Discover Sapporo: A Culinary Journey Through Hokkaido
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Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is renowned not only for its stunning landscapes but also for being the food capital of the country. Home to an abundance of high-quality produce, fresh seafood, and exceptional dairy products, this region offers a gastronomic adventure like no other. Sapporo, the vibrant capital city, often serves as the first point of contact for visitors to Hokkaido. As such, it is imperative to experience the culinary delights that this city has to offer. Here’s a curated list of must-try dishes that showcase the best of Sapporo’s food scene!
1. Miso Ramen
Among the “three great ramen of Hokkaido,” Sapporo stands out for its rich and savory miso ramen. The other two variations include Hakodate’s shio (salt) ramen and Ashikawa’s shoyu (soy) ramen. Miso, a fermented soybean paste, is celebrated for its umami flavor, which is a hallmark of Japanese cuisine.
In Sapporo, the miso ramen features thick, curly noodles that perfectly capture the flavorful broth. Each bite is a delightful explosion of taste, especially with the addition of toppings like butter and corn—a unique local twist for corn enthusiasts!
Where to Eat Miso Ramen in Sapporo
- Ramen Shingen (located in Susukino) – A popular spot where you may encounter a queue, often lasting about an hour. Don’t miss the Shinshu miso option paired with Kakuni (tender pork slices). The portions here are generous!
- Ramen Teshikaga (found in Ramen Yokocho) – Situated in the famous Ramen Alley in Susukino. While there may be a wait, it’s manageable, and they accept credit cards.
2. Soup Curry
Sapporo’s soup curry is a beloved dish featuring tender bone-in chicken thighs accompanied by a medley of roasted vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, broccoli, and eggplant. Unlike traditional Japanese curry, which tends to be sweeter and milder, soup curry boasts a robust flavor profile with a delightful blend of spices. It resembles a fusion of Thai and Indian curries, making it a perfect comfort food for the colder climate of Sapporo.
You can customize the spice level to your liking; however, be prepared as the heat may exceed the typical Japanese mildness. As a fan of spicy food, I found the standard level 3 out of 5 to be quite satisfying!
Where to Eat Soup Curry in Sapporo
- Hiri Hiri (near Sapporo Station)
- Soup Curry Garaku (close to Susukino Station) – The most renowned soup curry restaurant in Sapporo, so expect a wait.
- Soup Curry Treasure (also near Susukino Station) – A lesser-known but equally delightful sister restaurant of Garaku.
3. Sushi and Fresh Seafood
Hokkaido is famous for its fresh seafood, and Sapporo is a treasure trove for seafood lovers. The cold waters surrounding the island provide an abundance of nutrients, contributing to the vibrant marine life.
In Sapporo, you can enjoy some of the freshest sushi available, often made from fish that are caught and served on the same day. Unlike many other places where fish is frozen before serving, in Hokkaido, you can savor raw fish that hasn’t been frozen, allowing for a more authentic taste experience.
If you’re concerned about food safety, especially regarding parasites in raw fish, don’t hesitate to ask the restaurant staff for information on which fish are served fresh and which have been frozen. Alternatively, you may opt for cooked sushi options like Unagi (freshwater eel) and Anago (saltwater eel), both of which offer distinct textures and flavors.
Where to Eat Sushi in Sapporo
- Seafood Donbei (located in Nijo Market)
- Toriton Sushi (with four branches in Sapporo)
- Hakodate Uni Murakami (near Sapporo Station)
4. Tsukko Meshi Ikura Don (Overflowing Salmon Roe Rice Bowl)
While discussing fresh seafood, one cannot overlook the delightful ikura don. Ikura, or salmon roe, consists of vibrant red-orange pearls that burst with oceanic flavor with each spoonful. In Sapporo, you must try the “Tsukko Meshi,” which translates to “overflowing ikura rice bowl.” True to its name, this dish is generously piled with marinated ikura, often spilling over the edges of the bowl.
Where to Eat Ikura Bowl in Sapporo
- Umi Hachikyo Bettei Ofukuro (located in Susukino) – Be sure to make a reservation before visiting!
