Miss Expatriate and I decided to spend the day in Taichung and had quite a bit of fun. For once, we actually did something and I got the photos organized and am blogging about it (I’m usually too busy to put the photos up until months later when it’s too late).
We started off with lunch. Miss Expatriate had heard about a Muslim Restaurant that was getting very good reviews among the locals, so we decided to give it a try. The building was very drab and unassuming. The only giveaways were the green signs hanging out front.
Inside was quite small and packed. This place was definitely very popular with the locals – always a good sign.
The menu for the Muslim Restaurant
A peek into the kitchen
Another peek into the kitchen.
Customers enjoying their dinner
Being a Muslim Restaurant, they served no pork. As it was, they didn’t really serve any Muslim food whatsoever. Rather, they served Taiwanese food with a Muslim twist. Dishes include Beef or Goat soup, beef or goat dumplings, a very popular hotpot (good for larger groups), and a variety of sides. Miss Expatriate and I opted for the Goat soup, goat dumplings, and a side of beef, including cow’s stomach.
It was nice to have a seat near the kitchen where we could watch them prepare the dishes. They also made several hotpots, which are very popular. Next time, I’m definitely going to try one. Outside, you can see them prepare the hotpots and coals.
The outer part of the kitchen
A view from the street
If you’re going…
Business card for the Muslim Restaurant
After lunch, we headed off to the Jade Market (玉市 / yùshì), also a very popular attraction. We’ve gone several times before, but it’s always nice to wander around and talk to the locals and see what they’re selling.
The place is huge... this picture does it no justice
You can find almost anything here – jewelry, beads, tea supplies, statues, geodes, antiques – you name it. The variety is endless.
Small collections of decorative beads
Necklaces are popular
A guzheng sits in front of a painting
Small, decorate tables. I believe they're used for Ancestor's Worship tables
Tea trays
Many varieties of teapots can be found.
Several different types of tea, sold in discs.
The tea master must have been off on a break. This one is quite friendly and always says hello to me.
Large decorative stones
Turtle shells are popular - meant to bring good luck, I believe
These two sellers were engaged in several games of Chinese chess.
A large, decorative geode. These are quite popular.
Various beads for necklaces and bracelets
More beads
Old Chinese coins
Various types of money - he has money from several countries, including some very valuable gold and silver coins
Large statues
small statues
One of the many stores in the Jade Market
If you get hungry at the Jade Market, you can have a snack
If you’re going…
One of the helpful ladies at the Jade Market information desk.
Another helpful lady at the Jade Market information desk.
After that, we headed off to the Shinkong Mitsukoshi Department Store to do some window shopping (Why do Citizen and Seiko watches cost 3x as much as they do in America?) and watch X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which was quite good. If you go, I highly suggest you watch it in the digital theater for the best audio-visual experience.
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