FROSTCITY · YELP ASSISTANT
Ask Yelp Assistant
Frostcity Photos
Business Info
Frostcity Popular Desserts
You might also consider
More like Frostcity
Recommended Reviews - Frostcity
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
It seemed like the McCully location moved near S. Beretania St. Parking is available on the streets. Gets pretty busy during peak hours. Looks like a little more dining table and space here. Cute decorations. I have tried their shave ice and it was good. I came back to try their mango pomelo sago and sesame mochi balls ginger soup. The mango pomelo is like the drink but in a bowl. Not too sweet. Very good. The sesame mochi balls were amazing, smooth and sweet! Perfect pairing with the ginger soup that was warm and spicy. Love it here! Great for group hangouts or a quick grab and go dessert.
Love me some frost city!! So much so that I had to go two days in a row back to back!! I've been wanting to try it for some time but then they shut down for a bit (vacation) and put it on my calendar to stop by as soon as they reopened! These are very tasty with light and finely shaved flavored ice and they add fresh fruit to each. So far my favorites were the green tea (matcha), the chocolate haupia and mango coconut. They also serve them with cute little spoons!! We also tried the drinks and got a guava which was delicious as well. Love how there's easy parking in the lot in back and enough tables to sit inside and enjoy. I'll continue to return and try more combos because they just can't miss!!
Saw this place on Yelp and decided to check it out on a hot afternoon. The shave ice was refreshing, but the flavors didn't quite pack the punch I was expecting. I ordered the coconut & chocolate flavor, though I could barely taste the coconut. One thing I did appreciate was that it already came topped with mochi and fresh fruit, which was a nice bonus. I do wish they allowed you to mix and match any two flavors instead of limiting customers to their preset combinations--that would've made the experience even better. Overall, it was a good treat for a warm day, but I was hoping for a bit more flavor.
Guava smoothie. Very good, and friendly service, very clean bathroom. Walking back from Chinatown, ran into this place a few times. Glad we finally stopped! Next time we want to try the shave ice. Just too full this time.
They used to be by University and now they're at a new location on King across from Panda Express. They sell snow ice and hot Asian desserts. My mom and I prefer the hot Asian desserts. My husband and son like the snow ice. I got the walnut soup $7.50 with two mochi balls +$2.50. My mom got the mochi balls in ginger soup $7.50. It came with five mochi balls filled with black sesame. My hubby got the regular mango snow ice $10.50 and my son got the small combo snow ice with mango and coconut $10.55. The snow ice came with fruit pieces (strawberry, cantaloupe, watermelon and blueberry) and mochi pieces. Everyone was happy with that they ordered. The snow ice was light and fluffy. The flavor was good. It didn't have that artificial taste.
Sad to find out Ice Monster closed permanently and we began a search for a new replacement. Frostcity is the winner! We ordered the combo watermelon/lychee and the mango shaved ice. Both options come with fruit and mochi as standard offerings. Compared to the Hawaiian shaved ice, the Asian shaved ice was so soft and flavorful without being too sweet. Quick note re location: It's a bit of a drive since it's not at Waikiki. But Waikiki can be annoyingly crowded and over priced. For those who have access to a car or can uber over, it's worth it!
This is my favorite shave ice place! You can't go wrong with any of the flavors, and each one comes with fresh fruit and mochi balls! Inside is always clean and the decor is cute. They have parking in the back of the building. Service is always helpful and nice. I've been coming here even when they used to be by University Ave.
