Chengdu Star Fruit Ice

Review

Chengdu Star Fruit Ice stands on Section 1 of Zhonghua Road in Ximending, and its sign reads 1966, making it one of the area's longest-running ice shops. Supertaste describes it as a childhood memory for many Taipei residents, and a Vocus writer says it has kept its classic flavours for over half a century. The shop has moved and been renovated, but the owners still make everything by hand and skip fancy toppings, giving it real character among the trendy tea stands.

The star is pickled star fruit, with pineapple and salted plum flavours as well. The star fruit ice is fresh and lightly sour; the pineapple ice uses Taiwanese golden pineapple and is sweet and rich; the mixed ice combines both for a balance of sweet and sour, and the salted plum ice is tangy and savoury. The shaved ice is fine-textured, and the shop says it uses fresh fruit without artificial flavouring or colouring. You can also order star fruit or pineapple juice, which is sweet with a salty edge; some liken it to a faint plum taste, very thirst-quenching.

Positive reviews say it is especially refreshing on hot days, the flavour is unique, prices are lower than typical bubble tea, and staff use basic English to help foreign visitors confirm their order. Negative reviews note that the distinctive salty-sour taste of star fruit is not for everyone and first-timers may find it like fruit vinegar. Some long-time customers say the cups are smaller than before and the renovation has taken away some old-shop atmosphere.

Sources disagree on hours: online listings show 1:30 to 10:30 p.m. daily, while a report says Thursday to Sunday from midday to 7 p.m., so check before going. Vocus lists the star fruit, pineapple and mixed ice at NT$50 each, with extra star fruit syrup for NT$30; prices for pineapple syrup vary between sources. The shop is mainly takeaway and is also on delivery apps. It is a short walk from MRT Ximen Station.

It suits anyone who wants to try an old-style Taiwanese cold drink or needs a thirst-quencher while exploring Ximending. First-timers should order the mixed ice to taste both star fruit and pineapple; those wary of sourness can start with pineapple, while fans of salty-sour flavours can try salted plum ice or star fruit juice. Queues grow on hot days, and it is easiest to sip as you walk. Cups are small, so two people can order different flavours and swap.