Ninao Soft Serve (Zhengxing Street)

Review

Ninao was started by Li Yu, a former furniture salesman, together with his sister and a friend, each putting in money. Planning began in 2012 and the shop opened on Zhengxing Street soon after; sources differ on the exact opening year. The street was quiet back then, and the near hour-long queues at this soft-serve-only shop were seen by the media as the spark for its revival; the fruit shop across the road, Tai Cheng, even began making ices with Li's help. The brand later opened Ninao Gelato in Anping and in 2016 placed second in East Asia at a gelato competition in Tokyo.

The shop sells only soft serve, two flavors a day, announced that morning. Matcha, strawberry, tieguanyin and honey-scented black tea appear often, with seasonal options such as pistachio, sea-salt caramel and citrus. Reports say it uses real milk and fruit with no artificial flavorings, giving a dense, creamy texture, and whole batches that fall short are thrown out. A 2016 report put a cone at NT$70; prices shared by visitors in recent years are clearly higher, so check on the day.

Praise focuses on memorable flavors, consistently good tea and nut options, and the fun of something new each day; pistachio fans are especially devoted. Criticism falls into a few camps: some bold experimental flavors such as sea-salt lemon do not suit everyone, the price feels high for a soft serve, and some visitors say staff were curt at the counter, leaving the impression that the fame outweighs the reality.

Hours are roughly 11:00 to 20:00, and map listings show it may close early at 17:30 on Thursdays; check official announcements for temporary changes, and look up the day's flavors if you are after a particular one. When it is busy you take a number and wait to be called. There is little seating, so most people eat as they stroll Zhengxing Street. Weekend parking around Zhengxing and Guohua streets is difficult, so walk in. Sources do not mention payment methods.

It suits curious eaters and anyone who wants to soak up Zhengxing Street's indie vibe, and works well as dessert after snacking around the West Market. Ordering is simple: choose one of the two flavors or get both. First-timers can pick a tea or pistachio flavor, which reviewers rate consistently, while those wary of sour or very salty notes should skip the experimental ones. After taking a number, browse the nearby shops and return before your call.