Takashimaya’s Basement 2 Food Hall remains one of Singapore’s most iconic culinary destinations, offering an impressive array of Japanese specialties, artisanal bakeries, and gourmet treats. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes this food hall a must-visit.
Overall Atmosphere & Experience
The sprawling food hall buzzes with energy, drawing both locals seeking quick lunch fixes and tourists hunting for premium food gifts. The Japanese influence is unmistakable, with approximately 70% of offerings hailing from Japan or featuring Japanese cuisine. The layout can feel maze-like during peak hours, but this adds to the adventure of discovery.
Standout Eateries & Dishes
Best for Quick Meals
Nakajima Suisan Grilled Fish emerges as a hidden gem for value seekers. The Saba Shioyaki Set at $10.90 delivers a complete Japanese teishoku experience with grilled mackerel, rice, pickles, salad, miso soup, and hot green tea. Despite daily crowds, service remains efficient. The Gindara Shioyaki Set ($22.90) represents the premium end, featuring buttery black cod that justifies the price point.
Tsuru-Koshi Udon offers over 20 udon variations in a casual setting. The Tonkotsu Udon ($8) provides creamy comfort, while the Curry Udon ($9.50) adds a spicy kick. The highlight here is texture—the noodles deliver that coveted elastic, springy bite that makes for satisfying slurping. Rice lovers shouldn’t miss the Ebi Tendon ($17.80).
Premium Sandwich Experience
Ebisu Sando Kyoto has carved out a reputation for made-to-order Japanese sandwiches. The Pork Cutlet Sando (from $14) features crispy, juicy tonkatsu between pillowy milk bread—a textural masterpiece. The Wagyu Roast Beef Sando ($28) caters to those seeking luxury, though the price jump is substantial. Don’t overlook the Prawn Bisque ($3.80), a thick, creamy soup that complements the sandwiches beautifully.
Bowl Specialists
Teppei Syokudo dominates the donburi category. Their Signature Kaisendon ($15.80) piles fresh salmon cubes and sashimi high, crowned with ikura over pearl rice. The signature sauce ties everything together without overwhelming the fish. The Aburi Salmon Don ($15.80) offers a smoky alternative with torched salmon slices.
Yonehachi brings something unique with okowa (glutinous rice) sets. The Shio Saba Shokado Set ($16.90) and Black Vinegar Chicken Shokado Set ($16.90) both deliver healthy, onsen-style meals. Each set includes your choice of five okowa flavors: red bean, salmon, chestnut, sansai, or seasonal. The complimentary Houji tea adds authentic Japanese flair.
Katsu with a Twist
Kimukatsu reimagines tonkatsu with 25 layers of thinly sliced pork, creating a mille-feuille effect. The regular Tonkatsu Set ($17.80) includes all the standards—rice, miso soup, cabbage, pickles—but the star is that impossibly crispy, multi-layered cutlet. The Tonkatsu Kare ($19.80) adds Japanese curry for those wanting extra richness.
Bakery & Snack Scene
St. Leaven Bakery greets visitors at the main entrance with crowd favorites like the Matcha Bun ($3.30)—soft matcha bread with a crunchy biscuit coating. Limited daily quantities mean early visits are essential. The Chicken Mushroom Bun ($2.40) offers hearty, savory satisfaction.
Mini One fills the air with buttery croissant aroma during baking schedules. Their mini croissants ($2.80 for 100g, about 4-5 pieces) are dangerously addictive—soft, flaky, and perfectly portioned for snacking. The Strawberry & White Chocolate ($3.80 for 100g) features chewy strawberry dough with stretchy mochi inside.
DONQ Boulangerie brings authentic Japanese bakery expertise with classics like Sausage Roll ($3.80) and Brioche Sausage ($3.80). They helpfully maintain an updated list of top five bestsellers for the indecisive.
Peck, from the Four Leaves Bakery team, excels at affordable Italian bread. The Cheese Ciabatta ($4.40) delivers hearty, chewy, savoury satisfaction, while the Panino Caprese ($3.80) combines mozzarella, tomato, and fresh basil in airy bread.
Sweet Treats & Confections
Mr Obanyaki draws queues for their fish-shaped taiyaki and round obanyaki pancakes. The Red Bean Taiyaki ($2.60) packs generously mashed red beans for varied texture. Pro tip: reheat in a toaster at home to restore crispness. The Mochi & Chocolate Obanyaki ($2.80) offers gooey indulgence.
