The alleys between Beimen and Ximen are always buzzing with activity. Travelers coming in and out of Taipei Main Station. Students grabbing a snack between school and cram school. Backpackers checking into the hostels. And throughout, bits of classic Taipei that shine through in small hole-in-wall establishments that cater to the locals. 來呷甜甜品 (Meet Desserts), is one such place. A small dessert shop serving up classic Taiwanese treats in a casual space – a few wooden tables and stools in a room that opens to the sidewalk. Clean, neat, contemporary space with true nostalgic old school flavors that Taiwanese people cherish.

Here, the menu fluctuates with the seasons. Shaved ice with a well-stocked spread of toppings for the warmer months (including both the classic crushed ice 刨冰 and the “snowflake” 雪花冰 texture), and then hot sweet soups for the winter. Tofu pudding cold and hot. And the truly nostalgic hot mochi (燒麻糬) perfectly chewy and rolled in peanut and black sesame. Nothing is profoundly different here than any other ice shops, but the distinction is in the quality ingredients and skill that goes into each element (after all, Taiwanese people are very particular about texture). The beans are cooked perfectly, the various starch balls are perfectly Q, and everything is “not too sweet.” It’s the perfect afternoon snack or post meal sweet treat. Come solo, with a friend. Eat here, take it home.