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September often marks the time when we bid farewell to summer and all its pleasures. While many are embracing the upcoming pumpkin-spiced cozy season, summer in Taiwan has decided to linger a little longer. This extended warmth offers the perfect opportunity to explore Taiwan’s underrated ice cream scene—a refreshing alternative to the island’s famed shaved ice.

Embracing Taiwan’s Lesser-Known Ice Cream Delights

In a country where shaved ice reigns supreme, ice cream often takes a backseat. Shaved ice, with its roots tracing back to the 11th century in Japanese and Chinese cultures, has dominated Taiwan’s frozen dessert landscape. However, Taiwan boasts a unique array of ice cream flavors that deserve the spotlight. From the Michelin-starred creations of MINIMAL in Taichung—the first ice cream parlor to receive a Michelin star—to humble offerings in convenience stores, Taiwan’s ice cream scene is both rich and diverse.

A Brief History of Ice Cream in Taiwan

Ice cream gained popularity in Taiwan shortly after the advent of electric refrigeration. Local companies like I-Mei (義美食品) and Uni-President (統一企業) began to dominate the market, introducing flavors adapted to Taiwanese palates. These flavors might seem intriguingly odd to international visitors but are beloved locally—think red beans, peanuts, and taro.

Must-Try Taiwanese Ice Cream Staples

Red Bean Ice Cream Bars

At your local 7-Eleven, you’ll likely find several red bean-flavored ice cream options:

• I-Mei Red Bean Milk Ice Bar (義美紅豆牛奶冰棒)
  • Description: A classic treat where red beans take center stage. It’s small, affordable, and delivers a pure red bean flavor as it’s meant to be.
  • Packaging: White and light-brown diagonal stripes, making it easy to spot.

• Ruisui Fresh Milk Red Bean Ice Cream (瑞穗鮮乳紅豆雪糕)
  • Description: A milkier version of the classic, produced by one of Taiwan’s biggest milk brands, Ruisui (瑞穗鮮乳). The red bean texture is subtler, offering a smoother taste.
  • Packaging: Predominantly white, reflecting its milky content.

Red Bean with Taro Mochi Ice Cream Bars

• I-Mei Red Bean & Taro Mochi Milk Ice Bar (義美紅豆粉粿牛奶冰棒)
  • Description: Similar packaging to the classic, but with the addition of yellow pearl illustrations representing taro mochi pieces. These mochi bits add an interesting chewy texture.
• Shao Mei Red Bean & Taro Mochi Ice Bar (小美紅豆粉粿)
  • Description: Less creamy, resembling a sorbet. The red bean flavor is strong, and the taro mochi adds a delightful texture.
  • Packaging: Bold red color, making it stand out in the freezer.

Peanut Milk Ice Lolly

• Pecos Peanut Milk Ice Lolly (原味本舖花生牛奶冰棒)
  • Description: Offered by the Uni-President-owned Pecos brand, this ice lolly is part of a line introducing new takes on old favorites. It has a sorbet-like texture, capturing the essence of traditional Taiwanese peanut milk.
  • Packaging: Features images of peanuts and milk, easy to identify.

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Exploring Traditional Ice Cream Parlors in Taiwan

If convenience store offerings leave you wanting more, Taiwan’s old-school ice cream parlors might be the answer. These shops provide homemade versions of classic flavors with richer, creamier textures.

Beimen Fengli Bing (北門鳳李冰)

• Location: An alley near Zhongxiao Dunhua MRT Station, Taipei.
• Highlights:
  • Offers large cups (or buckets) of freshly made peanut, taro, red bean, and salted plum ice cream for just NT$55.
  • The shop is modest, with a small red sign in Chinese. Keep an eye out for the owner’s two cats, who often lounge outside and attract passersby.

National Taiwan University (NTU) Milk Ice Cream

• Location: NTU Staff and Students’ Cooperative convenience store.
• Highlights:
  • Produced by the university’s agriculture department’s dairy farm.
  • Offers a pure milk-flavored ice cream, freshly made without additives.
  • The ultimate choice for those seeking a creamy, authentic milk ice cream experience.

Iconic Taiwanese Ice Cream Treats

Poki Pudding Ice Bar (布丁雪糕)

• Description: A custard-based popsicle topped with caramel, offering a unique texture unlike any other Taiwanese ice cream.
• Nostalgia Factor: A favorite among Taiwanese who grew up in the 1990s and 2000s.

Peanut Ice Cream Roll (花生捲冰淇淋)

• Description: Originating from a vendor in Yilan, this treat replaces the savory filling of a run bing (潤餅) with ice cream. It includes peanut brittle and cilantro, the latter adding a distinctive flavor twist.
• Where to Find: Many night markets across Taiwan. A recommended spot is Ningxia Night Market in central Taipei.

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Conclusion: A Refreshing Adventure Awaits

While shaved ice may overshadow ice cream in Taiwan, the island’s ice cream offerings are rich, varied, and waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re indulging in convenience store classics, exploring traditional parlors, or savoring unique night market treats, Taiwan’s ice cream scene offers something for every palate. So, the next time you’re seeking a cool escape from the lingering summer heat, consider embarking on an ice cream adventure—it’s a journey worth taking.

Read more:

• The Summer of Scoop: Amazing Ice Cream Shops to Try in Taipei
• Taiwanese Kombucha: A Bubbly Sweet and Sour Taste Integrating Local Flavors