Take it away!

Too tired from a big day, taking in all that Tokyo has to offer? Well, if you're heading through Ginza station on your way home, why not make a quick stop at the Matsuya department store food hall, basement level, and pick up some of these irresistible gyoza [AUD $8 for 6 large]. You'll be on the next subway and back at your hotel before you know it! So convenient - dinner is solved.

The chef also made the pickles, which I couldn't stop eating. I wasn't able to identify the vegetable, although I was reminded of choko. There's so much to choose from at the department store food halls, it's often very difficult to reach a decision resulting in repeated laps of the aisles. It's all amazingly desirable.

Also check out the Mitsukoshi department store at Mitsukoshi-mae station, which is handy for subway travellers changing to another line as there's an entry to the food hall from the subway. The feel at Mitsukoshi is more formal but the choices are as extensive and the quality is high. A slice of heaven!

To say that there isn't any cheap food to be found in Tokyo, is to quote a popular myth. It's everywhere from the little noodle shops down lanes and under railway lines, sushi shops down in the 2nd basement, food halls and ramen shops at the larger subway stations. So keep your eyes open. It's all around you.