Merchant's Lane @ Petaling Street

Was looking back at some photos from my Sembreak and I think I should share about this place asap before this place becomes major LOL or maybe it already is 

It's a restaurant that I would say, be one of my favorites so far, in terms of it's ambience. Recently KL has this booming trend of Hipsters Cafes popping up and most of them look the same to me now. It's either vintage setting, contemporary-manhattan kind, or industrial style interiors. This restaurant rocks coz they gave the ancient shoplot of KL a modern twist while keeping the Malaysian touches. 

Merchant's Lane 美真林@Petaling Street 

Located on the first floor of a shoplot along KL's Petaling Street, you might easily miss the entrance if you didn't look carefully haha.
But the entrance is already triggering some memories of old skul Kopitiam in Malaysia.

 Awwww I love how they used Turquoise as the main color!! 

The old school menu!

They used the metal tables where you can see blurred reflections of yourself, i bet you've seen this in Kopitiam or old restaurants also. 

South China Sea -- RM24.00

I guess I seldom eat so healthy haha

So many colorfully diced veggies, with crunchy and fragrant deep fried potato strips. The salmon was pan seared with mild seasoning. Dipping them in the runny eggs is just delicious!

 Chicken Tender Salad -- RM17

I think it's delicious but the friend prefers it without the mayo. 

Tender and juicy chicken strips with fresh veggies and mayo that gives the right amount of seasoning and flavor to all the ingredients. 

Pomegranate Cooler -- RM14

Iced Matcha Latte -- RM15

another reason why I love the place, it's all lit up with natural light. Really love the bright and homey atmosphere here!

When we're done with our lunch, it's time to explore around this instagram-worthy place.

At one of the outdoor area with stained walls and aged wooden furniture. 

Love how they have the right amount of amount of greens in the house to make the place livelier and more Malaysia!

I guess this restaurant reminds me of Chinahouse in Penang, which I can never forget it's beautifully restored shoplot that has an awesome interior with local finish.  

There's different areas of the restaurant for you to choose, this one is more like a local tea lounge kinda area. With antique cupboards, paintings and some couches as well. 

Really enjoyed my meal over there despite the slightly higher price for food and lack of choices on their menu. I've always been a big fan of my own country's heritage especially the buildings! and it just feels so good to be dining in one of these aged shoplots that have been through the history. This could be your once-in-a-while kind of place to hang out with your friend and update about each other's lives. Which is exactly what me and Yianyeen did haha. Really glad to be meeting her before she flies to UK for 2 years! It's been a while since we last met, and I've always loved meeting up with her every now and then coz I knew how she transformed from a rather quiet person to now a confident and lively lady, and meeting her every time always amazed me on how she changed so much haha.

Hope she's doing well in UK! Can't wait for her to be back in KL again and we shall dig out more restaurants like this. In fact she was the one who suggested this restaurant.

Merchant's Lane 美真林
150, Jalan Petaling,
City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur,
Opening Hours: 10.30am to 8.00pm
Check out their FB Page here:
https://www.facebook.com/Merchants-Lane-%E7%BE%8E%E7%9C%9F%E6%9E%97-965566273456114/timeline

CarmenXTW: Chiayi City Free and Easy, bump into the unexpected 嘉義市自由行, 随便走走: 一路上的风景

Just some extras from our Chiayi Trip 3 weeks ago. 

In case you think Chiayi has nothing much to do, well you might wanna take a stroll at 文化夜市 WenHua Night Market and also the 檜意森活村 Hinoki Village :D

For your info, Chiayi is actually the movie setting for a Taiwan film named Kano which is a movie that tells the true story of a Taiwan baseball team consist of Japanese, Chinese and Indigenous Taiwanese when Taiwan was still under Japanese rule. Since the baseball team itself was originally from Chiayi, the city of Chiayi has set up various movie sets for the filming and you can see traces of Kano at many corners of the city. The places that I went are pretty much related to the movie so if you are a fan, you may wanna look out for them!

At Wenhua Night Market 文化夜市

It's not as crowded and bustling as other night markets that I've been to, but it's still a lively street! I suppose it's more a of a shopping street than night market. Loads of large boutiques that sell clothes at super affordable price. You will be spoiled by the choices you have here. I was literally holding myself back from spending too much but they are truly irresistible bargains! Just to give you an idea, I bought 2 dresses and 4 tops with 1000twd only and the quality isn't anywhere close to below average! 

Not to forget, loads of good food around as well, as I've mentioned in my previous post!

The colorful fountain at the beginning of Wenhua Road

There's a statue of Baseball Player which is from Kano as well

Night markets are truly the hangout place for most locals. You can see them shopping leisurely, or sipping into milktea, queuing for some restaurants or just walking around and enjoying the lively atmosphere. 

