Must-Try Shaved Ice in Taiwan! A Guide to Different Types (Like Xue Hua Bing), Their Features, and Famous Local Shops
What is Taiwanese shaved ice, a classic Taiwanese dessert?
One of the must-try culinary delights on any trip to Taiwan is "Taiwanese shaved ice."
In this column,Types, Names, Popular Toppings, and Famous Local ShopsIn this article, we’ll give you the full scoop on the appeal of Taiwanese shaved ice.
Whether you're visiting Taiwan for the first time or returning for another trip, be sure to check this out!
◆ For those who want to learn about the differences in Taiwanese shaved ice
◆ For those looking for famous shaved ice shops to visit in Taipei
◆ For those who want to know when mango shaved ice is in season
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A List of Taiwanese Shaved Ice Varieties and Names
There are several types of Taiwanese shaved ice, andThey each have a different texture and appearance。
If you familiarize yourself with their names and characteristics before your trip, choosing from the menu while you're there will be much more fun.
Shuohuabing
Even among Taiwanese shaved ice...Particularly popularThat is "Snowflake Ice."
Since milk, soy milk, and other beverages are frozen and then shaved into thin shavings,As fluffy as snowIt is characterized by its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The melt-in-your-mouth texture is something you’ll never forget once you try it.
Desserts topped with plenty of fruits like mangoes and strawberries are gaining popularity on social media.
Shaved Ice
Shaved ice is a TaiwaneseTraditional Shaved IceIt’s known for its coarse ice.
It has a crunchy texture and contains ingredients such as red beans, mung beans, and tapiocaA style where you eat it loaded with toppingsis the norm.
You can easily enjoy them at food stalls and night markets, and they’re reasonably priced.
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Enjoy at night!
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Cotton Flower Ice (Mianhua Bing)
"Cotton Candy Ice," as the name suggests,As soft as cottonThis shaved ice offers a unique texture.
It resembles shaved ice, but is characterized by a lighter, airier texture.
It has a rich flavor and comes in flavors such as milk, matcha, and brown sugarA wide variety of flavorsare available.
It looks substantial and is very filling.
Eight-Treasure Shaved Ice (Bābǎo Bīng)
"Happo-gori" is,More than 8 types of ingredientsThis is a shaved ice dessert topped with plenty of ingredients.
Taro balls, grass jelly, agar jelly, red beans, mung beans, tapioca, peanuts, etc.,Enjoy a variety of toppings all at onceThat's the appeal.
"Happo" means "many treasures," and with every bite, you can enjoy a variety of textures and flavors.
Taro Ball Shaved Ice
"Taro Ball Shaved Ice" is made from taro and purple sweet potatoes, among other ingredientsChewy "Taro Balls"This is shaved ice topped with plenty of [ingredient].
Taro balls areA dessert originating in JiufenIt is famous for this, and its colorful appearance is one of the reasons for its popularity.
The chewy texture and subtle sweet flavor of the sweet potato pair perfectly with the shaved ice. If you visit Jiufen, this is a must-try treat.
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Taiwanese Shaved Ice
A Roundup of Classic Toppings and Ingredients
One of the joys of Taiwanese shaved ice is,A wide selection of toppingsIt is.
Many of the ingredients are not commonly found in Japan, so depending on how you combine them, you can create your very own unique cup.
Taro Balls
Taro balls are made by kneading taro, purple sweet potatoes, sweet potatoes, and other ingredients into the dough,Taiwan's signature dumplingsIt is.
A chewy, springy textureOne of its key features is that it can be enjoyed both hot and cold. It’s also colorful, making it a great visual accent.
Herbal Jelly
Herbal jelly is a jelly-like food made from plants in the mint family,A distinctive bittersweet flavorIt is characterized by a clean, refreshing aftertaste.
It is black and resembles agar-agar in appearance, and is often used in Taiwanese sweets.
When added to shaved ice, it balances well with the sweet syrup and gives the whole dish a refreshing finish.
Aiyu (Ogyochi)
Aiyu is made from the seeds of a plant in the fig family,Taiwanese-style jellyIt is.
It has a pale orange color and a delightfully soft, jiggly texture.
It’s a classic to enjoy it with lemon juice for a refreshing taste, and when drizzled over shaved ice, its fruity tartness adds a nice touch.
Assorted Fresh Fruits
Fresh fruit is an essential topping for Taiwanese shaved ice.
In particularMangoes from Taiwan have an exceptional sweetness and aromaIn fact, so many tourists come here just for the mango shaved ice.
The combination of juicy fruit and fluffy shaved ice is perfect for hot days in Taiwan.
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5 Famous Taiwanese Shaved Ice Shops
There are countless shaved ice shops in Taipei, but among them...The 5 Most Popular RestaurantsLet me introduce you to...
