Tainan’s Guohua Street is an ice dessert battleground! From the century-olds to the newcomers, vendors fiercely compete for loyal customers—even in winter.
Adzuki and mung beans, a few scoops of velvety taro, and an assortment of toppings—all served over a mound of finely shaved ice. Even in winter, dedicated connoisseurs are willing to sit down and savor a bowl of this traditional frozen delight.
Tainan’s Guohua (國華) Street and its surrounding alleys are home to at least ten ice dessert shops. Among them is Jiang Shui Hao (江水號), a century-old establishment founded in the 1930s. Known for its Eight-Treasure Ice and sweet adzuki bean soup, the shop has stood the test of time, securing a loyal following in this fiercely competitive food district with its high-quality ingredients and authentic flavors.
Meanwhile, AIC —short for Artisan Ice Cream— is a newcomer with just over a year in business. It has carved out its own niche by blending Italian gelato with local Taiwanese tea flavors. Their handcrafted gelato, topped with crushed pistachios or a hint of hazelnut, highlights a commitment to pure, high-quality ingredients and a fusion of Italian craftsmanship with Taiwanese influences.
Guohua Street is undeniably a battleground for ice dessert vendors, where businesses compete fiercely to get ahead in this cold war.
Joey Chou for RTI News