Ice cream parlor in Taichung, Taiwan
MINIMAL is a restaurant in Taichung, Taiwan, which focuses on ice cream and other frozen dishes. It is the only Michelin starred ice cream parlor in the world.
History.
MINIMAL was founded by Chef Arvin Wan. Wan is a native of Taichung who studied at the National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism (NKUHT). Following time spent working at traditional restaurants and an ice cream parlor Wan opened a restaurant named Sur with his friend and fellow NKUHT graduate Lin Yi-hua where Wan managed the dessert side. In 2021 Wan opened MINIMAL although he continued to be active at Sur which was awarded a Michelin star in that year.
Name.
According to CNN, "The name refers to the nominal number of elements in ice cream – from sugars to proteins – that create its smooth texture, as well as the aesthetic style."
Space.
The restaurant has a traditional take-out ice cream parlor on the first floor and a twenty-seat dining room on the second floor.
Menu.
The typical tasting menu at MINIMAL is seven courses. The restaurant has struggled to make its tasting menu model profitable.
Awards and recognition.
In 2023 MINIMAL received a Bib Gourmand recognition from Michelin.
In 2024 MINIMAL was awarded a Michelin star, making it the only ice cream parlor in the world to have one.
References.
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