I now live in the hip and happening part of the city. So I’d like to believe *snort* But there was a time in my not too distant past when I’d battle the early morning traffic jam getting out of Suburbia into the city, and in the evening (or night) battle my way back.
Or perhaps I should call it Subang-bia. Yeah, I used to live in Subang Jaya in the “dark ages” when I had no access to decent malls in the area (for those living outside Malaysia, Subang Jaya is a suburb about 25km from Kuala Lumpur city centre). Made me want to leave the area pronto! But now, I’m thinking it might not be a bad place to live. Now that Empire Shopping Gallery has opened its doors.
Been there yet? I dropped by before it was fully opened when I went for my facial at 128 Faubourg. At that time, it was brand spanking new with lots of renovation still on-going. I went back again recently, and its all quiet now – a quiet sort of elegance.
I was quite stunned to find out that Tang’s has taken up a large floor space in Empire Shopping Gallery with the other big tenant being Jaya Grocer. Clearly, the people of Subang Jaya now have access to much more in terms of fashion and posh groceries.
Even Kiehl’s and Shu Uemura have opened up boutiques there. Posh? You betcha 😛 I think its great that those outside of KL now have access to the brands and shopping choices they’d otherwise have to brave the traffic jams into KL city for.
I don’t go down to Subang Jaya anymore now I’ve moved to KL but it makes me sorta wish I’d gone with my Uncle’s instincts and purchased one of the properties right next door to the mall 😛
If you haven’t yet heard of Empire Shopping Gallery or don’t know how to get there, its behind Subang Parade and Wisma Consplant. From the Federal Highway, take the 1st turn off into Subang Jaya and the 1st right, go straight past Carrefour and Subang Parade and you’ll see Empire Shopping Gallery on your right.
Have you been to Empire Shopping Gallery yet? What’s your take on it? 🙂
Paris B
Jenn says
September 4, 2010 at 10:04 amI’ve been there before!! 😀 Its not big but definitely has all the nice stores in there!! 😀 I like that it has a pet shop too!! Hehehe!! 😀
ParisB says
September 4, 2010 at 11:25 amOh yeah there’s that pet store in the basement. They had some adorable puppies when I was there 🙂
plue says
September 4, 2010 at 10:22 amyup i have been there once! i quite like the place, and bustling with people! and Subang isn’t that far from where i live, so I quite like it 😛
ParisB says
September 4, 2010 at 11:26 amNow that they are charging for parking, I think the bustle is a little less 😉 Too far for me to go often though 🙁
plue says
September 4, 2010 at 11:21 pmeh? they are charging d? might as well u park in carrefour n walk over, quite near actually, if it’s not too sunny or heavy rain 😛
Dini says
September 4, 2010 at 10:30 amI live in Subang so I’ve been there a couple of times. The Shu Uemura SA’s are super helpful and nice. The Tangs is a little small though!
ParisB says
September 4, 2010 at 11:26 amGreat to know there are helpful SAs there!
Jyoan says
September 4, 2010 at 10:32 amOh yes! This is the furthest mall from the place I live at… … Long walk. But I love Jaya Grocer! Jaya Grocer is better than our most sophisticated supermarket in Singapore. Especially like that bakery. And the Japanese restaurant, Vietnanmese restaurant on the first floor has delicious food. Not to mention, Tangs allows me to use my Sg member card.
ParisB says
September 4, 2010 at 11:26 amOoh! When I was in SG, they let me use my MY Tangs card too for additional 5% discount! I loved it and shopped a lot at Tangs haha… Simple pleasures eh? 😉
Jyoan says
September 4, 2010 at 5:59 pmThe only thing bad is Empire’s Tangs doesn’t have a MAC counter. =((((( LOL.
eliza says
September 4, 2010 at 1:07 pmshopping haven for women~!! i wanna go~!! XD
ParisB says
September 4, 2010 at 3:58 pmNot quite a shopping haven, if you’re used to the bigger malls in KL 😉 But for a neighbourhood mall, its not bad.
Esther says
September 4, 2010 at 1:30 pmooh! Empire is just right behind my house! Not a healthy place to go to if you’re on a budget. I find that whatever Empire does not have, they have Subang Parade to cover up for it O.o
but then again we could use more brands here….BRING EM IN!!!
ParisB says
September 4, 2010 at 3:58 pmI haven’t been to Subang Parade in ages! It was the “best” mall in Subang when I was living there. Not saying that much really.
Jyoan says
September 4, 2010 at 6:06 pmActually the entire stretch isn’t very healthy for the pocket… haha. I feel that even the pushcarts stalls in Carrefour building mark up the price for clothes sooo much. Same as sg… really. haiz.
I like Subang Parade because there is DOME, which serves the best cheesecake and carrot cake for me.
And the Italian Ice Cream at Subang Parade is better than SG’s too. Oh, the Italian Ice Cream at Empire’s Shopping Gallery is great too! Try try.