Mochi ball with ginger soup Could be less sweet Black sesame filling inside mochi ball (6 pieces) Hot! $8 for price of dish Will need to come back for shave ice (Has dairy free option)
Frostcity has enjoyed a cult following amongst my students for years, from the time they first opened in the University Area and after their move to their current S. King Street location near the intersection of Kalakaua Ave. My daughter and I decided to beat the heat and paid the establishment a visit. Easy free parking in the lot behind the establishment. If you're eastbound on S. King St., you make a R just before reaching the Continental building where Frostcity is located. A specialist in Taiwanese shave ice, Frostcity's portion sizes are dauntingly huge: large and larger, and at first glance, appear impossible for all but the extremely gluttonous to consume. Daughter ordered a Thai tea/matcha combo, while I tried the lychee/mango combo. While I first felt a little intimidated beholding my immense snow mountain of dessert, served with a side of fresh fruit: cantaloupe and grapes and housemade, tender mochi squares, I fell in love at first bite. The strawberry and mango, refreshing and natural, tasted exactly like fruit, and ever so slightly sweet, while the thin, fine, light ice shavings evaporated in the mouth, as I imagine a cloud might taste, making for a delightful and unique taste treat. Daughter's Thai tea/matcha was also perfect: distinct tea flavors, striking a pleasant balance of sweet and slightly bitter. Let's just say I finished my whole dessert by myself, with no trouble, and can't wait for my next visit to Frostcity!
We made a lap around before we found Frostcity. The parking can be tricky but it seems like many people park to pick up to-go food. Frostcity is small shop and we grabbed a two-top near the front. The shaved ice are set so no alterations were allowed, which was unfortunate but it probably makes it easier for the staff. Our shaved ice came out pretty quick and was yummy. Nothing I'd go out of my way for, but a nice treat if around the area.
Shaved Snow Dairy free Mango with watermelon, cantaloupe and jellies. SO GOOD. nice small dessert restaurant. Was warm outside but HOT inside(no air con?) Anyway had a great dessert large big enough to share.
It was my third time visiting Frostcity and I have nothing but positive reviews for their quality of service and yummy desserts! last night I tried the Thai Tea and Matcha Combo and am so tempted to go back again tonight!
Of course we're back! It's a weekly thing, lol! We had new flavors this time and loved them all! (I particularly appreciate the fresh fruit and mochi slices which adorn each frost.) As always, service was great. Love how they pick up dishes so you have a clean table, and as you leave, they clean and wipe up for the next guests. There's anti bac gel for you to use at the iced water station before you enjoy your treats. The restroom in the back is conveniently separated from guests with a noren curtain, and they ask you keep the restroom door closed after departure. If you sit in the back, you will be entertained by the tv screen which has music, dancing and even subtitles;) PS There is a little step from the sidewalk into and out of the shop, with a sign to alert you to be careful. Parking is out back, which is so convenient. Just turn right into the lane after Panda Express, and left up the ramp. It can get crowded, but it's worth the wait!
I was so excited to try their shave ice creations. When you enter the establishment there is a menu on the wall that looks pretty impressive! The service was good in that someone was ready to help you immediately. The highly popular menu items have a sign next to them. I first tried their watermelon and lychee shave ice. The ice is very, very fine and fluffy. It was beautifully arranged but I didn't feel satisfied because the ice was so airy and there really wasn't a lot of fruits or mochi in our bowl. I decided to try their boba drink. The Jasmine Milk Tea with boba was very good! I love that you have a choice for how much sugar you want them to use in your drink. I requested 50% and it really tasted very good. read more
Business owner information
Jing L.