Each place has its own unique charm, so why not explore them all and enjoy a culinary tour of the spots that catch your eye!
Binzan
"Hōsan" is a shaved ice shop that is particularly well-known among Japanese travelers.
Every year from mid-April to the end of OctoberOpen for a limited timeand "Mango Shaved Ice" is our signature dish.
It’s a popular spot where you’re bound to see a line, but the turnover is quick, so you can often get a seat sooner than you’d expect.
Access: 10 minutes from Taipei Station by train.
Longing for the Past (Smoothie)
"Si Mu Xi," located in the Yongkang Street area, isA Generous Serving of Mango Shaved IceA popular restaurant known for...
A Japanese menu is also available, so even if it’s your first trip to Taiwan, you can order with confidence.
Access: 10 minutes from Taipei Station by train.
Douhua-so ((Dou Hua Juan)
Located near the Ningxia Night Market, "Douhua Zhuang" serves set soy milkDouhuaThis is a shop where you can enjoy traditional Taiwanese sweets topped with [ingredient].
A light, gentle sweetnessPlus, it goes perfectly with toppings like red beans, mochi balls, and mung beans.
With short lines and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to stop by while enjoying the night market’s street food.
◆Directions: About a 15-minute train ride from Taipei Station
Shin Fātin
At "Xin Fa Ting," located near the Shilin Night Market,A wide variety of toppingsIn addition, there are flavors such as matcha and coffee,Flavored Shaved IceYou can enjoy the
It stays open late into the night, and its casual atmosphere—making it easy to pop in while exploring the night market—is another reason for its popularity.
Access: 20 minutes from Taipei Station by train.
Jinjimu Yongkang Branch
The "Golden Hen" Yongkang branch stands apart from traditional shaved iceCreative Shaved IceIt's a unique shop where you can enjoy...
"Flambéed shaved ice," which is finished right before your eyes using a gas burner, has become a major talking point, thanks in part to the visual spectacle.
It's located in the Yongkang Street area, so we recommend stopping by while strolling through the streets lined with trendy cafes.
◆Directions: About a 15-minute train ride from Taipei Station
Things to Keep in Mind When Eating Taiwanese Shaved Ice・
Things to Do While You're There
Things to keep in mind to fully enjoy Taiwanese shaved ice,Local HighlightsThe following is a summary of the
If you keep this in mind beforehand, you'll have a much smoother time.
Is it hygienic?
While most shaved ice shops in Taiwan generally maintain high standards of hygiene, at street stalls and night markets,Be a little careful when choosing a restaurantis required.
Popular restaurants with long lines tend to have a fast turnover and serve fresh food, so you can eat there with confidence.
How do I place an order? Do they speak Japanese?
At popular restaurants in tourist areas,Japanese MenuSome places may have these items available, or staff who speak Japanese.
If you're unsure about the language, please check the menuIn most cases, you can place an order just by pointing at a photoSo, there’s no need to worry too much.
Many shops let you choose your toppings by pointing at the ingredients in the glass display case, and being able to pick them intuitively is part of the fun of Taiwanese shaved ice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taiwanese Shaved Ice
(FAQ)
Xuehua Bing (雪花氷) is a type of shaved ice made by freezing milk or soy milk and then shaving it into thin, fluffy flakes; it’s known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture. On the other hand, Caobing (剉冰) is a traditional style that uses coarsely shaved ice made from frozen water, offering a crunchy texture. Cao Bing is often more affordable and can be easily enjoyed at night markets and street stalls.
The peak season for Taiwanese mangoes runs mainly from mid-April to late October, and during this time you can enjoy shaved ice made with fresh mangoes. There are also seasonal pop-up shops, such as Bingzan, that are only open during the harvest season. The peak of the season is June and July, which is the best time to enjoy the juiciest and sweetest mango shaved ice.
At popular restaurants in tourist-heavy areas like Yongkang Street and the Shilin Night Market, you’ll often find places that offer Japanese menus or have staff who can speak Japanese. If you’re worried about the language barrier, most restaurants let you order simply by pointing at photos on the menu. Many places also let you choose toppings by pointing at ingredients in glass display cases, so you can enjoy your meal without feeling any language barrier.
summary
Taiwanese shaved ice comes in a wide variety of flavors, toppings, and shops, so there’s always something new to discover no matter how many times you visit.A World of Fine Dining。
The fluffy texture and wide variety of toppings are,A unique experience you can only have on-siteIt is.
Why not visit the famous shops we’ve introduced here and see if you can find your own personal favorite?
Why not treat yourself to a tour of shaved ice shops as a memorable part of your trip to Taiwan?
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