Cool Treats Abound at Ice Forest

Much like a pristine forest, Andrew Huang set out to represent Mother Nature by “getting back to the basics” by way of the delectable shave ice offerings and other sweet treats available at Ice Forest.

Located at the corner of Alakea and Merchant streets, across from First Hawaiian Center in the heart of downtown Honolulu, Ice Forest serves up Taiwanese-style shave ice treats, as well as cold-pressed ice coffee, granitas, fruit smoothies and Italian sodas. Huang takes pride in the fact that his menu selections are free of chemicals, preservatives and shortcuts.

Huang, the owner of the establishment which opened earlier this year, explains that his shave ice stands out thanks to the availability of fresh azuki beans, taro, custard and mochi balls, which are in many of Ice Forest’s signature shave ice choices.

“We make everything from scratch daily without any preservatives or artificial ingredients,” Huang says. “The different choices are sweet, but not overpowering. Customers can choose to add more ice or syrup depending on their varying tastes.”

For those who enjoy azuki beans, Huang recommends Azuki, Mochi Balls, Ice Cream ($5.75), and pairs the assortment of flavors with watermelon syrup (diners may choose from other flavors as well) and condensed milk (75 cents extra). “Taro lovers” will appreciate the Taro, Mochi Balls, Condensed Milk ($5.75), and when coupled with lychee syrup, diners are treated to a unique assortment of intriguing textures and flavors.

Double-Custard, Mochi Balls ($6) provides customers with an opportunity to enjoy the homemade custard, which is available in both original and coffee flavors, while also having the option of adding condensed milk (75 cents extra) and a flavor selection.

For those aspiring to try something new, Ice Forest offers “Snow Ice,” a light and fluffy form of shave ice that is whipped with the desired flavor already mixed with water, so all the tastes are incorporated as the treat becomes ice. The Custard and Mochi Balls, Condensed Milk ($6.50) is one of the popular Snow Ice selections available.

Ice Forest also offers combination shave ice treats, which provide diners with a host of different flavors and toppings that all come together to create a unique swath of tastes. Supreme 2 ($7) includes Azuki, Taro, Mochi Balls combined with either Strawberry Jam, Pops, Fruit Jelly, Nata De Coco, and Grass Jelly or Mango Jam, Pops, Fruit Jelly, Nata De Coco and Grass Jelly.

For those looking to rediscover childhood memories of “Rainbow Shave Ice,” Ice Forest allows customers to do just that by choosing three flavors in either a bowl ($2.50) or cone ($3.50). Some of the additional available flavors include lilikoi, mai tai, melona, pina colada, root beer, vanilla, coconut, guava, mango and pineapple.

Street parking is available on Merchant Street as well as the lot fronting the U.S. Post Office a block away. And, the eatery is open daily to help customers satisfy their penchant for Ice Forest magic.

Ice Forest

202 Merchant St. Honolulu
383.1824
Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
ice-forest.com

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