Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, offers a vibrant food scene with a unique blend of local specialties and traditional Japanese dishes. Here are some must-try foods and where you can enjoy them:
1. Sapporo Ramen
- Why Try It: Sapporo is famous for its distinctive style of ramen, known for its rich, miso-based broth, thick noodles, and toppings like butter, corn, and vegetables.
- Where to Eat: Popular spots include Sumire and Ramen Santoka, both of which offer authentic Sapporo-style ramen.
2. Genghis Khan (Jingisukan)
- Why Try It: A traditional Hokkaido dish of grilled lamb, usually served with vegetables like onions, mushrooms, and bean sprouts.
- Where to Eat: Sapporo Beer Garden is a well-known venue to try this dish, offering all-you-can-eat meat with beer.
3. Seafood
- Why Try It: Hokkaido is famous for its fresh and high-quality seafood, including crabs, scallops, and sea urchin.
- What to Eat: Kani (Crab), Uni (Sea Urchin), and Ikura (Salmon Roe) are must-tries. Hokkaido's seafood is known for being particularly sweet and tender.
- Where to Eat: Nijo Market and Sapporo Central Wholesale Market are excellent places to sample fresh seafood. Try Sapporo Kani-ryori Kan for an authentic crab experience.
4. Shiroi Koibito
- Why Try It: Shiroi Koibito is a famous Hokkaido confection, a white chocolate-filled biscuit that’s a beloved souvenir for visitors.
- Where to Eat: You can buy it at Shiroi Koibito Park, which also offers a tour of the chocolate factory and museum, as well as a café serving desserts made with the cookies.
5. Soup Curry
- Why Try It: This spicy and flavorful soup features a rich curry broth with large pieces of vegetables and your choice of meat, served alongside rice.
- Where to Eat: Garaku and Suage are highly recommended for their hearty soup curry dishes.
6. Hokkaido Milk and Dairy Products
- Why Try It: Hokkaido is known for its rich, creamy dairy products, and Sapporo is the perfect place to try fresh milk, butter, and cheese.
- Where to Eat: Visit Sapporo Factory for a variety of dairy-based products and desserts, or stop by Milk Kobo for fresh milk and delicious dairy-based treats.
7. Sapporo Cheesecake
- Why Try It: Sapporo is also famous for its soft, fluffy, and creamy cheesecakes. The cheesecake here is lighter and fluffier compared to other varieties.
- Where to Eat: Rokkatei is a well-known bakery that serves some of the best cheesecake in the city.
8. Hokkaido Potato Dishes
- Why Try It: Hokkaido is one of Japan’s largest potato producers, and its potatoes are known for being especially flavorful and creamy.
- Where to Eat: You can find a variety of potato-based dishes such as croquettes and potato salad at many local restaurants and food stalls.
9. Sapporo Beer
- Why Try It: Sapporo is home to one of Japan’s oldest and most famous beer brands, and it’s a great place to try fresh Sapporo beer straight from the source.
- Where to Eat: Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum and Sapporo Beer Garden for a complete beer and dining experience, featuring grilled meats and other local dishes.
10. Soft Serve Ice Cream
- Why Try It: Hokkaido’s rich dairy products make it the perfect place to try creamy, smooth soft serve ice cream.
- Where to Eat: Dairy Farm shops around Sapporo offer incredible soft serve ice cream in various flavors, such as vanilla, chocolate, and melon.
11. Ishikari Nabe
- Why Try It: This is a traditional Hokkaido hot pot, made with salmon, vegetables, and tofu in a miso-based broth. It’s particularly popular in colder months.
- Where to Eat: Many local restaurants in Sapporo offer Ishikari Nabe, but Sapporo Ramen Santoka also features regional specialties like this in its winter menu.
12. Hokkaido Melon
- Why Try It: Hokkaido is famous for its sweet and juicy melons, especially Yubari King Melon, which is considered one of the best in Japan.
- Where to Eat: You can try melon-based desserts at local markets like Nijo Market or buy fresh melon at grocery stores or fruit stalls in Sapporo.
13. Miso Butter Ramen
- Why Try It: While ramen is popular throughout Japan, Sapporo’s miso butter ramen is unique to Hokkaido, featuring a rich miso broth with a buttery, creamy flavor.
- Where to Eat: Sumire and Ramen Santoka are two places where you can enjoy a bowl of authentic miso butter ramen.
14. Yakiniku (Grilled Meat)
- Why Try It: Hokkaido is known for its high-quality beef, and yakiniku (grilled meat) is a must-try dish.
- Where to Eat: Yakiniku King and Sapporo Genghis Khan are great spots for enjoying grilled meats, including local specialties like Hokkaido lamb.
15. Sapporo Style Crab Dishes
- Why Try It: Crabs are a must-try in Hokkaido, and Sapporo is the perfect place to indulge in various crab dishes, such as king crab, snow crab, and soft-shell crab.
- Where to Eat: Sapporo Kani-ryori Kan specializes in fresh crab dishes, providing a delicious crab feast for seafood lovers.
Sapporo is a food lover’s paradise, offering a blend of fresh seafood, hearty winter dishes, and decadent desserts. Whether you’re enjoying a bowl of ramen, indulging in seafood, or trying local Hokkaido dairy, there’s no shortage of delicious dishes to explore in this vibrant city.
