< Visited in Jul 2019 >
In my opinion, one of the national hobbies in Taiwan is probably going to bazaars. Weekend editions, seasonal ones (e.g during school holidays), thematic types (e.g pet related, for handicraft lovers, showcasing Taiwanese brands), indoors, outdoors... the variety is pretty impressive. I find them at cultural parks (e.g Taipei's Huashan 华山 and Songyan 松烟 on weekends) or dedicated locations (e.g Taichung's Caowudao 草悟道 and Eslite Living malls 诚品生活馆). Over this Jul 2019 vacay, I visited at least five for treasure hunting.
Shenji (Audit) 368 New Village 審计368新创聚落 in Taichung is one highly-recommended bazaar destination. Positioned as a daily bazaar (vs common weekend ones), in reality it is much more than that.
↓ Endorsing Taichung's wonderful public bus service - currently first 10km free using stored value cards - I took a bus from my hotel vicinity to Caowudao 草悟道, followed by a 15-minute stroll.
↓ Passing by Caowu Square, location of 好時光夢想號市集 (literally "Good Times Dream Bazaar"), managed by Slow Village 慢聚落 which you can follow for their differently themed bazaars. Opened only on weekends, I was back another day.
↓ I was distracted enroute by a park and steered off course a little, which honestly helped relieve some of the summer heat.
↓ Back on track, this cluster of lowrise buildings marks my destination. Earlier mentioned, Shenji (Audit) 368 審计368 is really more than just a bazaar, because of the shops and eateries permanently situated here. Even if not for the bazaar carts, it is worth an afternoon strolling here.
↓ Forestmosa 森林岛屿 is one of my favourite Taiwanese brands, under the same retail family as Lavender Cottage 薰衣草森林. Took the chance to stock up on their loofah soap.
↓ Beat the heat at Win Win Dessert 一银甜品
↓ I had their signature grass jelly 一银仙草 (NT$40) and "flour tea" ice blended 面茶冰沙 (NT$70). Both were refreshingly good - the former not too sweet; the latter's texture and taste resembled the malt beverage Horlicks (which I really like).
↓ One of my planned highlights was lunch at Come True Coffee 成真咖啡. They have a handful of outlets in Taiwan, and this first visit was a good experience and I look forward to exploring others.
Check out this store's menu here.
↓ As usual, I had looked up their menu prior to visiting, and decided quickly on a broiled duck baguette (NT$190) coupled with the store's exclusive coffee - Golden Oolong (NT$180).
↓ The specialty coffee got served to my table with much fanfare. (Looks heavy for the server.)
↓ The lone piece of gold foil afloat the milky foam. An interesting concoction - the oolong tea and coffee blended surprisingly well, not overshadowing each other. As a tea and coffee lover, and generally adventurous towards new flavours, I wasn't disappointed with this item. Side note: the server gently reminded me that the cup below creates the smoke effect and is NOT for consumption (as much as it looks like tea).
↓ The server gently reminded me that the cup below creates the smoke effect and is NOT for consumption (as much as it looks like tea).
↓ The sandwich, while light in portion, was delectable with nicely broiled duck breast and refreshingly crunchy apple slices. The baguette was soft and I liked the touch of cheese.
↓ Back to the shopping at Moon Market 暮暮市集, the bazaar proper. (Follow their social media to find these stall owners.)
One downside of outdoor bazaars is being exposed to the elements. This July afternoon, the summer (and pre-typhoon) heat was a tad unpleasant, compounded by short bursts of drizzle that came as quickly as they left. It is easier for shoppers to seek shelter in shops, than cart owners who had to scramble to cover up their wares. (I ended up helping a lone young lady boss cover up her coffee stall.)
The shopping environment reminds me of Tainan's Blueprint Cultural & Creative Park 蓝晒图文创园区.
↓ Bagcom is a label I found online while looking for travel essentials (and a replacement for my worn-out backpack). They now have a store in Taipei near Huashan 华山.
↑ Ending my excursion, this condominium situated right beside Shenji 368 is an eye-catchng landmark. Wonder if the residents shop at Shenji 368 often, or find the noise level a concern...
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Shenji 368 (Audit 368 New Village) | 審计368新创聚落
Address --- Minsheng Road, Lane 368, Alley 2, Number 12, West District, Taichung 台中市, 西区, 民生路368巷2弄12號
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