Taipei loves a healthy dose of nostalgia. Particularly when it comes to shops and cafes. Some places go all in on the nostalgia, to the point where even those of us who carry no memories of the times forgone still fell a sense of familiar comfort. Showa Ice is one of these places. Or rather, two of these places, with an ice cream location off Dihua Street and another ice shop in Da An. Both are decked out in antique furniture and retro memorabilia, evoking Taiwan’s Japanese past. Stepping in transports you to a different world, a portal the Showa period.

The cafe specializes in ice desserts. Soft serves and shaved ice and perfectly custardy flan with not-too-sweet black sugar syrup. Everything about Showa Ice Cream exudes comfort, from the delightful treats to the vintage toys surrounding you. The space is intimate, decorated from floor to ceiling, meticulously, like a set that you can walk into. Dark woods and glass lanterns create a cozy ambience where simple indulgences feel remarkably special. The Da Tong location specializes in soft serve and coffee, while the Da An location does shaved ice, bar snacks, cocktails and plum wine. Both are highly photogenic places to hang out for a little treat in an enchanting space.