A-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream Roll — Restaurant in New Taipei

A-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream Roll: The Jiufen Contradiction Exploring the iconic, lantern-lit alleys of Jiufen Old Street is a feast for the senses, but for me, one particular craving rises above the rest: the legendary Peanut Ice Cream Roll from A-Zhu. This seemingly simple street food has become a favorite for both locals and foreign visitors, and for good reason. From the moment you spot the bustling queue, you know you are in for a special treat.

The secret to this snack’s fame lies in its clever construction and surprising flavor combination. At first glance, it appears straightforward, but every component is a culinary marvel. The roll is a paper-thin popiah skin, which provides a delicate, chewy base. The star of the show is the peanut filling, which is shaved directly from a massive block of caramelized peanut brittle. The result is a pile of fresh, fragrant, and slightly chewy peanut shavings that serve as the perfect foundation for the two generous scoops of rich, nutty ice cream. The combination of these textures and temperatures—crispy, nutty, creamy, and icy—creates a symphony of satisfaction with every bite.

But here is where the story gets interesting, and perhaps a little controversial: the addition of fresh cilantro. It is a detail that raises eyebrows for many first-timers, a clash of flavors that seems to defy logic. While I consider myself a cilantro lover, even I found the herbaceous punch a surprising contrast to the sweet and nutty core. Yet, as the locals know, this is precisely the point. The bright, fresh taste of the cilantro cuts through the sweetness and richness, providing a much-needed balance that elevates the entire experience. It is a daring but ultimately brilliant move, and for those who can appreciate its unique flavor, it makes the treat even more memorable.

The experience at A-Zhu is as pleasant as the treat itself. The staff is incredibly friendly, working with a practiced rhythm that is a joy to watch. They are patient with visitors, allowing you to capture the perfect photo of your roll before wrapping it up with a final flourish. They will even cut the roll in half, a small but thoughtful gesture that makes sharing with a friend or family member a breeze.

Verdict The A-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream Roll is a must-try for anyone visiting Jiufen. While the addition of cilantro may be a polarizing twist, it is an authentic part of the experience that you simply cannot pass up. Whether you opt for it with or without the herb, the combination of shaved peanut caramel, creamy ice cream, and chewy popiah skin is a truly unique and delicious sensation. I highly recommend it as an essential stop on your culinary tour of Jiufen, particularly for those who are adventurous with their taste buds and are seeking a quintessential...

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When wandering through Jiufen Old Street, you can’t miss out on A-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream Roll. A favourite and a must-eat for many (foreign) visitors.

At first glance, it looks simple, but the flavors and textures are next-level! The roll is made with a paper-thin spring roll skin, filled with freshly shaved peanut candy, and stuffed with rich peanut ice cream. The result? A crispy, nutty, creamy, and icy combo that’s absolutely satisfying! 😍 But here’s the real question: Would you add coriander? 🌿 I know, it sounds strange, but the herby freshness balances the sweetness so well. Fortunately I'm with the majority of the people who can actually eat coriander, so more for me.

The staff here are super friendly, giving you time to take photos before wrapping it up. You can even ask them to cut the roll in half for...

This place is very popular among tourists and you'd see long queue in front of it, but fortunately the food was easy to order and prepared so you don't have to wait too long. Basically it just sells different types of ice-cream rolled into a spring-roll wrap with some crusty peanuts inside. The idea is you got cold ice-cream with crunchy peanuts and aromatic coriander / cilantro wrapped together. I like it, but maybe it is an acquired taste for some.

Price is NTD 50 or around AUD 2.5 so quite affordable snack. This is a take-away only shop so not much ambience to discuss. The shop-keeper was nice to allow tourists to take the roll's picture once ready since she knew many would like to put them into their...