Si Ji Chun Sweet Shop

Review

Si Ji Chun Sweet Shop is at 108 Guangfu Road in Central District, near Guangfu Elementary, Taichung Park and the Second Market, its stall tucked into an arcade corner beneath an old banyan tree. Media often describe it as a century old: it began as a pushcart, has stayed on the same spot for decades, and old newspaper clippings are pasted on its shutter. It is frequently listed among Taichung's oldest ice shops, though sources disagree on whether it is in its second or third generation, and the century claim comes mainly from press accounts.

Everything costs the same, about NT$60 in recent years; a 2022 post listed NT$50, so prices have risen. Choices include four-herb ice, four-fruit ice, three-topping ice, roasted-flour ice and red bean milk ice, and any can be served as a warm sweet soup; toppings are fixed. The four-herb ice has nothing to do with the pork soup of the same name: it combines malva nut, lily bulb, Job's tears, agar and mung beans for a crisp, slightly gelatinous, refreshing bowl. The four-fruit ice has red beans, pineapple, agar and rice balls cooked to order; the rice balls are chewy and the beans soft but intact. The clear syrup tastes of rock sugar and runs sweet.

Most people recommend the four-herb ice as hard to find elsewhere, and some love the owner's unhurried pace and the old school desks and stools. Other voices note the pineapple is pickled or canned rather than fresh, the ice melts fast, and the syrup is too sweet for some.

It opens around 1 p.m.; closing is listed as 8 p.m. or whenever it sells out, and it closes on Mondays. Sources differ, so check first. Seating is old desks and stools, first come first served. Street parking in the old town is tricky, but there is a multistory car park nearby.

Perfect for a traditional bowl after the Second Market or Taichung Park. First-timers should try the four-herb ice; on a cold day, order it as four-herb soup at the same price.