Newly opened Nonya eatery at the basement of Subang Parade has really good Malay Chicken Rice…
And I like the Chicken Foccacia and 1/2 chicken on the 2nd floor of Subang Parade. That is the only place around there that serves no-sugar added, pure, tasty and naturally sweet homemade Soya Bean Milk. I realize M’sia is not hot on Tau Huay Chwee. But in Singapore, Soya Bean Milk is the rage everywhere… …
shuaddict says
September 4, 2010 at 1:31 pmI love it there. We go there twice a week on average. There’s Chili’s there which at least is closer than 1U or Bangsar – sometimes husband has serious cravings and want to drive after work even with traffic! It’s much better to have one branch this side. Jaya Grocer is amazing with some hard-to-get items (cool whip, butterscotch chips etc) and has a nice layout.
You must try the tiramisu at Suchan! Best ever tiramisu imo. The Loaf cranberry cream cheese bun is also a recent favorite treat. Can’t wait for Ole Ole Bali to open.
They are still renovating and some shops/stalls have closed up. They also have teething problems – this past week gate bars at their parking broke so the entrances P1-P2 had to be closed for example. All in all it’s a great new place for Subang side. Also no Guardian or Watson’s just Caring pharmacy 🙁 Always nice to browse in those other two lol
ParisB says
September 4, 2010 at 3:59 pmYa I did notice only 1 pharmacy which was surprising. Then again, it isn’t that big and with Subang Parade next door with a pretty big Guardian pharmacy, I guess it was just too close for comfort 😀 Its nice if you live in the area 🙂
milktea says
September 5, 2010 at 1:41 pmCaring Pharmacy has taken over the retail space where Guardian used to be on LG floor (behind Body Shop). I’m not sure if there is a Guardian outlet anymore in Subang Parade.
Steph says
September 6, 2010 at 1:15 pmThere is! It’s now located at Cold Storage, beside the checkout counters!
Jyoan says
September 4, 2010 at 6:08 pmUnfortunately, neither Suchan, the homemade cakes shops besides Suchan, or the cheesecake place opposite Suchan has nice cheesecake. =(((
The one besides Suchan does have not too bad macarons, carrot cake and coffee though.
milktea says
September 5, 2010 at 1:43 pmHi Jyoan. The place next to Suchan is Whisk. I was there the other day and bought their pizza and toffee nut latte. Haven’t tried the desserts yet but it’s got a very nice ambience.
Monstro says
September 4, 2010 at 2:09 pmI feel like I need to go check it out now. 🙂
ParisB says
September 4, 2010 at 4:01 pmKnowing where you live, I might prefer to hit somewhere closer to home 😉
synical says
September 4, 2010 at 3:10 pmBeen there a few times when parking was still free; haven’t been since. How much IS parking, anyway?
Tangs there is such a rip-off… was expecting a little more. But I’m not missing out since I’m not a member.
It’s too far for me to go on a whim just because I live in PJ; 1U’s closer. And I got my ONECARD to collect points… so yeah. Won’t go there unless it’s for some occasion (got a number of interesting cafes and what-not).
Even drove there once to buy macaroons from Whisk (next to Suchan).. only to find I prefer Babycakes macaroons more.
ParisB says
September 4, 2010 at 4:02 pmParking is pretty pricey. I think its RM2.50 for 1st hour? Something like that. Which is why I say that since I don’t live in the area, there’s nothing much to “draw” me there specifically just to visit. But if I were in Shah Alam (as I sometimes am) it makes sense to go here than to anything in Shah Alam 😛
Syen says
September 4, 2010 at 7:44 pmFor me who’s living in Subang, this place is awesome! Apart from all the makeup brands, there’s also Charles & Keith, and the food places are pretty decent too for a dinner out. Yay!
Adele says
September 5, 2010 at 10:11 amThe Loaf is worth checking out for some pretty unusual buns in the suburbs 😛
I like the interior layout of Empire and parking isn’t too much of a nightmare on weekends compared to 1U and the Curve area, but apart from some outstanding shops and eateries, I feel there’s not much to warrant regular visits unless you’re a resident of Subang Jaya.
Alexis says
September 5, 2010 at 1:43 pmempire shopping gallery do somehow bring new excitement to Subang area. the parking is RM1.50 per hour for basement and the outdoor premier parking are with a higher rate.
Whisk, juicework, Belanga, La senza, Loaf and also Jaya Grocer are those store I patronize most. Macaroon in Whisk is Famous, but my fave still their Hummingbird Cake 🙂
Alexis says
September 5, 2010 at 1:44 pmParking Rate should be RM1.50 for the 1st hour and RM1 for the sub sequence hour for basement.
milktea says
September 5, 2010 at 1:49 pmI like the easy access to Coffee Bean! 🙂