Zheng Lao Li Taipei Bubble Ice

Review

Zheng Lao Li Taipei Bubble Ice is on Minquan Road by Pingtung Night Market. Supertaste says the owner has been making bubble ice here for more than 35 years using a recipe from Taipei, hence the name. Several roundups of Pingtung night-market and late-night food list it as a must-try ice, and a blogger calls it a pocket-change local favourite.

Bubble ice is made by whipping shaved ice and toppings together until it turns into a fine, foamy texture that melts on the tongue. Peanut is the best seller, described by diners as rich and smooth; other flavours include Wandan red bean, pineapple, mulberry and lima bean, and Supertaste notes the toppings are cooked for six to seven hours. You can mix two flavours. Fruit ice and ice pops are also on offer, so there is plenty of choice in summer.

Fans praise the strong peanut flavour, sweetness that does not cloy and fair prices, and the air-conditioned seating is a welcome break during a night-market walk. Critics say the flavour is ordinary or the portion small, and some note that bubble ice melts quickly so you need to eat fast. None of the sources give exact prices; a blogger only calls it pocket-change cheap.

Google lists daily hours of 11:00 to 22:30, while some reports give 23:00 as closing or 11:30 as opening, so sources differ and it is worth checking first. Drivers should use a paid car park on the edge of the market; a scooter is easier. When the night market is busy the shop often fills up too.

It suits anyone wanting a cold treat after the night market or travellers curious about traditional Taiwanese bubble ice. Start with peanut, add pineapple or mulberry if you like fruitiness, and if sharing, order a second flavour to compare. Eat it quickly while the texture is still fluffy.