1.
deli; prepared-food shop; side-dish store
A shop that sells ready-made dishes and side dishes for takeout. These stores typically offer a variety of cooked foods such as fried items, salads, simmered dishes, and rice balls.
Compound of 総菜 (side dishes, prepared food) + 屋 (shop/store). Refers to shops specializing in ready-made dishes for takeout.
Common collocations
Cultural note
Traditional 総菜屋 have long been a staple of Japanese neighborhoods, offering affordable home-style cooking. While supermarket deli sections (惣菜コーナー) and convenience stores have taken over much of this role, independent 総菜屋 remain popular for their quality and personal touch.