a café — something they never saw coming.

As more visitors came to Hollecup Ice, the team began offering drinks and light meals. Notably, all the food served is made from natural ingredients, free from chemicals. The owners stated, “We make food we’d eat ourselves, and want our guests to feel safe eating it too.” This commitment is central to Hollecup Ice’s philosophy.

▲ True to their care for guests’ health, Hollecup Ice insists on using genuine, natural ingredients for all food and beverages.

One of the café’s most popular menu items is the “mango shaved ice,” made from mangoes grown by the owner himself in the mountains. Aside from their homemade mango ice, the café also recommends the “cocoa shaved ice,” which is especially favored by foreign guests. Hollecup Ice’s cocoa ice is made directly from cocoa bean seeds — the seeds are extracted from purchased cocoa beans and blended into juice, unlike most places that simply use cocoa powder. This dedication results in a flavor so authentic that visitors from China, Hong Kong, and even France have been amazed, marveling at how rich and real the cocoa taste is.

▲ A small, unassuming “Le” (樂, meaning joy) sign sits by the road — the café maintains its low-key style.

Since opening on August 16, 2014, it took almost two years for Hollecup Ice to gain attention, and the sign wasn’t put up until last year. Now that it’s somewhat well-known, the sign isn’t even really necessary — most customers come through word-of-mouth, and some even stop after seeing the parking lot full of cars. Hollecup Ice hopes to stabilize the business soon, continue refining their drinks and meals, and bring happiness to guests through this wonderful place and quality offerings.

Hollecup Ice
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Address: No. 29, Section 3, Zhongshan Road, Fangshan Village, Fangshan Township, Pingtung County (on Ping’e Highway, heading toward Kenting)
Phone: 08-876-1082
Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM