Retro-style shaved ice from veterans' village in Pingtung – 70-year-old granny pushes her cart selling “tapioca balls ice”

Text and photos by /Shadow

Friends living in Liukuocuo all know about the granny in the veterans’ village who wheels her cart around, ringing a handbell to sell old-fashioned ice treats. Over seventy years of age, she’s been selling ice for more than forty years. In the early days, she sold wherever she went, and locals would know she was coming when they heard the jingling bell. With the upcoming demolition of the veterans’ village and relocation of residents, the well-known Axiu Snack Bar moved to operate across from Liukuocuo Train Station, and the granny also pushed her cart here to sell her treats.

There’s actually an untold, heart-wrenching story behind why this elderly granny still goes out to work. Her husband suffers from dementia and needs her care. Plus, she doesn’t live with her children, so she has to make a living on her own by working hard to earn money. The local residents all support her – when they see her out selling, they definitely come to show their support.

The granny sells classic old-style iced drinks such as tapioca balls ice, mung bean ice, grass jelly ice, and mountain tapioca ice. Her only tools of trade are all on this small pushcart. Every day, she wheels the cart to the station to do business. Many people can’t bear to see her working under the sun at her age, so they come to support her and introduce her to their friends, hoping that through word-of-mouth, she can finish selling earlier and go rest.

It’s quite rare to see pushcart-style old-fashioned drinks these days – the drinks don’t come in different sizes, just this standard cup size.

Tapioca Balls Ice – NT$30

With the hot weather in Pingtung, drinking a cool beverage is truly refreshing. The granny’s ice drinks are made with no shortcuts – the sweetness is a bit high for my taste, but that’s how old-style flavors were – people used to prefer sweeter food.

Mung Bean Ice – NT$30

Crushed ice mixed with mung beans – this flavor is a nostalgic treat for many from their childhood.

The granny hasn’t been defeated by life’s hardships, but works diligently every day. All we can do is support her as much as possible. Next time you’re in Liukuocuo having Axiu Beef Noodles, remember to stop by and support the granny by buying a cup of her retro-style tapioca balls ice.

Retro-style granny ice treats from the veterans’ village in front of Liukuocuo Train Station

Address: No. 388-2, Guangfu Rd., Pingtung City (in front of Liukuocuo Train Station)

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