No snowboarding in Niseko? No problem. Comfort yourself with treats from Hokkaido Dosako Plaza on level one, which sells products exclusively from the region. 

The famous Shiroi Koibito (white chocolate langue de chat cookie ‘sandwiches’) is available in different variations like white and milk chocolate filling ($16.50 to $71.50) – great for gifting.

Melon-flavoured giant Pocky ($17.60), anyone?

We’re getting major hipster vibes from these mini Naganuma ice-cream tubs ($4.10) available in milk, melon and cheese flavours.

Kawaii ready-to-eat corn on the cob: choose from juicy pearly-white corn, sweet corn or the slightly smoky char-grilled version ($5.20 - $6.80). Just warm them up in the oven before eating.

After your Hokkaido shopping spree, head to Gokoku Japanese Bakery opposite to pick up some fresh bakes. Originating from Kobe, this is the bakery’s third outlet. 

Bestsellers include the prosperous-sounding Gokoku Shichifuku Pan (literally translated as ‘five grains, seven fortunes’, the hearty bun is made with Japanese brown rice flour and whole grains), Malt Kurumi Pan (clover-shaped rye bun) and Mochi Mochi Cheese - a soft, chewy bread filled with diced cheese.

Enjoy 50 cents off a hot or iced coffee with the purchase of any sandwich or bun. We recommend the Teriyaki Chicken & Egg Sandwich ($5.50) and Salmon Cheese Gokoku Komeko Pan ($4.80) – the fillings are hearty and shiok.

Consider yourself an atas junk food fan? The supermarket carries a wider range of both Japanese and international products compared to its GWC branch, and all of them are imported directly from the source.

This means you can expect exclusive flavours from familiar brands, such as festive Truffled Cheese & Sparkling Wine crisps ($6.95) from Kettle.

Chocolate truffles filled with Guinness beer or Bailey’s Irish Cream ganache ($19.95).

Or how about some beer-flavoured jelly beans ($7.65)?

“This is Tokyo-standard sushi and sashimi,” says Nagoshi with confidence. “We import an extensive range of premium fish from a famed Nakajima supplier.” Here’s the Moriyama donburi ($12.90), with California maki, crab legs and salmon roe. 

A sushi set featuring “Xtra Large Topping!” for under $10.

Move over, salmon and swordfish. Get your hands on less common sashimi options like Maguro Tataki, Katsuo (skipjack tuna) and Shime saba here ($9.90 - $10.90).

You can also get atas cuts like ootoro (most-prized portion of the tuna belly) for a more reasonable price compared to those at restaurants (from $60.75 for 122g).

Even frozen food items like gyozas are made fresh at Meidi-Ya’s kitchen in Singapore using imported ingredients from Japan.

Get 10 percent off top-grade Japanese meats from now until 6 Dec. Date night coming up? Pick up a Kobe wagyu ribeye or sirloin steak (100g for $36.80, price before discount) for an impressive home-cooked meal.

Or go for some thinly sliced Kurobuta pork (from $15.60, price before discount).

Speaking of hotpot, here’s a tip: grab a couple packets of Meidi-Ya’s house-made tofu and add a creamy touch to your soup.

Tired from shopping? Make your way to the dining area on level one, next to the food hall to fuel up. 

The beverage menu includes coffee, soft drinks, beer and even premium Dassai sake (from $25 a 330ml glass of Dassai 45).

There’s a large al fresco section for hubbies/boyfriends to chill with a beer while waiting for their partners to shop.

Fans of Hokkaido-based Bentoss bento and Sapporo Nishiyama ramen stalls at Meidi-Ya GWC can also find their new outlets here.

Prices start from $15.90 for a bowl of noodles.

While you can pick up alcoholic drinks at the supermarket as well, we prefer the extensive range found at the standalone wine and liquor shop on level one (opposite the bakery), which first opened in August. Nothing beats duty-free prices, but Meidi-Ya imports their sakes and wines directly from Japan so you can still get them at a slightly lower price than most other retail stores.

There are close to 300 types of sake found here, including the Dassai Beyond ($550/720ml) – one of the finest from the top sake producer. Affordable options are aplenty as well, such as 720ml bottles from breweries like Ichnokura and Daishichi that start from $36.

Check out the Japanese wines while you’re here.

Look out for ongoing promotions (a 300ml bottle of Setsugenno Mai Daiginjo is currently going for $32). Good to stock up for your Christmas parties.

Meidi-Ya is at  #01-51 to 56, #01-65, #02-26 to 36 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd, S039596. Supermarket open daily 10am-10pm. Food court & dining area open daily 11am-10pm. Wine & liquor store open daily 10am-9.30pm. www.meidi-ya.com.sg

Photos: Pyron Tan

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