Best Eats and Lifestyle Treats at Takashimaya Shopping Centre
When it comes to Takashimaya Shopping Centre, there's more than meets the eye. Despite its name, it isn't just a retail space with an eclectic selection of the latest designer fashion, hottest accessories, fine jewellery, and luxury timepieces. Takashimaya Shopping Centre is also home to an exciting host of lifestyle and dining options that take your shopping experience to a whole new level.
Keen to pick a new skill? Hungry for comfort food after a long day of retail therapy? Planning your next holiday? Takashimaya Shopping Centre has it all. From authentic French fare to Japanese cuisine and even a cooking studio, check out these top dining and lifestyle picks at Takashimaya Shopping Centre.
With 135 locations in Japan and 14 others around Asia, Japan's most famous cooking school has opened its very first Southeast Asian branch at Takashimaya Shopping Centre.
Catered to cooking enthusiasts of all ages, ABC Cooking Studio offers a unique and authentic culinary experience with five different courses; Japanese and international cuisine, bread-making, cakes, wagashi (Japanese desserts), and a kids' course. Every class is conducted in small groups (maximum four students) – ensuring a hands-on experience for every participant, in which they can master original recipes – such as classic Japanese curry, handmade ramen, and macarons – under the tutelage of experienced instructors.
Need to have your favourite designer bag repaired or a dress tailored to your form? Head to BIG MAMA, a one-stop concierge service that does it all: alterations, repairs, and restorations on garments, bags, and shoes. With its speedy and affordable service – prices range from $15 for pants hemming to $130 for bag colour restoration and $270 for lining replacement of garments – BIG MAMA is a god-sent solution for any fashion emergency.
No need to travel all the way to Tokyo; for the freshest, most authentic Japanese fare at a reasonable price, Ginza Kuroson is the place to be. The spacious 120-seater farm-to-table restaurant prides itself on quality ingredients air-flown directly from different regions in Japan. A key highlight is Ginza Kuroson's impressive seafood counter displaying the day's catch, as well as its extensive menu, which ranges from sushi to sashimi, tempura, robatayaki grilled fare, and premium-grade kuroge wagyu beef.
Planning a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun for your next holiday? Make a detour at JTB first. Part of Japan's largest travel network, JTB is Asia's number one trusted travel agent with a global network extending to 516 offices in 100 different cities. And yes, it's perfect for rookie travellers and seasoned nomads alike. Not only does JTB offer comprehensive group tours and free-and-easy packages to Tokyo, Osaka, Okinawa and other destinations in Japan, it is also an authorised agent of JR train passes, and tickets to Universal Studios Japan and Tokyo Disney Resort.
Cakes, biscuits, madelines, chocolate pralines, assorted candy – welcome to confectionary heaven! With over 170 traditional handmade treats, La Cure Gourmande's flagship store at Takashimaya Shopping Centre is where you can get a taste of the sweet life. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, La Cure Gourmande also makes for great presents, thank to its selection of decorated gift boxes and vintage-style biscuit tins.
Sports enthusiasts and fitness addicts will be no stranger to lululemon. Best known for its range of athletic wear for yoga, running, and all of your sweaty pursuits, the Canadian brand seamlessly melds innovative technology with mindful design in all of its collections – making it one the most beloved sportswear brands out there. Bestselling products include lululemon's ever-popular sweat-wicking tights and reversible exercise mats.
After an extensive day of shopping, take a breather and chill out at Patties & Wiches. The new concept café at Takashimaya Shopping Centre offers an authentic American taste with a Japanese touch, serving up delicious fare in a casual yet relaxing environment. Tuck into a menu of comforting café fare, ranging from handmade sandwiches and burgers, salads, soups, desserts, and freshly-brewed coffee.
Experience la vie français at Paul, the inimitable boulangerie-patisserie at Takashimaya Shopping Centre. Renowned the world over, Paul makes no compromises when serving up its menu of classic French fare. Take your pick from timeless favourites such as croque monsieur, salade d'asperges, grilled rack of lamb, hearty soups, sweet or savoury crêpes. To cap off your meal in true Parisian style, Paul offers an abundance of freshly-baked pastries, breads, and desserts such as macarons, eclairs, and tartlette au chocolat.