Thank you for your detailed review and for giving our shave ice and…
Located away from the trendy Waikiki crowd. This place has a small ~10 car parking lot that shares with other businesses. But I heard there is more parking in the back. It is a small shop that looks homely and cluttered, like being in the comforts of your childhood home. I like Asian snow ice so much more than American shaved ice. Snow ice is less sweet but more creamy in flavor, and smooth in texture. Black Sesame Coconut snow ice - love this combination and everything about it including the toppings of mochi, jelly, popping balls and fruit. Walnut Soup Dessert - this is the first time I have ever seen walnut soup on any menu, common soupy desserts are sesame, taro, or almond. Their hot walnut soup was sooo good and calming. After this, we started making walnut soup at home, twice already, and almost perfecting now. Thank you for the inspiration. read more
My husband loves loves loves Frostcity. He brings his family from California here every time they visit Oahu. I'm more of a boba and ice cream person, but for what Frostcity is, I have no complaints. I've shared regular sizes of the strawberry-mango, black sesame-haupia, and haupia-chocolate shaved snow flavor. I've listed the flavors in order of preference. The black sesame flavor was a lot stronger than Black Sheep Cream's black sesame ice cream. Not sure how it compares to Hana Tea's black sesame drink. I tend to gravitate towards tart fruit flavors when ordering any shaved snow/shave ice/slushy. All shaved snow flavors come with in-house mochi, fruit jelly, popping boba, and fresh fruit. I love that Frostcity accommodated to my diabetic father-in-law by serving him a unsweetened version of their walnut soup which tasted like a nutty version of oatmeal with a natural touch of sweetness. I actually felt jealous for him after sampling the "soup" as I think it doesn't fall behind the shaved snow! A drinking water dispenser and paper cups are provided to help wash down those sweets. Another plus is that this spot doesn't get too busy, at least the few times I've visited evenings after dinner. Some of the other shave ice and shaved snow places in town get super packed. Frostcity is like a local's hidden gem. If you're not familiar driving around the UH area, driving along King Street from Ewa side may be tricky. I noticed the menu includes mango-lilikoi shaved snow, a taro ball dessert, and tea eggs. I would love to try these next time! read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
Business owner information
Jing L.
Thank you so much for the kind words about our Thai basil shaved ice.…
4 years ago
Shave ice sucks compared to shave snow I said what I said The people that say shave ice is superior are the types of people who watch friends reruns constantly and claim that kombucha doesn't taste like pee. The snow at Frostcity is cold, flavorful and fluffy, similar to me, at my own funeral. read more
Still one great place to enjoy "fine" shave ice. They have many selections. Nothing negative to say about this place, except the difficulties of parking in the front of the establishment because of its popularity. read more
Perfectly light and refreshing on a hot Honolulu day. Made with all natural ingredients, this Taiwanese version of shave ice is a wonderful break from the average shave ice with artificial flavors and colors. Each Frost is served with fresh fruit and homemade mochi. Enjoy! read more
5 years ago
First time here and thought 4 stars meant yummy and good but not quite! I ordered the combo of mango and coconut. Mango drizzle is tasty but coconut flavor gets lost. This was a miss for us because there literally was only 2 pieces of small watermelon and 2 grapes cut in half. The mochis were yummy but again only a few pieces. For $11 after tax, this was disappointing - the portion of the big bowl was not actually that big and you can feel how light it is. Self-served water on site with dispenser and cups. Parking: there's a small shared lot in the strip mall where this place is located - if could get full fast though. Restrooms: they're accessible via a key and they're right outside the place - there are Men and Women's room. Thankfully they're large one stall, and clean - don't smell bad. read more
4 years ago
Heard about this place from some friends. The snow was light, fluffy, and creamy! All the flavors were so good, even the watermelon was tasty and didn't taste like artificial watermelon. It's a cute little space with friendly staff. Will definitely come back and try more flavors! read more
We were looking for the style of shave ice that you can only get in Hawaii, and we found it here!! We got the mango and cookies and cream with condensed milk on top... it was amazing. Both of them! They had sides of little mochi pieces and fruit. read more
2 years ago
Need to cool off on a hot day? Frost city is your answer! AC wasn't working, so a bit stuffy inside, but one bite of Taiwanese shave ice, and you'll cool off! So many flavors to choose from and shave ice comes with fresh fruit and mochi. Yum! read more
4 years ago
I was craving something sweet and cool on a hot day and this place hit the spot! It was light and refreshing. I shared this large with my friend and it was $10 for both of us. I was surprised that they gave some banana, watermelon, and mochi on the side. The banana went well with our flavor choices and so did the mochi, but the watermelon didn't go so well. The watermelon was still super sweet! I'll definitely be back to try other flavors? read more
Soooo good! My first Hawaiian shaved ice. I had the mud pie and my son had the chocolate mint one. Each was served with some fresh fruit, chocolate topping, mochi and some other type of chewable candy. I really love this place and hope they open more locations in the future. Very nice person at the counter and really friendly. Definitely recommend. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
Tried out this spot the last time I visited and it was so unique and tasty! The shave ice is kind of like shaved ice cream, more milky than icy which I liked. Very light and tasty dessert that comes with fresh fruits and other toppings too! They had an adequate amount of indoor seating and the staff were fast and kind. Inside the walls were decorated with some cute decals too, I do wish for less bright lights though. read more
Business owner information
Jing L.
