A-Zong Taro Ice

Review

A-Zong Taro Ice is on Qingyun Road Section 3 in Toucheng, about a ten-minute walk from Toucheng Station. Mirror Media reported that founder Huang Xi-zong taught himself to make bapu ice in the 1960s, registered the business as Shengmei Frozen Foods in 1973 and renamed it A-Zong Taro Ice two years later, at one point becoming the biggest taro-ice wholesaler north of the Lanyang River. His third son Huang Zhi-an later took over, weathered competition from big brands and the SARS outbreak, and in 2004 turned the family home into a retail shop, which became a popular stop on the coastal highway after the Hsuehshan Tunnel opened.

At first there were only taro, red bean and pineapple, hence the name three-colour ice; peanut, longan and purple rice came later. The signature taro ice has a sticky, slushy texture with bits of taro, and Yam reports that it is made from natural ingredients with no dairy or artificial additives. Each cup holds any three scoops; Mirror Media gave NT$45 for three scoops in 2017, while recent diners say it is now about NT$60, so check on site.

Fans praise the strong taro flavour, nostalgic taste and balanced sweetness, noting that the pineapple and peanut are not too sweet and that prices are fair. Complaints include weekend crowds and queues, very few seats so most people eat standing outside, and some find it too sweet overall, with only syrup left by the end, or the three scoops a little small.

It opens roughly 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; check before you go. The shop is decorated with old pushcarts, ice-making tubs and other vintage items that make good photos. Parking along the main road is difficult and tour buses sometimes stop briefly, so drivers should park in nearby lanes or car parks and walk; train travellers can walk from Toucheng Station.

It suits travellers on the coastal highway or visiting Toucheng Old Street and Wushi Harbour, and it is especially refreshing in summer. First-timers must order taro, with pineapple and peanut for the classic trio; if you dislike sweetness, pair the taro with red bean or longan to balance it.