Long Quan Sugar Snap Pea Ice 96, ZhongHua Rd., sec. 1 Hours: 12 noon-11 pm

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---By Uvia Chang Translated by Cara Steenstra

This shop has been in business since 1971 and is said to have been one of the most popular ice snack places among Japanese visitors who came to Taiwan in those days. Even the tables and chairs are over 30 years old, so it is no wonder that there is an air of nostalgia here. In the days before shaved-ice machines, ice picks were used to chisel ice blocks bit by bit. A plateful of ice chips glitters like crystals and diamonds and it has its own cool, interesting texture, making it quite a sensation for the palate. Sugar Snap Pea Ice costs NT$50 per bowl, with large pieces of freshly-cut papaya, muskmelon, watermelon, chewy glutinous rice balls, candied fruit, pineapple and other fruits. The highlight of the dish is definitely the sugar snap peas that are cooked to perfection, as well as the preserved candied sweet potatoes. Every item here is carefully prepared by the owner, and banana oil is poured over the top at the very end, adding a fine aroma to the dish.