MINIMAL

Dessert restaurant · Zhongming

MINIMAL

Dessert restaurant · Zhongming

2

No. 16號, Lane 133, Section 1, Meicun Rd, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan 403

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Highlights

Michelin-recognized shop offers unique dessert omakase & ice cream  

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No. 16號, Lane 133, Section 1, Meicun Rd, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan 403 Get directions

surcuisine.com

NT$1–200

Information

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No. 16號, Lane 133, Section 1, Meicun Rd, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan 403 Get directions

surcuisine.com

NT$1–200

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Last updated

Oct 26, 2025

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@travelleisure

Taiwan’s Scenic Haifeng Train Is a Dessert Lover’s Dream

"A Michelin-recognized Taichung shop that supplies a petite, rotating ice-cream offering served as the final course on the train experience; one recent flavor blended lactic-acid tang and purple shiso to evoke the taste of a beloved yogurt drink. Portions are presented in souvenir boxes and paired with a keepsake seashell-shaped spoon, underscoring the shop’s emphasis on playful, craft-driven desserts." - Naomi Tomky

https://www.travelandleisure.com/taiwan-dessert-train-haifeng-11710219
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@afar

Minimal Is the World's First Michelin-Starred Ice Cream Shop - AFAR

"Hidden behind an unmarked gray door on a narrow Taichung street, this takeaway-only ice cream counter—the project of chef and owner Arvin Wan—earned a Michelin star in 2024 and draws long, hushed lines at noon. Wan condensed the rigor of his former tasting-menu work into single scoops served from a stainless-steel counter: six limited-run flavors a day presented plain in paper cups with polite, attentive, intentionally quiet service. Textures are airy and restrained (less dense than traditional gelato), engineered to melt into a clean, watery sensation by removing fibrous or starchy elements; Wan even layers techniques such as infusing bases with water condensed from steamed cypress. Flavors rotate from a nutty miso in soy-milk with almonds to a sake sorbet scented with wild ginger lily, whiskey with roasted barley, a citrus sorbet brightened by Sichuan peppercorn and pomegranate, green tea amplified with licorice and mountain angelica root, and local magnolia-infused vanilla. There are no toppings or spectacle—muted colors and careful composition aim to unfold slowly and reward attentive tasting; a small cup with two scoops costs US$5, while sampling all six across four cups is US$37." - Clarissa Wei

https://www.afar.com/magazine/minimal-is-the-worlds-first-michelin-starred-ice-cream-shop
View Postcard for MINIMAL

James

Google
The only Michelin starred ice cream shop in the world. The wait was about 30 min on a Monday afternoon in the hot sun. We tried all 6 available flavors as of this review. Flavors ranked from best first. *Puer tea gelato- creamy, strong initial flavor of tea with slow fade, great texture. *Pear sorbet - subtle but distinct, very refreshing. Could eat continuously for a whole tub on a hot day. *Olive oil magnolia gelato - very creamy, subtle, soft aftertaste, easier to eat a lot of than the puer but not as strong an initial flavor but arguably more complex in flavor. *Berries/rose and tea - balanced berry flavor with a delicate tea aftertaste that worked surprisingly well. *Orange - subtle orange flavor, not strong enough for my preference. *Smoked plum - a complex smoky flavor similar to what I'd decribe like a mezcal, but not sweet at all and controversial. Possibly an acquired taste. Overall very much worth trying. You're allowed 2 flavors per cup. Was indeed very unique flavors and I'd say one of the best gelatos with complex flavors I'd tried.

Lifeooferic

Google
A Michelin-Starred Scoop: An Unforgettable Experience at MINIMAL 🍦✨ ​Stepping into MINIMAL, you immediately get a sense of why this place holds a Michelin star. It's not just about the ice cream; it's the entire experience. The minimalist aesthetic is clean and inviting, with a focus on letting the incredible flavors speak for themselves. The staff works with precision and care, a testament to the dedication behind every scoop. ​The menu is an adventure in itself. Forget your standard chocolate and vanilla—MINIMAL offers a curated selection of unique, sophisticated flavors. Think "Pine Noodle" with "Camellia Seed Oil" and "Herbs" or "Olive Oil" with "Oolong Tea" and "Magnolia Leaves." 🌿🍨 Each scoop is a work of art, a perfect balance of unexpected ingredients that somehow just work. The texture is incredibly smooth and creamy, unlike anything I've ever tasted. ​This is more than just a dessert stop; it's a culinary journey. The passion for quality and innovation is clear in every detail. If you're looking for an extraordinary treat and a true gastronomic experience, MINIMAL is an absolute must-visit. It's a sweet indulgence that's truly earned its place among the stars. ⭐😋

Sebahat Ç.