Bateel, the new Dubai import, brings gourmet dates and the viral Dubai Chocolate Bar – Hazelnut Kunafa ($9.50). The soft chocolate casing cradles crunchy kunafa with creamy hazelnut sauce—pure indulgence. A pistachio version is also available.
Juchheim mesmerizes with live baumkuchen baking—watch the massive metal rod spin in the oven, getting dipped in batter every few seconds. The traditional German cakes are dense yet flavorful, with caramelized layers. The original Baumkuchen starts at $21, while Teegeback butter cookies ($25 for 85g) make great gifts.
Minamoto Kitchoan elevates wagashi to art. The Matcha Kasutera ($30) delivers green tea sponge cake elegance, while White Peach Mochi ($22 for eight) wraps sweet white peach bean paste in chewy mochi. For single servings, try the Ayashirabe ($3.20).
Venchi anchors the food hall’s far end with premium Italian gelato. The Mini ($11, two flavors) and Regular ($12, three flavors) aren’t cheap, but flavors like Chocoviar 75% and Green Pistachio From Bronte justify the splurge for true chocolate lovers.
Luxury & Gift Options
Shiseido Parlour (not the skincare brand) specializes in deluxe confections. Chocolavion runs $40 for 24 pieces, La Ganache $25 for 12, and Custard Pudding $45 for six. These are premium gifts for special occasions.
Kobe Fugetsudo sells nostalgic wafer sandwiches that symbolize luxury in Japan. A box of 27 Petite Gaufres costs $33—pricey, but these are traditional gifts with heritage.
Bankaku offers elusive yukari shrimp crackers baked over charcoal fire for umami explosions. Eight pieces run $13, while 33 pieces cost $70. The nutty aftertaste and crackly texture set these apart.
Cookie Mixx creates fresh cookies with less sugar and no preservatives. Belgium Chocolate Chunk, Earl Grey Tea, and Milo Chocolate Chips start at $8.60 per 100g. Custom orders let you choose a base and three toppings.
Value Analysis
Best Budget Options:
- Nakajima Suisan Saba Shioyaki Set: $10.90 for a complete meal
- Tsuru-Koshi Curry Udon: $9.50
- Mr Obanyaki treats: $2.60-$2.80
- St. Leaven Chicken Mushroom Bun: $2.40
Mid-Range Sweet Spots:
- Teppei Syokudo donburi: $15.80
- Yonehachi sets: $16.90
- Kimukatsu Tonkatsu Set: $17.80
- Ebisu Sando Pork Cutlet Sando: from $14
Splurge-Worthy:
- Ebisu Sando Wagyu Roast Beef Sando: $28
- Nakajima Suisan Gindara Shioyaki Set: $22.90
- Shiseido Parlour gift boxes: $25-$45
- Venchi gelato: $11-$12
Delivery Options
Takashimaya Food Hall’s delivery situation is fragmented, as individual tenants manage their own arrangements:
Available on Major Platforms: Several eateries including Teppei Syokudo, Ebisu Sando Kyoto, and Kimukatsu can be found on GrabFood and Foodpanda. Search by individual restaurant name rather than “Takashimaya Food Hall.”
Direct Ordering: Some establishments like DONQ Boulangerie and Cookie Mixx offer their own delivery through their websites or via phone orders.
Limited or No Delivery: Many specialty shops (Minamoto Kitchoan, Juchheim, Venchi, Bateel) focus on in-person shopping experiences. Freshly baked items from Mr Obanyaki, Mini One, and St. Leaven Bakery are best enjoyed on-site.
Gift Deliveries: Premium confectionery brands like Shiseido Parlour and Kobe Fugetsudo may arrange deliveries for gift orders—contact directly.
For the freshest experience, visiting in person remains ideal, especially for bakery items and made-to-order dishes.
Final Verdict
Takashimaya Food Hall succeeds as both a quick dining destination and a gourmet shopping experience. The Japanese focus provides authenticity, while variety ensures something for every palate and budget. Peak hour crowds (12-2pm, 6-8pm) can overwhelm, so visit during off-peak times for a more relaxed experience.
Must-tries: Nakajima Suisan for value, Ebisu Sando for katsu sandos, Teppei Syokudo for donburi, Mini One for croissants, and Bateel for viral Dubai chocolate.
The food hall works best when you embrace the browsing experience—walk the entire space, sample where possible, and don’t be afraid to try something unfamiliar. It’s not just a food court; it’s a culinary journey through Japan’s finest food culture transplanted to Singapore.
Rating: 4.5/5
Operating Hours: Daily 10am to 9:30pm (individual tenants may vary)
Location: Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Basement 2
Note: Most eateries are not halal-certified (exception: Butter Studio)