Thank you so much for stopping by and for the thoughtful review!…
2 years ago
Cute little shop, with a handful of tables. Adequate parking. Prompt and courteous service. We can't decide which is the best: black sesame frost or the black sesame mochi in ginger syrup. If you love the nutty goodness of black sesame, you'll love both. We usually order both. I'm sure the other flavors are just as yummy, but we couldn't say no the our favorite. The black sesame mochi is so perfect with the spicy warm strong taste of ginger syrup. So simple, but so delicious. We're definitely hooked. read more
Love coming here after dinner when I'm in the mood for dessert. They have so many flavors to choose from and it's the perfect dessert for when you don't want to get something too heavy. It's sweet and light and comes with fruit and mochi toppings. I got the cookies and cream which had ores crumbs sprinkled on top. I also love that they have seating and free water. The parking lot can fill up quick but they also offer takeout. read more
Cute little hole in the wall dessert place that sells really good shaved ice! I love their durian one, it is a must try for me since it's difficult to find anything durian here in Hawaii! Their lychee watermelon was also delicious -- I think I prefer the lychee one more! I'll be back for sure! read more
4 years ago
3 years ago
My wife got Thai Tea/Green Tea Taiwanese snow ice and loved it. I got an iced coffee and it was one of the best iced coffees I've ever had. Can't recommend this place highly enough. Total hole-in-the-wall place, but worth the time finding this hidden gem. read more
3 years ago
Their frosts are perfect for a hot day. I had the green tea/thai tea frost and OMG, so ʻono! And the service was great! You order at the counter and they bring your treats out to the table and clear the tables. A girl from our party asked about one item on the menu and the lady brought out a sample for her to try. Go check it out! read more
3 years ago
Got a mango frost and it was delicious! :3 Service was quick, which was great. The place is very no frills, but spacious enough for multiple parties. read more
3 years ago
***4.5 STARS*** I've been to Frostcity previously on several occasions and just wasn't impressed. First of all, with the small parking lot shared by multiple neighboring businesses, parking is an issue. Secondly, despite this type of dessert is a unique concept of a cross between shaved ice and soft serve ice cream, flavors were subtle and didn't satisfy my sweet tooth. I recall taking a couple of bites and got lost. The flavors I tried were not represented. Or, should I say it didn't meet up to my expectations. The other night I had dinner with a friend from junior high school at the legendary Ray's Café. Despite Chef Felix feeding us well with prime rib, his award winning fried chicken, yummy macaroni salad and complimentary custard pie, my friend suggested we come here from dessert. Luckily I didn't eat until gluttony and stopped halfway. I had a sizable doggie bag to give to favorite nephew by default so he could chow down after his work shift. I decided to go with the flow so off we went to the Moili'ili area. It's somewhat difficult to explain where this place is. Coming down from University Ave you make a right turn at Beretania and stay on your right lane. Drive slowly until you see a small dedicated parking lot for small businesses of Frostcity as well as the popular Ahi Assassins. It was about 630pm and we were sure lucky to have pulled in the parking lot with just one open stall left and it was just in front of Frostcity. Score! How would you describe this unique Taiwanese dessert at Frostcity? It's a mix between shave ice and soft serve ice cream. Then you add some fresh cut seasonal fruit, liquid fruit pearls, jellies and mochi balls. Don't forget to add a rolled sugar wafer roll and drizzle with sweet condensed milk and voila.....it's time to eat! I had to strategically think of which flavor to get. My friend suggested to do a combo, which I immediately declined as I feared