Google
Honestly, Minimal probably does not need another review, but I like to use Google Maps Reviews as my diary. The line was long, we waited about an hour, so make sure to bring a hand fan or an umbrella if you go during the day because the sun can be brutal. Also, you cannot sit inside, FYI! The ordering process is simple, you just pick two flavors. The girl shows you a paper with the flavors available that day, and then you watch two people working like a well oiled machine preparing the orders. It is almost as fun to watch as it is to eat. The flavors are very unique compared to what I am used to. I tried Oolong Olive Oil Magnolia Leaves in one scoop and Tangerine Sichuan Peppercorn Pomegranate in the other. This is not your regular gelato, so do not expect that. It is more of a culinary experience than just ice cream. It was fun to experience once and I am glad I tried it, although I probably would not wait in line again. A little on the pricey side, but fair when you consider how creative and unique the flavors are. If you are around, it is definitely worth a try at least once.

Michelle Kawinata

Google
DESERVE THE MICHELIN STAR. As a retired ice cream maker, I know how hard it is to get the right texture without it being too heavy on the palette, But THEY DID IT! They made their ice cream so creamy however very light. They have flavors which are a mixture of flowers, tea, and fruits, and I can taste all the flavors singularly while it all goes harmoniously as one too at the same time. Waiting time is bearable. Very nice staff and very helpful cause even though I don’t speak Mandarin they are really accommodating to me. If I could give this place a 10 star I would and I would queue a loan for an hour for this ice cream.🥰🥰

Olivia

Google
Had been looking forward to trying this Michelin-rated ice cream. The menu changes every day, and each flavor is complex with multiple layers. You can choose two flavors in one cup, which makes it even more special. We waited for about 20 to 30 minutes. They only accept cash. *Sorbet is dairy-free and Gelato, on the other hand, contains milk and is creamier in texture.

E Y

Google
I really can understand why they got a one Michelin star. What an awesome experience. The flavours are all super unique and uncommon but perfectly balanced and wonderfully paired. We arrived at opening time and there was already a lineup (on a Friday afternoon) of mostly tourists. We were in line for around 35min before we were served and since they don’t have dine in, we did have to walk to the nearby park to eat it and the ice cream was melting so quickly. My two favourite flavours were Vanilla Magnolia Caramel and Longan Flower Bergamot Green Apple. The employees are trained to put flavours that pair well together in the same cup, and these two flavours were put in the same cup and also were my favourite. When you first eat the ice cream, you get the main flavour profiles and then the next one and then an after taste as well. At 180NTD for a small cup of up to 2 flavours, I would only recommend this to real dessert enthusiasts. Anyone who is looking for a gourmet chocolate vanilla strawberry experience will probably be disappointed. One downside is there is no sit in and since Taichung gets very hot, your ice cream will melt very quickly which affects the texture.

Tony Louie

Google
Meh… I honestly was not impressed. Between the two of us, we had the three flavors of gelato - Miso Almond, Rice Vanilla, and Earle Grey. The only standout was the Earle Grey. The other two were quite forgettable. I would only come back to try different flavors. We got there 8 minutes from opening and waited about 15 minutes before being served. The staff were excellent and took their time to explain the flavors.

Allen Chan

Google
This is an unique mini store selling just ice cream with 6 daily flavors. It is famous as it received Michelin status in 2024. The price is NT 180 for a small cup and you can choose 2 flavors. There is a line up and the length is dependent at the time of the day. I waited for 10 minutes. The ice cream is on the sweet side and is tasty. Good experience.