MINIMAL Deconstructs Ice Cream Flavors, Transforming Them into French Cuisine-like Desserts
Auto-TranslationWhat do you envision when you think of frozen desserts? Is it the childhood memories of chasing after ice cream at the sound of the ice cream truck, or the refreshing taste of a trendy rolled ice cream from a department store? MINIMAL, hailing from Taichung, embraces the Michelin spirit by using ice cream as a medium to blend modern concepts and culinary techniques. They create plated desserts that resemble exquisite cuisine, breaking the conventional perceptions of ice cream.
In recent years, the rise of fine dining in Taiwan has led to an explosion of exquisite restaurants opening up one after another, providing diners with a dazzling array of options for high-end culinary experiences. From French cuisine to Japanese delicacies, and even cocktail bars, restaurants embodying the spirit of fine dining have been emerging. Through the creative and exquisite culinary artistry of various chefs, dishes and fine wines from around the world have made their way into the fine dining journey. While sophisticated food can be commonplace and carefully curated wines no longer rare, it is surprising that ice cream—a dessert often regarded as simplistic—has also boarded the fiercely competitive train of fine dining.
Located in the vibrant Ching Mei Greenway area of Taichung, the avant-garde and innovative ice cream brand "MINIMAL" has emerged. Founded by Arvin, the pastry chef from the Michelin one-star restaurant "Sur," which was newly awarded in 2021, MINIMAL aims to elevate the delightful memories of childhood ice cream into a higher-level taste experience.
Walking into MINIMAL, you'll immediately feel a warmth emanating from the minimalist and refined gray-toned space. MINIMAL collaborated with designer Tang Dai to breathe new life into the old building, using understated and subtle cast-in-place concrete as the primary material, while incorporating circular outlines that run throughout the space, softening the cool-toned walls. The second-floor seating area retains the wooden and brick constructions of the old building, showcasing a blend of old and new elements. In this seemingly simple environment, details that enhance the overall quality have been thoughtfully integrated, such as the textured façade made from Italian paint and a handcrafted rusted logo, which collectively reflect MINIMAL's commitment to the exquisite taste of Michelin-level dining.
Located in the vibrant Ching Mei Greenway area of Taichung, the avant-garde and innovative ice cream brand "MINIMAL" has emerged. Founded by Arvin, the pastry chef from the Michelin one-star restaurant "Sur," which was newly awarded in 2021, MINIMAL aims to elevate the delightful memories of childhood ice cream into a higher-level taste experience.
Walking into MINIMAL, you'll immediately feel a warmth emanating from the minimalist and refined gray-toned space. MINIMAL collaborated with designer Tang Dai to breathe new life into the old building, using understated and subtle cast-in-place concrete as the primary material, while incorporating circular outlines that run throughout the space, softening the cool-toned walls. The second-floor seating area retains the wooden and brick constructions of the old building, showcasing a blend of old and new elements. In this seemingly simple environment, details that enhance the overall quality have been thoughtfully integrated, such as the textured façade made from Italian paint and a handcrafted rusted logo, which collectively reflect MINIMAL's commitment to the exquisite taste of Michelin-level dining.
Discover Taiwan's Hidden GemsUncover Taiwan's coziest cafés, must-try local dishes, or secret spots — journé will take you to the stories behind the streets, guided by locals and shop owners.
Read on map to find the best spots nearby!Explore highlights from 50+ top travel magazines, anytime, anywhere
Read on map to find the best spots nearby!Explore highlights from 50+ top travel magazines, anytime, anywhereScan on your phone to open this article
Discover Taiwan's Hidden GemsUncover Taiwan's coziest cafés, must-try local dishes, or secret spots — journé will take you to the stories behind the streets, guided by locals and shop owners.Read on map to find the best spots nearby!Explore highlights from 50+ top travel magazines, anytime, anywhere
Read on map to find the best spots nearby!Explore highlights from 50+ top travel magazines, anytime, anywhereScan on your phone to open this article
