[Taipei] - Simple Market

I've reserved my Sunday in Taipei for Simple Market which happens from 1-7pm and have been looking forward to it. It is housed between a couple of old shophouses. 

Since the stalls were still in the process of set up when we arrived, we decided to check out Good Cho's which is a cafe, lifestyle shop and ice cream parlour. It is housed in one of the shophouses. I spent a while browsing the items in the shop-- zakka, local tea, organic produce-- lots to spend your cash on. I left with an indie CD, a cute roll of washi tape, a postcard and some local snacks. 

We headed to the cafe next. It was obvious that bagels (which came in different flavours) were the hot items on the menu because people were loading them onto their trays. We ordered it for our sit down lunch and I enjoyed it. If we had a lighter breakfast, I would have tried their plate of the day, which looked really healthy too.

With our stomachs filled, we were ready to check out the stalls in the market. There weren't that many but it was still nice. There were 2 sections. One part was local farmers produce and the other handmade items. Also there was a little drizzle the afternoon we were there, we had fun nevertheless!

http://tw.streetvoice.com/users/SimpleMarket/

[Taipei] - Shilin Night Market

For T and I, a visit to Taipei is not complete without a visit to Shilin Night Market. Shilin is filled with everything to titillate your senses, especially the gustatory. And so, eat we did! And of course, we weren't disappointed.

See how stuffed these are!

[Taipei] - The Beauty in the Old

I don't know if it's because we're so quick to redevelop or upgrade anything with age in Singapore. Or is it because old things and sights hold a lot of stories. Or maybe it's because through the old we get a sense of a place. But I was really captivated by the old sights in Taipei. Theirs is a beauty which only time can bestow.

[Taipei] - Wakin' Up Cafe

Housed on the second level and in an area where you won't really expect to find a cafe, Wakein' Up cafe was still fully packed when we visited. We left a tad disappointed and were debating where to head to next (we're in the middle of nowhere) when the young boss came down to inform us that they have 2 seats at the counter. It was a little crammed but if we didn't mind, we were more than welcomed. We went upstairs again glee and took our seats.

We were going to catch a dance performance in the evening and had some time to burn. Hence, we spent the afternoon chatting with the friendly boss and his girlfriend who run the cafe themselves. We spoke about Taipei, about Singapore, the differences in the way of life. We spoke about his business and how the eclectic collection of furnishings in the cafe are a result of his years of collection. Isn't this what travel should be about? Getting to know the locals, the spirit of the country, rather than rushing from one tourist spot to another?

BEST apple pie I've ever had. No kidding.

[Taipei] - Loafer Cafe

Loafer is one of the most charming cafes I've been to. With a name like that, who can resist? Buried in a residential area, it was a little tricky to find. But it's precisely why it's charming. That and that it sits like only 7 persons. Don't expect an extensive menu though. Just some simple drinks and small nibbles. Sit, listen to the music, chat a little, think. 

Oh, there's a little corner with zakka items for sale.

[Taipei] - Luguo Cafe

I was in Taipei for a couple of days last month. The weather was lovely and cool then. Just a jacket or sweater and you're fine. In between all the eating, I was Instagraming away, capturing all the wonderful sights. But I did save some good shots for the blog. So, starting today, we'll have a Taipei series on the blog! Expect lots of cafe posts!

First up is Luguo Cafe. It is on the second floor and nestled amongst old shophouses. We got there around 11am or so on a weekday. It was quiet and we spent a lovely time there listening to the soft music and the occasional car passing the little lane downstairs.

Fragrant Earl grey with milk that wasn't too sweet.

Good bagel that didn't leave me too stuffed.