MINIMAL
Dessert restaurant · Zhongming ·

MINIMAL

Dessert restaurant · Zhongming ·

Michelin-starred ice cream with unique, layered flavors

unique flavors
michelin star
gelato
sorbet
culinary experience
olive oil
taiwanese ingredients
takeaway only
MINIMAL by null
MINIMAL by null
MINIMAL by null
MINIMAL by null
MINIMAL by null
MINIMAL by null
MINIMAL by null
MINIMAL by null
MINIMAL by null
MINIMAL by null
MINIMAL by null
MINIMAL by null
MINIMAL by null
MINIMAL by null
MINIMAL by null
MINIMAL by null
MINIMAL by null
MINIMAL by null
MINIMAL by null
MINIMAL by null

Information

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

NT$1–200

Usually a wait
Cash only
No restroom
Cozy
Trendy

Information

Static Map

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

surcuisine.com

NT$1–200

Features

•Usually a wait
•Cash only
•No restroom
•Cozy
•Trendy
•Good for solo dining
•Touristy
•Dessert

Last updated

Jan 21, 2026

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@travelleisure
28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

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
MINIMAL
@michelinguide
48,380 Postcards · 8,031 Cities

Inspectors Reveal All on MINIMAL, the First Ice Cream Establishment Globally to be Awarded a MICHELIN Star

"More than a traditional ice-cream shop, this place initially feels like a boutique tea house; we even had to muster the courage to step inside. Upstairs, a cozy, simple room with high ceilings, original red brick tiles, and sunlight on the table pairs finely crafted cutlery with a menu that shows careful selection and a young team’s personal touch, storytelling, and clear philosophy. The tasting menu explores ice in many forms—from sorbet to nitro‑style preparations—layering temperatures, shapes, and textures to create delicate, meticulous flavors with seasonal, uniquely Taiwanese ingredients like yuzu blossom, magnolia flower, and red‑fleshed plum. A lollipop‑shaped ice treat transported us back to childhood, its slightly compact, airy, slow‑melting texture releasing yuzu pear notes and the elegant astringency of moroheiya. 196℃ Red Flesh Plum/Angelica keiskei/Walnut arrived as colorful, eye‑catching shapes of ice that ate like crisp cookies, their fruity acidity, nuttiness, creamy notes, and delicate sweetness unfolding slowly. 12℃ Osmanthus/Rum/Longan was perhaps the richest and most complex, the creamy gelato amplifying osmanthus and rum, finished with a freshly baked brioche, crispy shards, and a crunchy bread base. Service is warm and foreigner‑friendly (no English menu, but staff happily introduce each dish in English); tea‑based non‑alcoholic drinks are highly recommended, and add‑on sorbet or gelato deepens the experience. With two seatings (13:00 or 16:00), the first is ideal; despite being all ice‑cream, the seven‑course menu is filling, so plan a light brunch and a stroll afterward. From day one the concept felt rare in Asia and beyond, and continued refinements in technique, flavor precision, and menu structure elevated it from Bib Gourmand to one MICHELIN Star—making it the world’s first ice‑cream establishment to receive this distinction." - The MICHELIN Guide

https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/features/inspectors-reveal-all-minimal-taichung
MINIMAL
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

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
MINIMAL

Raquel M.

Google
It’s ok, I was excepting the taste to be a bit more wow. It’s quite a slow moving queue as the people serving are very delicate with your order. As you approach the door way there is a QR code which will share the flavours of the day. Once you enter the store you order and pay with one server at the till, she give you a ticket and you wait for your ice cream to be prepared. Both the sorbet and ice cream are very smooth. No sit in options available

Janessa Brayan R.

Google
Love Minimal so much, I came twice during my Taichung trip! The flavors are truly unique and extraordinary. For just 200 NTD per cup, the quality is exceptional. Definitely worth queuing. I also noticed that the flavors change from time to time. During my visits, I tried six different flavors, and my top two favorites are: 柑橘|綠豆蔻|白茶 – Like a forbidden aromatherapy oil turned into sorbet. Fruity, fragrant, and refreshing. 琴酒|松針|杜松子 – My first time tasting pine needle; mind-blowing! They also have an olive oil ice cream, but sadly it was no longer available the second time I visited. Hopefully it comes back soon~

Axel Y.

Google
I went on a Monday, approx 2pm. Queue was already long, with about 10 people in front of me. To access their menu, scan the QR code near the entrance. They will have 3 gelatos and 3 sorbets - the menu is in Chinese. The staff kindly explained the various flavours once I was inside. I queued for 30 mins and got the 柑橘 sorbet with the 蜜香紅茶 gelato for 200 NTD. The sorbet was very light and citrusy, with floral notes that made the overall taste very refreshing. The gelato was perfectly creamy with a strong tea flavour, making the two choices a perfect combination.

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.

Tom M.

Google
$200 for a cup containing 2 flavours. Menu has a choice of 3 gelatos and 3 sorbets, they change the flavours weekly so you won't know what will be available. Expect to line up for 20-30 minutes . The flavours were all strong, interesting, and unique. Didn't really like olive oil (too bitter), really liked the rice wine flavour. My wife's favourite was black tea.

Michelle K.

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.🥰🥰