Programme for the day: National Palace Museum, Tienmu and Ximending

Had our breakfast at MOS burger at the Taipei underground mall. Took the MRT to Shilin (士林) Station- Exit 1 and bus Red 30 directly to the NPM. Had earlier obtained free passes from the Taiwan Visitors Association in Singapore, part of the Visit Taiwan 08-09 promotions.

In NPM, there were 3 levels and many different halls on each level. The attraction was of course the Jadeite Cabbage. There was a queue of about 100m even before entering the hall.

From NPM, we proceeded to P.S. Bu Bu Restaurant (金屋藏车餐厅), a car-themed restaurant in Tienmu (天母) area. It was near NPM and we decided to take a cab there, direct to the doorstep.

P.S. Bu Bu Restaurant (金屋藏车餐厅)
No. 1, Lane 140, Zhongshan N. Rd, Sec 7 (中山北路七段140巷1号)
Tel: 886-02-2876-0698
Open: 12.00pm to 10.00pm.
Minimum order of NT$100 per pax

It's an interesting restaurant tucked away in a neat corner. Will probably miss it if we do not have the exact address. It's such a novelty that we started taking photos even before entering the restaurant and many within it, as you can see... We managed to get the seats in the center of the restaurant. The only complete car that they have. It's actually rather popular with customers and advanced booking is required usually. Thank God we got the seats despite not making a booking. Probably it's a weekday lunch.

Not everything we ordered was good. The appetizers were great. Loved the salad that comes with the main course; the dressing has a unique tangerine flavour. For myself I ordered the P.S Bu Bu chicken salad, but found the chicken pieces too dry. For main course, the spaghetti was not bad but the rib-eye was so-so. Again, a little dry on the outside. The tea I ordered for myself was great. They used Twinnings "Four Red Fruits" with pieces of apple and lemon. Nice! =)

It's Mummy's birthday today! Had wanted the restaurant to provide the cake with candles, but they do not have them. Was a little disappointed, but come dessert time, they gave Mummy a little surprise.

See the "Happy Birthday" written on her dessert plate. All cakes came on plates with drawings of chocolate syrup. Cute!

Cost of the meal NT$2420 (or about S$100). Not cheap at all, but it was an interesting experience.

After a heavy meal, we walked around the Tienmu area. It was something like Holland Village where the middle to upper class people stay. Some other restaurants and cafes here and there, alfresco style. The area also contained fashion outlets and I got some clothings here too.

Next place, Ximending! MRT to Ximen station.
Once we got out of the train, we could see the crowd. It was like our Chinatown during CNY. Thankfully, the crowd eased once we got out of the station and the crowds dispersed in various direction. Walked around a bit and then decided to look for food. Of course gotta try the 阿宗面线. Not sure where it really is and asked our way there. Once we got near, we immediately joined the queue that stretches more than 100m. There are no tables and chairs. You practically stand and eat, no exaggeration at all. We followed the crowd. It really tastes good! However, I personally still prefer the mee suah at Raohe last night. =)

You can find many young people busking in the Ximending area. One night alone, we heard 3 different singers. No, they are not asking for donations, but more to promote their music, songs and albums. We find it interesting that they have such a platform for aspiring artistes to showcase their talent.

Heading back to the hotel was easy, taking the MRT back to the Taipei station. Have to pack our stuff tonight as we're travelling to Sun Moon Lake tomorrow morning. Leaving our luggage at Cityinn as we'll be coming back after our trip to SML.