5Miyahara
Central Dist. · Desserts & shaved ice
He Xing Ice Parlor
Long-standingLocal favorite
VerdictA vintage ice parlour on Jingliao Old Street; banana ice is the classic
An old-fashioned ice parlour on Jingliao Old Street in Houbi, right across from Uncle Kunbin's house. Its signature banana shaved ice and four-fruit ice come from a vintage ice shaver, the nostalgic shopfront and price board are photogenic, and in recent years it mostly opens at weekends.
Review
He Xing Ice Parlor stands on Jingliao Old Street in Houbi, directly opposite the home of Uncle Kunbin, star of the documentary 'Let It Be'. It is the ice shop most often mentioned on a Jingliao stroll. The Tainan tourism food map lists it as Jingliao's four-fruit ice representative, another Tainan feature on old markets and ice shops includes this banana ice parlour at No. 46 Jingliao Village, and UDN's guide to nostalgic outings for seniors likewise names it as the old street's traditional ice shop.
The signatures are banana shaved ice and four-fruit ice. The banana version uses an old-style shaver for fine ice drizzled with banana-scented syrup, light and refreshing; diners also like the 'moon-viewing' milk ice, a raw egg yolk set on white milk ice with red beans, sweet with a slight savoury note. Inside, the terrazzo floor, old tables and chairs and a price board bearing a soda brand logo make it feel like stepping into a country ice shop from another era.
Fans praise the nostalgic atmosphere, the banana aroma and gentle prices, plus the story of the old street and the documentary, making it great for photos and for bringing older relatives down memory lane. Critics find the flavours simple and mostly sweet, with little egg taste; some say the black tea flavour is skippable; and many complain that opening days are unpredictable, so they made the trip only to find it closed.
No source gives clear opening hours. Online maps show that in recent years it mostly opens on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and diners mention it pauses in winter and reopens in spring, so be sure to check before going. The shop is midway along the old street, with parking near Jingliao Old Street; park and walk, combining it with the Jin De Xing herbal shop and Jingliao Catholic Church.
It suits anyone strolling Jingliao Old Street who wants a taste of rural nostalgia, and those bringing elders or children to share childhood treats. First-timers can order a banana shaved ice or four-fruit ice, and the adventurous can try the moon-viewing milk ice; prices follow the board in the shop, around NT$40 to 80 per person.
Why go
- Banana shaved ice and four-fruit ice are the classics
- The moon-viewing milk ice has a raw yolk; try it if adventurous
- Mostly weekends only in recent years; confirm first
- May pause in winter and reopen in spring
- Right across from Uncle Kunbin's house, near other sights
- Prices follow the board in the shop
What people say
Liked
- A strong old-shop vibe, like a childhood ice parlour
- The banana ice is fragrant and refreshing
- Gentle prices, and the old street's story makes great photos
Complaints
- Opening days are irregular and visitors often find it shut
- Simple, mostly sweet flavours with little egg taste
- The black tea flavour gets poor reviews
Summarized from the common views of bloggers, media and diners; not direct quotes.
Location
台南市後壁區菁寮里46號Directions ↗
Sources
This page is compiled from the articles below and rewritten in our own words. Hours and prices change, so check before you go.
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