Migration Cafe and B&B

An old house exudes reviving energy

Upon gently pushing open the wooden door, the aroma of coffee permeates in the air. An old-fashioned sewing machine and an erhu with broken strings are displayed by the wall, recalling the memories of a bygone era. Looking to the left, you’ll find a wall made of straws and mud. Its gray mottles are like dappled light in the morning mist, bringing the recollection of the old rammed-earth house alive. The hostess, Susu, purposely preserved the historic traces of the century-old house, in order to extend its unique charm into the future. And looking to the right, the wall is painted with powerful strokes of tangerine, chrome yellow, and wave-like pitch black. Holding a cup of coffee, you walk to the back end of the first floor. Outside the window is a sun-drenched patio, its abundant greenery and light reflect on the bamboo baskets and dried flowers hanging on the wall inside. If you get closer, you might even smell the warm scent of sunshine, while the beautiful light flows in through the exquisite stained glasses on the door, adding more delights to your afternoon.

You carefully step onto the creaking stairs and ascend to the second floor. There lies an eight-legged bed left from the old house, which is now decorated with bunches of dried flowers as one of Susu’s ingenious ideas, capturing the moment of time frozen here. By the stairs leading to the private loft, vintage light fixtures are hung on the wall. But when you look up, there is more light pouring in through the skylight that Susu specially built in the original wooden roof. If you are staying here during the rainy season, with the rain dropping on the roof as background music, the space seems more tranquil and your anxiety would just gradually be soothed. Migration is like an unadorned train, with its ever-changing window view, introducing splendid scenes before your eyes.

The glory of the old house has not faded but been revitalized in Susu’s hands, and will be joined by travellers to advance on the path to the future. You pass through the gray hallway, which is reminiscent of an Italian castle, and enter the Room 101 “Morning Fog.” As the herbs are thriving outside the red-brick wall and window, you and besties are sitting on the beige sofa with upholstery of blue and gray pattern, chatting and bantering in the shower of sunshine. Ascending to the loft by stairs, the soft mattresses on the floor are waiting for you to lie down and leisurely enjoy the whole afternoon. Room 102 “Flowers” has sky blue closet and cabinet, which make the intimate space feel more spacious. Snuggling with your other half and listening to the chirps and whirrs of insects out there, both of you will have the same sweet dream. Being led up to the Room 201 “Stars” by a turn at the corner of the staircase, another wonder is waiting for you. The blue-violet window film in the bathroom is like the starry sky, accompanying your shower time as the exhaustion is washed off. With a good book and a cup of heart-warming hot tea, in peaceful Neiwan, you can just savour the time elapsing slowly.

The colorful Waltz dancing on the tip of your tongue

When you come to Migration, you must not miss the hearty dishes prepared by chef Joe and Susu! Let’s start the day with potato cheese toast bricks in the morning. The crispy toast with aromatic butter is stuffed with mashed potato and tangy cheese, which would melt your heart in the sweet and happy rhythm. On the side are grilled shredded cheese with fresh tomato slices, along with a sunny-side-up egg and healthy salad with fruits, adding a bit of lightness to the breakfast. Together the ingredients compose a waltz in the sunlight, making your taste buds spin and dance, savouring the pleasure.

At Migration, the hosts won’t let you leave on an empty stomach, as the lunch and desserts here are also too good to be missed. The meal set performs another jaunty waltz: The first beat presents Joe’s signature dish, Migration chicken curry, which is attentively simmered along with apples, honey, and onions, tantalizes your taste buds once again. On the second beat, take a sip of the honey mint lemonade made by Susu, removing the lingering greasy flavor in the mouth. On the third beat comes the combination of locally flourishing butterfly ginger and panna cotta, delivering the rich yet refreshing floral fragrance as a perfect ending of the meal. No matter which dish, Joe, who has a background of food service, pays great attention to each ingredient and is dedicated to making your taste buds dance with delight.

The reflection of the passing time

Migration is never just a pause in life but an endless journey. Perhaps you can’t stop the time from elapsing, but you can collect the moments in your trip and revisit them in your mind from time to time. Slower the time by growing old with the house, contemplate the aging beauty hidden in the mottled walls, and come to understand the preciousness of the present in the torrential rain of Neiwan. As time passes, Migration will still stand on Heping Lane, with its elegant and entrancing look, waiting for your visit.