5. Genghis Khan or Jingisukan (Grilled Lamb)
One culinary delight I’ve only recently discovered during my travels in Japan is Genghis Khan, or Jingisukan, which refers to grilled lamb served alongside vegetables such as bean sprouts, potatoes, mushrooms, and onions. This dish originated in Hokkaido during the 1930s and was named after the famed Mongolian leader.
Known for its tender and flavorful meat, the lamb in Hokkaido is distinctively milder compared to lamb from other regions, which can often have a stronger taste. Even if lamb isn’t your usual choice, I encourage you to give Jingisukan a try during your visit!
Where to Eat Jingisukan in Sapporo
- Matsuo Jingisukan (with four branches in Sapporo)
- Genghis Khan Yuhi (found in Susukino)
- Hiratsuka Genghis Khan (also in Susukino)
6. Butadon (Pork Rice Bowl)
Pork is a staple in Japanese cuisine, and Hokkaido offers its own unique twist with Butadon, which hails from the Tokachi region. This delectable dish consists of thinly sliced pork marinated in a sweet-savory tare sauce and grilled to caramelized perfection, served atop a bed of fluffy Japanese rice. While many restaurants offer thin slices, some provide thicker cuts for a heartier experience.
Where to Eat Butadon in Sapporo
- Doraibu-in Itou Butadon (located in New Chitose Airport) – A popular spot in the airport, so expect some wait time.
- Butadon Mamuro (in Susukino) – A small, cozy restaurant run by a single person, with limited seating. Arriving early for dinner is advisable!
- Tokachi Butadon Ippin (near Sapporo Station)
7. LeTAO Double Fromage Cheesecake
LeTAO, a renowned bakery from the charming town of Otaru, offers its signature Double Fromage Cheesecake, which you can enjoy in Sapporo as well. This delightful dessert is renowned for its light texture and balanced sweetness, making it a perfect afternoon treat. Many visitors also choose to bring this cheesecake home as a popular souvenir.
Where to Eat LeTAO’s Cheesecake in Sapporo
- Doremo LeTAO (near New Chitose Airport) – A lovely café serving their pastries and baked goods.
- LeTAO Bakery (located in Sapporo Station) – A takeaway bakery situated in the underground level of a mall.
8. Hokkaido Milk Soft Serve
Despite the frigid winter temperatures in Hokkaido, indulging in ice cream made from Hokkaido milk is a must! The soft serve is exceptionally creamy and decadent, offering a rich flavor profile that sets it apart from others. For dairy enthusiasts, Hokkaido milk and yogurt are also worth sampling, as the region produces over 50% of Japan’s dairy products thanks to its ideal farming conditions.
Where to Get Hokkaido Milk Soft Serve in Sapporo
- Kinotoya Bake (near Susukino Station) – Also famous for their delicious apple pie.
- Milk Mura
- Machimura Nojo Farm Odori
- Cremia Ice Cream – A unique soft serve served in a cookie cone, available throughout Japan but originally from Hokkaido!
9. Zangi (Hokkaido Style Deep Fried Chicken)
While chicken karaage is a beloved dish across Japan, Hokkaido offers its own take known as zangi. The key difference lies in the marination and seasoning of the meat before frying, resulting in a more robust flavor compared to regular karaage.
Where to Try Zangi in Sapporo
- Sapporo Zangi Hompo (near Sapporo Station)
10. Sapporo Classic
As the birthplace of Sapporo Beer, this city has a legacy that extends beyond borders. One of the unique offerings you can find in Hokkaido is Sapporo Classic, a special beer crafted specifically for the region’s climate. You can easily find this refreshing beverage in supermarkets, convenience stores, or local restaurants.
Where to Have Sapporo Beer in Sapporo
- Sapporo Beer Museum
That’s a wrap on the incredible food journey I experienced in Sapporo! I hope this guide serves as a useful resource for your culinary adventures. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to share them below.
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If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out my other posts about Hokkaido for more insights and tips!