The experience of going to Eastern Ice Shop is not unlike reaching the light at the end of a tunnel. From the bustling main street (Zhongxiao East Road), you turn into the famed Lane 216. The crowds thin out as you walk deeper in until suddenly florescent lights and bright white signs at the corner of the block fill your view. On a hot day, it’s like happening upon an oasis in a dessert (except you’ve reached ice in humidity). Welcome to Eastern Ice Shop. Everything about it screams substance over style. The name is straightforward, directly translating to Eastern District Tapioca Balls Ice Shop, and the logo features a frog (homage to another nickname for boba “frog eggs”). The space is the definition of hole-in-wall and yet it is one of the most popular dessert shops in the stylish neighborhood.

Eastern Ice Shop has been around for over three decades. In that time, they’ve cultivated a loyal local fanbase and attracted international press all while having a virtually unchanged menu. They serve traditional Taiwanese desserts, in shaved ice form and in the winters in hot soup form. Everything is handmade using traditional ingredients and recipes. And they have the system down to ensure fast service and instant gratification. One side is basically a shaved ice stand with a roof over it. Customers line up and recite their orders (iced or hot, and then up to 4 ingredients that you can choose from displayed at the stand, Chipotle style), the bowls are made within seconds and ready by the time you dig up your coins to pay. The other side of the shop is a dining area, a long communal table and stools for self seating. Off to the side, a little station for self-serve unlimited refills of ice and brown sugar syrup. A seamless experience that never disappoints.