A massive baseball at the Central Park

The central park is located along Wenhua Road, you will definitely pass by the park. 

At night, many people were strolling around and there's also street performers to entertain you. 

北门 Beimen Area

This was on our 3rd day while we were heading towards Carrefour (which was super far) 

Just some of the sights I had. It was raining heavily and the wind was blowing violently due to the Typhoon. Everything looks gloomy here...

Beimen Railway Station

Hehe one of my Favorite photos in Taiwan LOL

Looking emo haha

Btw the umbrella in the photo was damaged beyond repair thanks to the Typhoon

A Park near a library in Beimen

wished the weather was nice so I could have a rest on those benches!

檜意森活村 Cypress Forest Life Village by Hinoki Village

Such an adorable place! The whole area was made up of restored Japanese style houses and includes a beautiful pond and garden. Turns out the houses were once dormitories of Chiayi's Forestry Bureau during Japenese Occupation, when logging activities were done at Alishan. It's the place with most Japanese styled buildings and now these houses collectively work as a market that sells cool and creative stuffs. Yes I mean it, from Calligraphy art, Tea Craft, Handmade bags and more. There's also restaurants and snack bars as well so it's quite a nice place to hang out for weekends. 

The gloomy looking Japanese village under the grey sky

So pretty.... I was imagining myself in Japan haha

It's also a movie set for Kano as well. And you could find an exhibition hall for the movie here. 

wished I wasn't in this yellow shabby disposable raincoat!! 

Why oh why it has to rain??

Haha me and my minion troops LOL

I have no idea why and how this photo was taken LOL 

I guess we were trying to do some yogurt ad haha

I guess Chiayi's trip was the most, unplanned and unexpected trip for me. We didn't really plan on places that we wanna go, in fact we were under the impression that Chiayi city don't have much to do and instead we should just anticipate Alishan trip only. But I guess it is trips like this, unplanned, just plain walking and exploring, snapping down photos of sights that I love, trips like this, that I enjoy the most. I'm glad that Chiayi has offered me more to see and feel. Do visit Hinoki village and Wenhua Night market if you are in Chiayi! 

CarmenXTW: 台北旋风八小时 龍山寺 & 西门町 Speed trip to Taipei's Lungshan Temple and Ximending Shopping District

On our 3rd day in Hualien city, we woke up late and spent quite some time at our hostel's lobby. It's just so cosy over there that we don't feel like moving at all LOL. Wanted to visit Taroko again as we missed out some of the trails but end up changing our plan and head straight to Taipei instead. 

Taipei was suppose to be just a interchange spot for us to take bus back to the south. But some part of me just screamed that I couldn't just leave Taipei like that, And so we decided to visit some places and make the most out of our 8 hours before taking the midnight bus back.

It's my first time in Taipei even though I've been in Taiwan for more than a month. So excited to witness the charm of this capital city! The moment I got out of the station, I just wished I could stay there and not leave. The weather is so nice!! It was drizzling slightly but I love the cool and gentle winds. Saw many people wearing pretty jackets and I wished I have one with me too haha...

1. Lungshan Temple 龍山寺

Woonkiat have already traveled in Taipei before, and so we had to choose somewhere that he hasn't visited. And this was the place that came into my mind! This temple is pretty amazing! Aside from the beautiful architecture, what really amazed me is the atmosphere of the temple. So many people, regardless of age were doing their prayers over there. It's abit busy as people walk from here and there, but there's still a sense of calm and peace when you see those people praying with all their hearts. Hope and faith in their eyes. I believe in Him but I still think it's a beautiful scene to observe how religion is an important aspect of an individual's life. 

The guys prayed while I explored around the temple, snapping photos of the ancient building, and observe the believers. 

求签 （draw divination sticks) summore!!

I can't exactly understand what my 签 was about, but I remember it says something about stop dreaming LOL

Btw there's a counter for you to consult the master for explaining your 签. 

Yep, this temple is so interesting that we stayed until the sky turned dark lol. 

2. 艋舺夜市: Night markets in Wanhua

There are 3 of them

廣州街夜市, 梧州街夜市 and 華西街观光夜市 

Guangzhou Night Market, Wuzhou Night Market and HuaXi Street Tourist Night Market

Just a street across from Lungshan temple, there's this whole area of night market! I don't understand why they have to differentiate it into 3 markets coz they are all in the same area. Just one street next to the other. Love this night market though, it's not too crowded and has enough space to move comfortably along. But the best part of this night market would definitely be the food! With Taipei's weather, any hot food is just so satisfying! 

  

Huaxi Night Market are mainly restaurants instead of food carts. 

The other two night markets have lots of food carts and also have stalls that sells anything from clothes to massage machine LOL

Was already starving and the moment I see this...

