Sapporo
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Local Cuisine
Explore Sapporo's iconic dishes, including specialties like miso ramen, seafood, and soup curry.
Sections
1. Popular Dishes in Sapporo
Here are the must-try dishes that define Sapporoโs food culture:
a. Sapporo Ramen
- Description: Sapporo is the birthplace of miso ramen, a rich and hearty noodle soup made with a miso-based broth, often topped with corn, butter, chashu (braised pork), bamboo shoots, and green onions. The addition of butter and corn is a nod to Hokkaidoโs dairy and corn production.
- Where to Try:
- Ramen Alley (Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho): A famous alley in Susukino with numerous ramen shops. Try "Aji no Tokeidai" or "Shirakaba Sansou."
- Sumire: A legendary ramen shop known for its rich miso ramen.
- Santouka: Another popular chain with a branch in Sapporo.
- Cost: ยฅ800โยฅ1,200 per bowl.
b. Genghis Khan (Jingisukan)
- Description: A Hokkaido specialty, this is a grilled lamb or mutton dish cooked on a dome-shaped grill. The meat is often marinated and served with vegetables like bean sprouts and onions.
- Where to Try:
- Sapporo Beer Garden: A classic spot to enjoy Genghis Khan with freshly brewed beer.
- Daruma: A popular chain specializing in this dish.
- Cost: ยฅ2,000โยฅ4,000 per person, depending on portion size and drinks.
c. Seafood (Kaisen)
- Description: Hokkaido is famous for its fresh seafood, including crab (kani), sea urchin (uni), scallops (hotate), salmon roe (ikura), and more. Sapporo offers a variety of ways to enjoy seafood, from sushi to kaisendon (seafood rice bowls).
- Where to Try:
- Nijo Market: A bustling seafood market where you can enjoy fresh kaisendon or grilled seafood.
- Sushizen: A high-end sushi restaurant offering premium seafood.
- Kaitenzushi Toriton: A conveyor belt sushi chain known for its quality and affordability.
- Cost:
- Kaisendon: ยฅ1,500โยฅ3,000.
- Sushi: ยฅ100โยฅ500 per piece at conveyor belt sushi, ยฅ5,000+ for high-end sushi.
d. Soup Curry
- Description: A unique Sapporo creation, soup curry is a spicy, flavorful broth served with rice and a variety of toppings like chicken, vegetables, and seafood. Itโs lighter than traditional Japanese curry but packed with spices.
- Where to Try:
- Garaku: A popular soup curry restaurant with a cozy atmosphere.
- Suage+: Known for its customizable soup curry options.
- Cost: ยฅ1,200โยฅ1,800 per bowl.
e. Hokkaido Crab
- Description: Hokkaido is famous for its crab varieties, including king crab (tarabagani), snow crab (zuwaigani), and hairy crab (kegani). These are often served boiled, grilled, or as part of a hot pot.
- Where to Try:
- Kani Honke: A renowned crab specialty restaurant.
- Hyousetsu no Mon: Another excellent spot for crab dishes.
- Cost: ยฅ5,000โยฅ10,000 per person for a full crab meal.
f. Dairy Products and Sweets
- Description: Hokkaidoโs dairy industry is famous across Japan, and Sapporo offers a variety of dairy-based treats like soft-serve ice cream, cheesecakes, and butter cookies.
- Where to Try:
- Shiroi Koibito Park: Famous for its Shiroi Koibito cookies and other sweets.
- Milk Mura: A dessert cafรฉ specializing in soft-serve ice cream.
- Cost: ยฅ300โยฅ800 for desserts.
2. Dining Customs and Etiquette
To fully enjoy Sapporoโs food scene, itโs important to be aware of Japanese dining customs:
- Slurping Noodles: Itโs perfectly acceptable (and encouraged) to slurp your ramen. Itโs seen as a sign of enjoyment.
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Japan. Excellent service is expected and included in the price.
- Chopstick Etiquette: Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice or passing food from chopstick to chopstick, as these are associated with funeral rituals.
- Reservations: For high-end restaurants or popular spots, itโs advisable to make reservations in advance.
- Cash vs. Card: While many places accept credit cards, smaller establishments and markets may only take cash. Always carry some yen with you.
3. Seasonal Food and Festivals
Sapporoโs cuisine is also influenced by the seasons:
- Winter: Warm up with hot pot dishes like crab nabe or enjoy miso ramen during the Sapporo Snow Festival in February.
- Summer: Visit the Sapporo Beer Festival in Odori Park to enjoy local beer and grilled seafood.
- Autumn: Try dishes featuring seasonal vegetables like pumpkins and potatoes.
- Spring: Enjoy fresh seafood like uni and scallops, which are particularly delicious in spring.
4. Food Markets and Street Food
- Nijo Market: A must-visit for fresh seafood and local produce. Try the grilled scallops or a seafood rice bowl.
- Curb Market (Jogai Ichiba): Another great spot for fresh seafood and local delicacies.
- Tanukikoji Shopping Street: A covered arcade with shops and food stalls offering snacks like melon bread and skewered meats.
5. Drinks to Pair with Your Meal
- Sapporo Beer: Sapporo is home to Japanโs oldest beer brand. Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum to learn about its history and enjoy a tasting.
- Hokkaido Milk: Known for its rich flavor, Hokkaido milk is often served as a drink or used in desserts.
- Local Sake: Hokkaido produces excellent sake, which pairs well with seafood. Look for brands like Otokoyama or Chitosetsuru.
6. Practical Tips
- Language: While many restaurants have picture menus or English translations, learning a few Japanese phrases like "Sumimasen" (Excuse me) or "Oishii" (Delicious) can enhance your experience.
- Allergies and Dietary Restrictions: Japanese cuisine often uses soy sauce, dashi (fish stock), and other ingredients that may not be suitable for vegetarians or those with allergies. Inform the staff in advance if you have restrictions.
- Portion Sizes: Portions in Japan are generally smaller than in Western countries, so donโt hesitate to order additional dishes if needed.
7. Suggested Food Itinerary
- Day 1: Start with a seafood breakfast at Nijo Market, enjoy miso ramen for lunch at Ramen Alley, and end the day with Genghis Khan at Sapporo Beer Garden.
- Day 2: Try soup curry at Suage+ for lunch, explore Shiroi Koibito Park for dessert, and have a sushi dinner at Kaitenzushi Toriton.
- Day 3: Indulge in a crab feast at Kani Honke and pair it with local sake.
Sapporoโs food scene is a delightful blend of tradition, innovation, and local pride. By exploring its diverse offerings, youโll not only satisfy your taste buds but also gain a deeper appreciation for Hokkaidoโs culture and natural bounty. Enjoy your culinary adventure!