Yuandong Bubble Ice

Review

Yuandong Bubble Ice sits on Ren 3rd Road at the far end of Keelung's Miaokou Night Market. It was founded in 1955 in what was then the Far East shopping district, and NOWnews reports that it claims to be Taiwan's first bubble ice shop. Bubble ice is Keelung's signature frozen dessert, made by continuously whipping shaved ice with toppings until it becomes fine and fluffy, somewhere between a slush and ice cream; a cup after a Miaokou crawl is almost a ritual.

There are about nine flavours, with peanut and red bean and egg and milk the most recommended, melting in the mouth with a rich aroma. Fruit flavours skip jam in favour of fresh Taiwanese produce such as Jiaxian taro, Dahu strawberries and passion fruit, so you taste the natural fruit. Every flavour costs the same: NOWnews lists NT$60 a cup while GoFunIt lists NT$50, so sources differ and you should check on site. Takeaway buyers get one free cup for every ten.

Praise centres on the fine, fluffy ice that melts instantly, the classic peanut and egg-milk flavours, the bonus of fresh fruit and the nostalgic atmosphere; staff scoop quickly and generously. The main complaint is that it's too sweet and not refreshing enough for some, and on weekends and holidays the shop is crowded inside and out, making seats hard to find.

Hours are roughly 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Dine-in is self-service for clearing up, with bins and a sink provided; bulk orders can be delivered, and frozen takeaway cups are available. Weekend evenings are busiest, while weekday afternoons are easier for seating. Parking around Miaokou is hard, so take the train to Keelung Station and walk.

It suits anyone wanting a sweet frozen finish after Miaokou snacks and visitors keen to try Keelung's local ice culture. First-timers should try peanut with red bean or egg with milk; fruit lovers can pick taro or passion fruit, and those wary of sweetness can share a cup.