One of the Japanese stores that my wife and I visit every now and then is Kaldi Coffee Farm, commonly known as Kaldi. It’s a popular Japanese retail chain renowned for its diverse offerings of international foods, beverages, and specialty items.

Here are some key points about Kaldi:

  1. Origins and Concept: Kaldi originated as a coffee shop but later expanded to offer a diverse range of imported goods. The store’s name pays homage to the legendary Ethiopian goat herder, Kaldi, who is credited with discovering coffee beans.
  2. Product Range: Kaldi is celebrated for its extensive variety of products, including a significant focus on coffee, international foods, wines, other alcoholic beverages, and unique Japanese snacks and teas.
  3. Shopping Experience: Kaldi stores are characterized by a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere. The aisles are packed with a wide variety of goods, creating a treasure hunt-like experience for shoppers.
  4. Locations: With numerous locations throughout Japan, often found in shopping malls, train stations, and other convenient spots, Kaldi is easily accessible for many people.
  5. Popularity: The store is popular among both locals and expatriates in Japan, thanks to its diverse product range that caters to various culinary tastes and preferences.
  6. Promotions and Sales: Kaldi frequently runs promotions and special sales, making it an attractive option for bargain hunters looking to try new and exotic products.

Kaldi has built a reputation as a go-to destination for those seeking unique and high-quality food and beverages from around the world, combined with a fun and engaging shopping experience.

Although my wife and I occasionally buy coffee at Kaldi, we more often just look around for the more exotic imported products. While these products may be exotic for Japanese customers, they are quite familiar to me. However, the prices for European cheeses and Swiss chocolate are notably higher. Therefore, I usually refrain from indulging in Swiss cheeses or Lindt chocolate. Today though, I was tempted to buy a package of Swiss Rรถsti from a brand that I hadn’t heard of before. Holding the Rรถsti package in my hands invoked some childhood nostalgia.

One response to “Kaldi: a little Swiss Food Nostalgia in Japan”

  1. Rolf Avatar
    Rolf

    Kaldi is also a favourite of ours and does indeed invoke a lot of nostalgia. Lucky for us, there are no fewer than 2 of their shops within walking distance, which is very much appreciated for an expat like me! ๐Ÿ˜‰ Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

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