Food and Drink

Hokkaidō is Japan's foodie hotspot for all things creamy, crispy, and meaty, and where best to taste it all than the island's capital city -- Sapporo? Of course, once you've finished gorging yourself, wash it all down with a nice glass of Sapporo Beer. Pro tip: Make a note of these restaurants if you're planning on going to the Sapporo Snow Festival. 1. Soup curry Hokkaidō soup curry is a South Asian-inspired dish made with a range of aromatic spices and filled with chunky seasonal vegetables and meat. It's a hearty Sapporo staple, popular for the warmth it brings to those snowy winter months in Japan's far north. Note that it has a very different taste from typical Japanese curry. The origins of the dish can be traced back to a medicinal shop called Ajanta in Sapporo. In the 70s, the owner proclaimed the health benefits of fusing South Asian cuisine and Chinese herbs. Originally just a simple soup, customers began imploring the owner to keep in what made the broth so rich and tasty -- namely the chicken legs and thick cuts of vegetables -- and hence Sapporo soup curry was born. Where to eat soup curry in Sapporo Visit the restaurant that birthed soup curry in Sapporo, Ajanta, known for its large vegetable additions and unique spices. Also check out Magic Spice, which first coined the term "soup curry" and is inspired by Indonesian cuisine. We warmed ourselves up with a thick lamb broth from Soup Curry Syabazo. There's a store for all types of soup-curry persuasions, be it a tomato or seafood base, so go exploring. 2. Miso ramen The story goes that in 1955, Sapporo chef Morito Omiya was inspired to add miso paste to the ramen of his shop, Aji no Sanpei. This was the birth of miso ramen in Japan, and today many make the pilgrimage to Sapporo to honor this accolade. Sapporo ramen is categorized by its use of semi-thick, chewy, and wavy noodles, with vegetables and often unique toppings (such as butter or corn). Its broth is usually pork or chicken-based. Interesting fact: A chef in Yamagata is said to have also invented miso ramen in 1960, claiming inspiration from adding noodles to miso soup. Visit Ryu Shanghai in Akayu, Yamagata for a taste of a spicier miso ramen. Where to eat miso ramen in Sapporo As with soup curry, you can eat in the place that started it all. Aji no Sanpei keeps its old-school vibes and reasonable prices of the past, so expect a line. Ramen Alley is continuously mentioned for a reason, with endless ramen options. Other recommended spots include Sumire, known for its curly noodles and dumplings, and Keyaki, plenty of vegetables (including corn if you want it). If you want to avoid the queues and cold that often come with waiting outside a Sapporo ramen joint, then try Sapporo Chitose Airport. It has a ramen alley where you can find popular restaurants, including Keyaki (this is where we stopped). 3. Jingisukan (lamb barbeque) Jingisukan, the Japanese romaji version of Genghis Khan, is one of Hokkaidō's most famous dishes. To put it simply, it is grilled lamb or mutton that you cook on a helmet-shaped skillet. The origin of the name is highly debated; there's no cuisine of the same name in Mongolia, but rather a similar grilled dish found in China. It became popular in Hokkaidō as the island was known as the nation's sheep-rearing capital in the early 20th century. Since then, it has cemented itself as another Sapporo favorite to warm up the chilly nights. Interesting fact: The first Jingisukan restaurant actually opened in Suginami-ku, Tokyo in 1936. Unfortunately, it is no longer there. Where to eat Jingisukan in Sapporo There are a bunch of places to get your lamb or mutton fix. The chain Daruma has several restaurants dotted across Sapporo. It has had its hooves in the Jingisukan scene since 1954. You'll find more spots in the nightlife district of Suskino, including Ezoya and a smaller place we went to called Shimadaya. You know what goes well with Jingisukan? Beer. That's why Sapporo Beer Museum also has a range of options -- including all-you-can-eat. Remember, at most of these places, you'll be grilling your own meat. 4. Shime Parfait Now, let's jump from the past to a modern Sapporo food trend -- a parfait for after hours, also known as Shime (Finishing) Parfait. Hokkaidō is known for its dairy. Sapporo is known for its bustling nightlife. Put the two together and you get a post-drinking sesh sweet treat to replace the usual ramen hangover cure. If you don't want to end the night there, try it with an alcoholic kick. The more extravagant the parfait, the better, so look for the ones with towering seasonal fruits and fresh, local cream. Where to eat Shime Parfait in Sapporo Most stores open till around midnight. Some decadent, late-night spots include: Parfaiteria Mill, expensive but artful; Cafe Noymond, beautiful and filling desserts; and the aptly named Sinner. If you're around Sapporo Station, stop off at Glaciel. It closes around 9 p.m. but is a good alternative for us early birds. 5. Zangi fried chicken You may have tried karaage, but have you tried zangi, Hokkaidō-style fried chicken? Zangi tends to have a slightly sweeter taste and a thicker batter than karaage. But it has been debated whether there is actually a concrete distinction. The term zangi can also denote the way of cooking, so you may see "octopus zangi" on a menu. In some places, it is served with a sweet and spicy sauce. Where to eat zangi in Sapporo Zangi is usually on the menu of many izakaya, but try the specialist fried chicken restaurant Zangi Ichiban for free-flowing rice and soup. For a drive-by snack, stop by the take-out store Hotei in Sapporo Station, which also has zangi burgers. 6. Other Hokkaidō must-eats These are foods famous throughout Hokkaidō, with mention of locations to sample them in Sapporo. Seafood: Try the catch of the day at Nijo Market. Go early (from 5 a.m.) to see the morning fish market, or just head to one of the nearby restaurants for a filling kaisendon, rice topped with seafood. Potatoes: Hokkaidō by far harvests the most potatoes in Japan, and so croquettes (korokke), French fries, and chips are plentiful. Cakes and pasties: As a land known for its dairy (Hokkaidō produces around half of Japan's milk), Sapporo spoils us with cake shops and patisseries. Kinotoya in Sapporo Station does excellent sponges, but is mainly known for their cheese tarts. Melon: In a small town close to Sapporo, a special type of melon called Yubari King is cultivated. This fruit can be expensive to buy, and some have even been sold at auction for more than a million yen. Because of its popularity, you can find many melon-flavored snacks and gifts, including Pocky and soft serve. While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in January 2017 by Bjorn. Last updated in July 2025.

Food and Drink

Japan For Foodies: 47 Prefectures, 47 Must-Try Dishes

What and Where To Eat in Sapporo: Miso Ramen, Soup Curry, and Jingisukan

Food and Drink

Japan For Foodies: 47 Prefectures, 47 Must-Try Dishes

What and Where To Eat in Sapporo: Miso Ramen, Soup Curry, and Jingisukan

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