There’s something about having a cold dessert in Cebu’s warm weather that just hits differently. And if you’re looking for something beyond the usual ice cream or milk tea, Mid Summer Shaved Ice at The Esplanade near Cebu IT Park is worth checking out.

Mid Summer brings Taiwanese-style shaved ice to Cebu, along with matcha drinks, milk tea, and a selection of sweet snacks. During our visit, we got to try a little bit of everything, from their shaved ice creations to their drinks and light bites.

Taiwanese-Style Shaved Ice in Cebu

Of course, we had to start with what Mid Summer is known for: their shaved ice.

We tried the Mango Shaved Ice, which was a refreshing choice with its fruity mango flavor and finely shaved ice. It’s the kind of dessert that feels especially satisfying on a hot Cebu afternoon.

We also tried the Matcha Azuki, which brings together matcha and red bean for a more earthy and slightly sweet flavor. The combination works really well with the light texture of the shaved ice, especially if you’re already a fan of matcha desserts.

One of the highlights for me was actually the Pearl Milk Tea.

This was my favorite among the things we tried, not just because I enjoy milk tea, but because the flavor reminded me so much of what I’ve had in Taiwan. There was something about that familiar Taiwanese taste that immediately brought me back to my food trips there.

If you’ve traveled to Taiwan and have a soft spot for its milk tea and dessert flavors, this is definitely one I’d recommend trying.

More Drinks to Try

Aside from the Pearl Milk Tea, Mid Summer also has a variety of drinks for different kinds of cravings.

The Matcha Strawberry Latte combines creamy matcha with strawberry, giving it a sweeter and fruitier profile. It’s a nice option if you like your matcha with a little something extra.

We also tried the Jin Xuan Latte, which has a more tea-forward character and gives you another option if you’re looking for something different from the usual milk tea.

With the variety of drinks available, you can easily pair one with the shaved ice or enjoy it on its own.

Don’t Skip the Sweet Bites

Of course, we couldn’t leave without trying some of their snacks too.

The Peanut Butter Toast is a simple but satisfying option to pair with your drinks. It adds something a little more substantial to the dessert spread without taking away from the sweeter items.

Then there are the Mini Waffles, which surprised me because they’re not quite like the usual soft and fluffy waffles we’re used to. These were crispy, with a lighter and crunchier texture that made them really enjoyable to snack on. They’re easy to share and make for a fun addition to the table, especially when paired with a cold drink or shaved ice.

A Sweet Stop Near Cebu IT Park

What makes Mid Summer interesting is that you can visit for different reasons. You can come specifically for Taiwanese shaved ice, satisfy a milk tea craving, get your matcha fix, or simply grab some toast and mini waffles for merienda.

Its location at The Esplanade near Cebu IT Park also makes it convenient if you’re already in the area and looking for somewhere to cool down with something sweet.

And if you happen to get dessert cravings late at night, Mid Summer is open until 2 AM from Friday to Sunday, making it a nice option for those after-dinner or late-night chibugan moments.

For me, the Pearl Milk Tea was definitely a standout because of how much it reminded me of Taiwan, while the crispy Mini Waffles were a fun surprise. Overall, Mid Summer is a nice spot to check out if you’re looking to try Taiwanese-inspired desserts and drinks without having to leave Cebu.

Mid Summer Shaved Ice

📍 The Esplanade, near Cebu IT Park, Cebu City

🕐 Operating Hours
Monday–Thursday: 12 PM–11 PM
Friday–Sunday: 11 AM–2 AM