[Sydney] - Newtown

I don't know how we managed to experience so many things during our short Sydney trip and yet not have a crazy schedule. I'm not complaining though! We traveled outside the city center one day to Newtown. It was just a convenient train ride away. The vibes were definitely different there. It felt a little slower but also pretty hip. There were quite a few vintage shops lining the main street just outside the station. It was fun just strolling along and popping into those that interested us. 

Brunch was at this little cafe we spotted. No frills but friendly service, good food and oodles of charm. 

Cute little bear cookie!

"Mandatory" graffiti that we see near train stations all over the world, except Singapore.

[Sydney] - Not Just Coffee

How can any of my travels not involve cafes? Here's one of my favourites that we visited. Hidden off the main road, this is Not Just Coffee. A small cosy establishment housed in what could have been a residence. What I really liked about this place was that it's so unpretentious. During our late Saturday morning there, we saw elderly folks with pets, families with kids, yuppies-- a good mix of people-- all with a sufficient dose of laid back attitude (Singaporeans really need to chill sometimes...). 

Of course, food was delicious as well. There were only a few service staff who were constantly kept busy but they maintained their friendly smiles and we didn't have to wait long for anything. Perfect start to a weekend, if you ask me. 

Ever since our London trip, T fell in love with the idea of eating porridge (oats, as we commonly refer to it here) for breakfast.

Croissant with ham and cheese sounds really normal to me. But I was so happy when this good-looking plate appeared before me.

[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] - 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.

[London] - The Breakfast Club

T and I stumbled upon The Breakfast Club one afternoon as we were looking for shelter from the sudden snowfall and respite from the cold. It looked warm and inviting from the outside and we weren't disappointed when inside! A place that serves all day breakfast can only bring happiness!

I love the warm colours and the retro magazine tear outs that were casually plastered on the wall. There was a laid back ease to this space. 

After our first meal in London, T and I learnt our lesson. Portions here are generally big, especially given that we eat more meals than we should here (can't help it!). So, we decided to share our pancakes. At first, I was skeptical about having pancakes (which I usually associate as a sweet food) with savoury items. When our generous serving of 4 pancakes came with an egg and lots of ham, I drizzled maple syrup over them as usual, took a bite, and was pleasantly surprised by how well they went together! No problemo, my taste buds said. We also accompanied our meal with yummy wedges. I don't know if you understand what I want to convey, but these were really potato-y :D! In all, a perfect comfort meal for cold and snowy days.