Taichung｜MINIMAL Ice Cream——The world's first ice cream shop to win a Michelin star: turning a cup of ice into a dedicated performance 🍨⭐️

#September2025 MINIMAL, with ice as its star, lets you experience the artisans' passion for pushing temperature, texture, and aroma to the limit in just 3-5 minutes. This shop earned a star in the 2024 Michelin Guide Taiwan, becoming the first ice cream shop in the world to receive a Michelin star. Background and Development: Why does a cup of ice earn a star? Owner Arvin Wan, formerly the pastry chef at the one-Michelin-starred restaurant Sur- in Taichung, later transformed his obsession with frozen desserts into a small shop centered around ice, experimenting with everything from sugar ratios and fat structure to base and the placement of wine and tea aromas. In 2024, MINIMAL was upgraded from its 2023 Bib Gourmand designation to a single star. Michelin reviewers described it as "a complete experience layered with ice, temperature, and time."  I actually stood in line and watched the entire team in black aprons weighing ingredients, squeezing balls, and wiping cups at the bar, all done neatly and efficiently. When it was my turn, the waiter briefly guided me through the rhythm of "first smelling, then tasting, and finally observing the aftertaste"—like a mini tasting. ⸻ On-site Recording | The Two Cups I Had This Time 1. Tieguanyin × Caramel × Milk Fragrance The first sip was the roasted aroma of Tieguanyin, and the second, the milky aroma rounded off the edges. The caramel trailed off like a converging light, and the sweetness was completely absorbed. 2. Whiskey × Salted Koji × Citrus Peel The aroma didn't burst forth, but rather was enveloped in a gentle warmth by the ice. The salted koji added depth to the flavor, and the citrus peel suddenly popped out with the chew. Neither cup is overly sweet; the key factors are temperature and melting speed. The most dramatic change occurs 10-20 seconds after sipping, so I recommend standing at the bar and concentrating on eating. ⸻ How to Order, How to Queue, and How to Photograph (Super Practical) • Check the blackboard first: Flavors change frequently, with "tea, wine, and fruit" being the three most common flavors. If you're unsure, opt for "one cup, two scoops, with a consistent, different-level flavor." • Queuing Tips: During peak hours, there's often a line, so it's recommended to arrive as soon as the restaurant opens. For takeout cups, it's recommended to consume them immediately to avoid losing the flavor. • Photography Tips: • Angle the cup logo at a 45° angle, leaving the barista's operation screen in the background for a truly professional feel. • Shoot close up on the surface's gloss and scratches to reveal fine lines of emulsification and melting. • Cross the cups to enhance the color temperature contrast (orange wine vs. milky white tea). • Seating: There are limited seats inside, so if you want to take your time, weekday afternoons are the best time to enjoy. • Payment: Transparent pricing and fast delivery. If you see a special offer (like a limited-edition tea or wine), don't hesitate to order it. ⸻ Why it's worth a special trip (8 recommended reasons) 1. As the only ice cream shop in the world to receive a Michelin star, the experience itself is rare. 2. Exceptional temperature control: The flavor changes noticeably within 10–30 seconds of sipping, like reading a short chapter. 3. The blend of tea, wine, and fruit is mature and refined, without relying on overly sweet or heavy oils. 4. Fast service, and even takeout orders receive brief and clear tasting instructions. 5. Rotating flavors keep return visits fresh (common seasonal fruits, teas, and wine flavors). 6. Easy location: Calligraphy Greenway, Qinmei, and Audit New Village are all connected, perfect for a half-day trip. 7. Photogenic: Minimalist gray walls, woodwork, and uniforms create a perfect atmosphere. 8. Reasonable Prices: Despite the star-studded atmosphere, the cup sizes and portions remain affordable (price determined on-site; limited editions excluded). ⸻ Review (with address!) • MINIMAL Address: No. 16, Lane 133, Section 1, Meicun Road, West District, Taichung City (near Calligraphy Greenway) My Order: Tieguanyin with Caramel and Milk Flavor; Whiskey with Salted Yeast and Citrus Peel. Comments: Not a "delicious as hell" punchline, but a flavorful engineering experience that becomes more tranquil and captivating the more you eat. Delicate, restrained, and lingering. ⸻ Extension Locations (collected together with the same route) • Calligraphy Greenway/Eslite Spectrum Greenway: Relaxing strolls and street photography. • Audit Village: A vibrant hub for desserts and cultural and creative shops. • National Taichung Theater Sky Garden: In the afternoon, if the weather is nice, go to the rooftop to watch the clouds drift by (Phase 7, 10-15 minute drive). ⸻ Tips (Avoiding Pitfalls/Etiquette) 💡 • Respect the queue order and wait until your turn to take photos of the countertop; avoid distracting lighting. • The flavor emphasizes layers and a finish. If you prefer a heavy sweet and creamy flavor, we recommend choosing a tea or fruity flavor. • If you're sensitive to alcohol, ask before ordering if it contains alcohol (some flavors have a low-alcohol aroma). • In the summer, remember to eat immediately after taking photos outdoors, otherwise you'll miss the best flavors. • Any changes to business hours or hours are subject to the restaurant's Instagram/on-site announcements. MINIMAL Taichung | Calligraphy Greenway | Eslite Spectrum Green Park Road | Audit Village #MINIMAL #TaichungFood #IceCream #Gelato #MichelinStar #MichelinStar #Calligrass #Taichung #DessertObsession ✨ ⸻ True Experience I love MINIMAL not because of its stars, but because it allows me to see the dedication in a glass of ice: the rhythm of weighing, the speed of pouring, the insistence on controlling the temperature down to the second. That invitation, "Please forget everything else and focus on this one bite," is its most captivating aspect. Next time you're at Calligraphy Greenway, why not spend twenty minutes and let a small glass of ice reset your palate?