Xiao Liang Yuan Ice Shop

Review

Xiao Liang Yuan Ice Shop is on Kailan Road in Toucheng, within walking distance of the old street and the station. FUNIT describes it as having no eye-catching sign, looking just like the traditional ice shops people remember, and Supertaste lists it as one of Toucheng's insider old shops. The walls still carry pale-blue painted ice-making pipes, so many visitors feel the old-school atmosphere the moment they walk in.

The signature is eight-treasure milk ice, with red beans, mung beans, kidney beans, corn, sweet potato, barley, pineapple and chewy jelly piled high on the ice. The milk ice is made by mixing whole milk powder and syrup into the shaved ice, so the milky flavour runs through the whole bowl and the texture is finer than ice drizzled with condensed milk. There is also mung bean slush with milk and fresh juice, and the mung beans are cooked to a smooth paste without being too sweet.

Diners most often praise the generous, honest toppings, the soft mung and red beans, and the retro interior that is great for photos, saying it is atmospheric to eat ice here on a rainy afternoon; some found corn on shaved ice a fun surprise. Complaints include plain ice at the bottom with little flavour, a wish for brown sugar syrup, and seasonal opening, so you may find it closed in winter.

Sources disagree on opening information: Supertaste says it opens each year from the week of the Qingming Festival, 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. in summer; FUNIT gives 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and calls it a summer-only treat; and the online map listing shows weekday closing around 8 to 8:30 p.m. and weekends until 5 p.m. Be sure to phone before you go, and check prices on site.

It suits anyone exploring Toucheng Old Street in summer who wants a bowl of old-fashioned shaved ice, and travellers who love heritage shops. First-timers should order the eight-treasure milk ice, which is about right for two to share. Mung bean fans can choose the mung bean slush with milk instead. Mix the toppings and milk ice together before eating so every bite tastes even.