The alternative way to eat through Tokyo.

At least in Singapore, there are supermarkets that sell pre-prepared fresh food. Think Cold Storage with its rotisserie chicken and sushi. Well, this idea is a mini version of what you can get in Japan.

Introducing the Depachika! Depachika is the result of combining “Depa-rtment Store” and “chika” is Japanese for basement, and these food halls are literally in the basement of a department store.

So what do you find in a Depachika? Food, food and more food. Think of a cuisine you want and it is likely that you can find it at a Depachika.

Price-wise, it feels that the food on offer is not significantly cheaper than what you get at a restaurant, possible about 10% to 20% cheaper, but the quality that you get is tip top. Plus if you are travelling in a group, everyone can have their preferred cuisine.

So where can you sit down to dig into your food (and also where do you throw the packaging away since dustbins are extremely rare in Japan)? Usually at the top floor of the mall, there is an outdoor area with tables and chairs for you to consume your meal while you enjoy the scenery.

Most of the famous Depachikas can be found around Tokyo Station, Shinjuku and Shibuya as these are where the department stores are located.

Remember to try out the food at the Depachikas if you’re ever shopping in the above districts.

One last hot tip: At Nihonbashi Takashimaya (located near Tokyo Station), for the Pokemon fanatics and kids alike, there is a Pokemon Centre located in the annex, that you can head there after your meal to kill 2 birds with 1 stone (or catch 2 Pokemon with 1 Pokeball).