Miyahara Ice Cream - Taichung - former Eye Clinic

If you’re visiting Taichung and craving something sweet — or simply want to step into a place that feels like a cross between a historical monument and a whimsical dessert wonderland — Miyahara Ice Cream is an absolute must-visit. Nestled just a short walk from Taichung Station, this dessert spot offers far more than just ice cream. It’s an experience steeped in history, architecture, and sensory indulgence.

Highlights	Miyahara in Taichung is a dreamy dessert spot in a 1927 eye clinic. Stunning design, unique ice cream, and rich history make it a must-visit!
Cost	NTD$255 for three flavours plus NTD$20 for the waffle and free toppings
Location	No. 20, Zhongshan Road, Central District, Taichung City, Taiwan 400
Website	http://www.miyahara.com.tw/

🍧 From Eye Clinic to Icon

What makes Miyahara truly special is its deep historical roots. Originally constructed in 1927 as the Miyahara Eye Clinic, it was once the largest ophthalmology practice in Taichung during the Japanese colonial period. After the Japanese left Taiwan, the building served as a public health office but eventually fell into disuse.

Fortunately, local pastry company Dawncake stepped in to preserve and transform the space — not by demolishing it, but by celebrating it. They retained the original red-brick façade, restored the interiors, and filled the space with a Harry Potter-esque charm that draws in both history buffs and Instagrammers alike. It’s one of the best examples of architectural revitalisation in Taiwan — seamlessly blending the past with the present.

🏛️ A Feast for the Eyes

Walking into Miyahara is like stepping onto the set of a magical movie. The high ceilings, dark wooden bookshelves, rows of antique tea canisters, chandeliers, and globe lights give it a luxurious, vintage feel. You’ll find photogenic corners everywhere, whether you’re browsing the shelves for souvenirs or admiring the old-world apothecary design.

It’s not just a dessert shop — it feels like a cross between a library, museum, and luxury patisserie, all rolled into one.

🍨 The Ice Cream Experience

The star attraction outside Miyahara is undoubtedly the ice cream counter, which often has long queues during peak hours. Pro tip: if you happen to see a short line — don’t hesitate. Get in before the next wave of tourists descends!

The ice cream is priced based on the number of scoops and optional extras. We went for the three-scoop option (NT$255) and paid an additional NT$20 for a handmade waffle cone, which includes free toppings like cheesecake, pineapple cake, or mooncake — all iconic Taiwanese desserts.

The sheer variety of flavours is overwhelming in the best way possible. You’ll find:

Fruity flavours like lychee, mango, and passionfruit
Local teas like Tie Guan Yin, Oolong, and Sun Moon Lake black tea
Rich chocolates, including various single-origin dark chocolate varieties
Seasonal and experimental flavours that surprise and delight

Our choices — pineapple cake, cheesecake, and mooncake ice cream — were rich and unique. The pineapple cake flavour had a tart fruity zing, balanced by creamy smoothness. The cheesecake had that tangy bite and density you’d expect, and the mooncake flavour was sweet with a hint of toasted nuttiness. The waffle was fresh, crunchy, and complemented the ice cream perfectly.

🧁 More Than Just Ice Cream

While the ice cream stall steals the spotlight, Miyahara also has a first-floor souvenir and pastry shop where you can pick up beautifully packaged gifts like:

Traditional pineapple cakes
Delicate butter cookies and chocolates
Specialty teas and tea-flavoured confections
Artful gift boxes, some looking like antique books or scrolls

The second floor houses a restaurant and dessert salon, offering a more extensive menu including light meals, plated desserts, and tea sets in a more relaxed, seated environment. If you’re looking for a calmer experience away from the busy main floor, it’s worth heading upstairs.

🧭 Accessibility and Practical Info

Miyahara is very easy to access, especially if you’re already exploring Taichung’s central district. It’s only a 5–10 minute walk from Taichung Train Station, making it an easy detour for those transiting through the city.

Opening hours are generous:
🕙 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, giving you flexibility whether you want a midday treat or a dessert after dinner.

Despite its popularity, service is friendly and efficient, even when there are crowds. Staff are used to international visitors and offer menus in English, which makes the ordering process smooth even if you don’t speak Mandarin.

💬 Final Thoughts

Miyahara Ice Cream isn’t just a dessert shop — it’s a destination. Whether you’re drawn in by the promise of exotic flavours, the architectural beauty, or the sheer novelty of enjoying gourmet ice cream in a restored 1920s eye clinic, it’s a place that stays with you. The blend of historical preservation, sensory delight, and premium presentation is unlike anywhere else in Taiwan — and possibly the world.

It manages to be elegant without being pretentious, nostalgic without being kitschy, and commercial without losing its soul.

Whether you’re a foodie, a history lover, or someone simply looking for a memorable stop in Taichung, Miyahara ticks all the boxes.

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