Everyone hankers after a little luxury in their life and in food-fixated Japan the latest in retail therapy is splashing out on fancy imported snacks or take-home dishes prepared by expert chefs.

For Tokyo's legions of busy office ladies shopping at a smart delicatessen is a more affordable luxury than eating out and opening a prettily packaged meal is an attractive alternative to cooking for one or grabbing a synthetic snack from the convenience store. The flagging sales of department store chains have received a much needed boost from basement food courts that now account for up to 25 percent of sales, while several high-end delicatessen chains are proving to be roaring successes.

With its latest outlet having recently opened in the food court of Shibuya's Tokyu department store, trendy Manhattan deli Dean & Deluca has carved a special niche for itself at the top of the high-end food business. With a store in Marunouchi and another in the newly revamped Shinagawa Station building, the all-American chain is proving to be a firm favorite with Tokyo gastrophiles (gourmets). New York staples like doughnuts and bagels are freshly baked using additive-free traditional recipes while a selection of French bread and pastries is also laid out in sumptuous style.