Youjian Ice Shop Yujing

Review

Yujing is where Taiwan's Irwin mango industry began, and the stretch of Zhongzheng Road here is known as mango ice street. Youjian Ice Shop sits on a corner across from the Yujing Farmers' Association, has been open for more than 30 years and has appeared on several TV food shows. Customers' signatures cover the walls and ceiling, and in summer both indoor floors and the outdoor seating are often full.

The signature Mango Wushuang is an ice block made from natural mango juice without flavoring, topped with fresh Irwin mango, sweet-sour pickled green mango and mango ice cream. The mango snow ice uses a fluffier snow-ice base. A 2022 report listed both at NT$140 for a small bowl, with large, extra-large and family sizes too. The seasonal candied mango ice uses honey-soaked smoked dried mango that is chewy and distinctly fragrant.

Most reviewers praise the generous mango and the rich fruit flavor of the ice block, and there is a big jar of condensed milk on the table to add yourself. Others find the portions too large and too sweet, and the mango ice cream ordinary. Out of season the mango's sweetness can vary, so opinions range from amazed to merely decent.

Hours are about 10 am to 7 pm; older information said 9 am, so check before you go. In summer it is full almost every day, especially on weekends. Parking out front is difficult, and bloggers suggest the free lot at the nearby Yujing Farmers' Association, then walking over. There is another location on the same street; ask staff when it is busy.

It suits anyone making a trip to Yujing for mango ice, ideally during the June to August Irwin season. Two or three people can share a large bowl. First-timers should try the Mango Wushuang; go light on condensed milk if you dislike sweetness, and try the candied mango ice for something different.