Sapporo

1. Popular Cuisines and Local Specialties in Sapporo

Sapporo is famous for its fresh ingredients, thanks to Hokkaido’s fertile land and surrounding seas. Here are the key cuisines and dishes you should explore:

a. Local Specialties

1. Sapporo Ramen

   • Sapporo is the birthplace of miso ramen, a rich and hearty noodle soup made with a miso-based broth, often topped with corn, butter, pork, and bamboo shoots.
   • Variations include seafood ramen and spicy miso ramen.
   • Where to try: Ramen Alley (Ganso Ramen Yokocho) in Susukino is a must-visit for authentic ramen.

2. Genghis Khan (Jingisukan)

   • A Hokkaido-style barbecue dish featuring grilled lamb or mutton cooked on a dome-shaped grill. It’s a communal dining experience often paired with beer.
   • Where to try: Sapporo Beer Garden or Daruma.

3. Seafood

   • Hokkaido is renowned for its fresh seafood, including crab (king, snow, and hairy crab), uni (sea urchin), ikura (salmon roe), scallops, and sashimi.
   • Where to try: Nijo Market or Curb Market for fresh seafood bowls (kaisendon).

4. Soup Curry

   • A Sapporo specialty, soup curry is a flavorful, spicy soup with vegetables, meat, and rice served on the side.
   • Where to try: Soup Curry GARAKU or Suage+.

5. Hokkaido Dairy Products

   • Hokkaido is famous for its high-quality dairy, so don’t miss trying soft-serve ice cream, butter, cheese, and milk-based desserts.
   • Where to try: Milk Mura or Kinotoya Bake.

6. Ishikari Nabe

   • A traditional hot pot dish made with salmon, vegetables, tofu, and miso-based broth. Perfect for cold weather.
   • Where to try: Local izakayas or specialty restaurants.

b. International and Fusion Cuisine

Sapporo also offers a variety of international cuisines, including Italian, French, and Chinese, often with a Hokkaido twist. Many restaurants use local ingredients like seafood, dairy, and vegetables to create unique dishes.

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2. Top Restaurants in Sapporo

Here are some highly recommended restaurants for different budgets and experiences:

a. High-End Dining

1. Sushi Tanabe

   • Michelin-starred sushi restaurant offering exquisite omakase (chef’s choice) courses with the freshest seafood.
   • Cost: ¥15,000–¥30,000 per person.

2. Molière

   • A Michelin 3-star French restaurant that incorporates Hokkaido ingredients into its fine dining menu.
   • Cost: ¥20,000–¥30,000 per person.

3. Hanamaru (Sapporo Stellar Place)

   • A high-quality conveyor belt sushi restaurant with fresh, seasonal offerings.
   • Cost: ¥3,000–¥6,000 per person.

b. Mid-Range Dining

1. Sapporo Beer Garden

   • Famous for Genghis Khan lamb barbecue and locally brewed Sapporo beer.
   • Cost: ¥4,000–¥6,000 per person.

2. Soup Curry GARAKU

   • A cozy spot for flavorful soup curry with customizable spice levels.
   • Cost: ¥1,500–¥2,500 per person.

3. Nemuro Hanamaru (Sapporo Station)

   • A popular sushi spot offering fresh and affordable sushi.
   • Cost: ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person.

c. Budget-Friendly Options

1. Ramen Alley (Ganso Ramen Yokocho)

   • A collection of small ramen shops offering authentic Sapporo miso ramen.
   • Cost: ¥800–¥1,500 per bowl.

2. Nijo Market

   • Affordable seafood bowls (kaisendon) and street food stalls.
   • Cost: ¥1,500–¥3,000 per meal.

3. Curry House CoCo Ichibanya

   • A chain restaurant offering customizable Japanese curry dishes.
   • Cost: ¥800–¥1,500 per meal.

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3. Typical Costs for Dining in Sapporo

• Street Food and Casual Dining: ¥500–¥1,500 per meal.
• Mid-Range Restaurants: ¥2,000–¥6,000 per meal.
• High-End Dining: ¥10,000–¥30,000+ per meal.
• Conveyor Belt Sushi: ¥100–¥500 per plate.

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4. Dining Etiquette in Sapporo

Understanding Japanese dining etiquette is essential for a respectful and enjoyable experience:

1. Before Eating: Say “Itadakimasu” (I humbly receive) before starting your meal.
2. Chopstick Etiquette:
   • Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice (it resembles a funeral ritual).
   • Use the opposite end of your chopsticks to take food from shared dishes.
3. Slurping: It’s acceptable (and encouraged) to slurp noodles like ramen or soba—it shows appreciation for the food.
4. Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Japan. Excellent service is expected and included in the price.
5. Paying the Bill: Most restaurants provide the bill at your table, but you’ll pay at the register near the exit.
6. Shoes: In traditional restaurants with tatami mats, you’ll need to remove your shoes before entering.
7. Reservations: High-end restaurants often require reservations, especially Michelin-starred establishments.

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5. Unique Food-Related Cultural Experiences

1. Sapporo Snow Festival Food Stalls

   • If visiting in February, enjoy a variety of street food at the Snow Festival, including grilled seafood, hot soups, and sweet treats.

2. Sapporo Beer Museum

   • Learn about the history of Sapporo Beer and enjoy a tasting session. Pair it with Genghis Khan barbecue at the adjacent beer garden.

3. Farm-to-Table Experiences

   • Visit local farms or dairies near Sapporo to sample fresh produce, milk, and cheese.

4. Morning Markets

   • Explore Nijo Market or Curb Market for a lively seafood shopping and dining experience.

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6. Practical Tips for Navigating the Dining Scene

1. Language:

   • Many restaurants have picture menus or English translations, but learning a few Japanese phrases (e.g., “Sumimasen” for “Excuse me”) can be helpful.
   • Use apps like Google Translate for menus without English.

2. Cash vs. Card:

   • Smaller restaurants and markets often only accept cash, so carry yen with you. Larger establishments usually accept credit cards.

3. Peak Hours:

   • Popular restaurants can get crowded during lunch (12:00–14:00) and dinner (18:00–20:00). Arrive early or make reservations.

4. Dietary Restrictions:

   • Japan is not as accommodating for dietary restrictions, so communicate your needs clearly. Use cards or apps to explain allergies or preferences in Japanese.

5. Seasonal Ingredients:

   • Hokkaido’s cuisine is highly seasonal, so ask about seasonal specialties like crab in winter or melons in summer.

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7. Must-Try Dishes in Sapporo

• Miso Ramen (with butter and corn).
• Kaisendon (seafood rice bowl).
• Genghis Khan (grilled lamb).
• Soup Curry (spicy soup with rice).
• Hokkaido Soft-Serve Ice Cream (made with local milk).
• Crab Dishes (king crab, snow crab, hairy crab).
• Melon Desserts (Yubari melon in summer).

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Sapporo’s food scene is a delightful mix of tradition, innovation, and regional pride. Whether you’re indulging in a steaming bowl of miso ramen, savoring fresh seafood, or enjoying a communal barbecue, the city offers unforgettable culinary experiences. With this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to explore and enjoy the best of Sapporo’s dining culture!