the 2 flavors to get all muddled. I recall ordering green tea in the past and the flavor was barely present. I don't like common flavors and then my friend suggested durian, which piqued my interest. I do enjoy durian but usually tap out after eating about 1/2 and he sure wasn't going to help me. Then my eyes stopped on Thai Tea and my decision was made. It was empty when we arrived so the waiting time was minimal. My dessert came out first and was impressed with presentation. The verdict? I like Taiwanese shaved ice. I enjoyed the bold Thai tea flavor and mixed it up with the side condiments for texture and flavor contrasts. I scored when my friend gave me his fresh fruit as he's pretty much a meat eater and don't like fresh fruits and vegetables. I took a bite of his coffee and it was good but could have been a bit stronger. They also have milk teas, fruit teas and smoothies. For warm Chinese desserts, you can select from black sesame, walnut puree, mochi balls and taro balls. My eyes kept on checking out their Taiwanese tea eggs so I guess I have to come back and try them. During your time at Frostcity, you can enjoy your snack with the assorted games they provide. Service was good. The counter staff was very nice. I was surprised that we were the only patrons during our whole stay. Perhaps it was because we had an early dinner and beat the crowd? After several disappointing visits, I finally made the right choice in flavor selection and looking forward to coming back again. The next time for sure I want to try the tea eggs. 2019 #70 read more
3 years ago
LOVE IT.... It's a little bit hidden, not lots of seating but AWESOME ICE. The portions are also big even for a small!! read more
This dessert joint was live. It must be a popular choice for locals and tourists because the sweet dessert lovers just kept popping through the doors. Their menu consists of single and combo frosts, smoothies, milk tea and fruit drinks, and 'soup desserts' -- all are made in house with fresh fruit and toppings. The cashier was very sweet and assisted me throughout my visit (I'm currently injured and using crutches). At my next visit, I will try their Lychee and Watermelon combo frost with fresh fruit. Excited to return! P.S. they have a special "Taro Ball Dessert" which has sweet potato mochi, grass jelly, and milk tea -- it's not a drink but served as a soup. For my foodies, that should be an interesting exploration. read more
2 years ago
This was a great dessert spot in Honolulu. There was enough parking nearby and the shave ice was tasty- a small was ~$10 read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
5 years ago
Love going to Frost City in Moiliili. I love the mango strawberry! Not much to say about this place but if you haven't tried it you must go!!! Friendly atmosphere and service! We love going in the afternoons to cool down. I'm still amazed how they get this texture of the ice. read more
2 years ago
Business owner information
Jing L.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review and for making Frostcity…
More info about Frostcity
1517 South King St
Honolulu, HI 96826
Directions
(808) 947-3328
Call Now
Full menu
Hours
Payment methods
Food & Alcohol
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
From the Business
More Info
Health Score
Frostcity Reviews in Other Languages
Ask the Community - Frostcity
Are there any non-dairy items?
Yes, there is! Our only non-dairy options are Lilikoi (Passion Fruit) and Mango.
Where is the best place to park?
They have a small parking lot right in front of the store.
What are the hours of operation?
I was wondering the same thing. I tried calling from morning until 4 pm and no one answered the phone. I wanted to know if they were still open.
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
45 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
2 years ago
16 years ago
12 years ago
11 years ago
9 years ago
11 years ago
13 years ago
16 years ago
13 years ago
7 years ago
12 years ago
12 years ago
5 years ago
12 years ago
1 year ago
11 years ago
9 years ago