I knew I gotta have it!!!

刈包 Pork Belly in Steamed Bun -- TWD45

One of the things I wish I can eat in Malaysia or Singapore!

Pretty much all my favorite things in a bun!

Thick Pork belly, preserved veggie, cilantro and grounded peanuts. 

Biting through, you have the fluffy and sweet bun, the chewy braised pork belly which instantly burst awesome flavors into your mouth, the crunchy preserved veggie and peanuts. OMGGGG mouthwatering now...

 炒米粉 Fried Vermicelli -- TWD30

猪肠 Pork intestines -- TWD50

The beehoon looks simple but it actually taste yummy! Not too dry or soggy and strong aroma of garlic. The intestines were actually okay too! I guess it's just boiled intestines without any seasoning. The chili sauce adds mild spiciness while the ginger removes the slightly unpleasant smell of intestines. Love the crunchy texture haha.  

综合羹 Squid and Meatball Soup -- TWD65

This soup is a life-saver in the chilly weather. The broth has the essence of both the squid and the flavor of minced pork. Together with some spring onions and beaten egg, the aroma and taste is delicious!

We were sitting right in front of the stall. Watching this uncle preparing all the food for us while we waited impatiently. 

It's quite a cool experience heh

旗鱼黑轮 Fried Fishcakes -- TWD10 

It's cheap and yummy! I like the fact that they sell it in sticks so you can just try a small amount. I was gonna ask for more after trying it, coz it's really yummy! 

Crunchy outer layer with chewy fishpaste! The chili sauce is mildly spicy and slightly sweet! Awesome flavor.  

After filling up our stomach, we were just checking out all the stalls at the night market and also went into this arcade for some fun! N there! we were they were lucky enough to grab all these adorable plush toys. They gave the banana keychain to me haha Thanks!!

3.剝皮寮歷史街區 Bopiliao

We decided to walk from Lungshan Temple to Ximending since they are only one station apart. Passed by the Monga district on the way. It's night time so the area looks quiet. It's the area (incl Lungshan temple and the night markets) where the Taiwan movie Monga  艋舺 is based in. The buildings are all red bricked with a timeless sense. There's red lanterns hanging above. Not to forget that there's quite a few temples as well. Loving the mixture of Chinese elements and Western architecture. Feels like going half a decade back. 

青山宫 Qingshan Temple

Wished I had more time to explore this area of beautiful ancient shoplots

The shoplots are well preserved with not just its ancient architecture, but interior details like old signboards and furniture as well. Bet it will look awesome in daytime . 

4. 西门町 Ximending Shopping District

Another must-go place in Taiwan I believe. The internationally known shopping district of Taiwan. And I must say, I'm impressed by the scale of the area. This is where you find real SHOPPING STREETS, with no cars, no bikes or whatever and you can just stroll along and drown yourself with pretty things before you. 

5. 西门红楼 Red House Theater

With the same red brick architecture as Bopiliao shops, the Red House Theater is a grand building which is the symbol of Ximending area. Formerly a market and also a theater, it's now a majestic historical building which still hosts plays and concerts.

The ground floor has an exhibition that tells the history of the building.

There's this market outside of the red house (as seen from above photo) that sells all sorts of pretty things from local artists. Bags, postcards, clothes, all designed locally. 

Back to the Shopping Streets!

all those super bright billboards everywhere!

All kinds of shop you see there!! Feeling so tempted to switch on my shopping mode haha

The boys shopped more than me walaooo

Life is good when you can Shop while sipping Taiwan's Bubble Tea!

I didn't do any shopping coz we don't really have much time. 

Even if you don't buy anything, this area is truly a place to just feel the lively pulse of the city!

Street performance

One of the boutique-lined lanes, with fashionable youngsters hanging out.

(Of course I'm not talking about Gary haha)

6. 二二八和平公园 228 Peace Memorial Park

A park that we passed by on our way back to Taipei station. It's still open at night but it's kinda creepy LOL anyways it's a park dedicated to Taiwan's February 28 incident which was a massacre of many Taiwan civilians. Haven't read the history in depth, but I guess it must have been an important event in Taiwan's history. Pay your respects to the victims or simply just have a leisure stroll around the park. 

And we arrived at where we began.

Taipei's Main Station at night.

So heavy hearted to leave mannn...

Really love Taipei's atmosphere.

Can't wait to be back with sweater and jackets woohoo

and of course feel sad to be bidding farewell to the travel buddies. Hope it's not our only trip!

Despite being only 8 hours, I really enjoyed our speed trip. Taipei is a whole new environment with a different vibe from other cities that I previously visited. Do visit the Lungshan temple area if you wanna get a taste of ancient Taiwan streets.