No trip to Japan is complete without a visit to a japanese department store food hall.
Often located in the basement level, these establishments are called depachika and are a true foodies paradise.
The vast variety of food on offer and the quality is simply outstanding. It is so easy to get lost in the atmosphere and the plethora of food choices. This is next level eating on another scale.
Expect to see shelves stocked with the freshest seafood and sushi, every conceivable bento box that you could ever imagine as well as japanese staples like donburi (rice bowl), tempura, kushikatsu (deep fried breaded skewers of meat or vegetables), yakisoba (stir fried noodles), snacks including rice crackers and taiyaki (fish shaped cake filled with most commonly red bean), and sweets covering everything from mochi and dango to exquisite desserts, the list is endless. You'll also find western style fare like pasta, salads and cold meats represented here too.
And when it comes to paying for your goods, you'll be amazed at the attention to detail and the effort that is put into wrapping your items and making sure they look magnificent and immaculate for you to take home. As an example, I bought some japanese sweets which the server proceeded to wrap up and box with the same care that you would expect if you bought a piece of expensive jewellery.
I also bought some fruit salad and even the fruit was beautifully cut and presented inside the plastic container and the shop assistant even included an ice pack so that my fruit would stay chilled on it's journey home. It's little touches like these which makes shopping in a depachika a really special experience.
I can't wait to seek out more of these food emporiums the next time I return to #Japan. I recommend you do the same.
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