
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan
1. Sapporo Ramen
Steaming hot bowl of noodles served with a rich miso broth and topped with corn, fish cake, and pork. A must-try dish in Sapporo.
- Unique Broth: The distinct miso broth sets Sapporo Ramen apart from other ramen varieties.
- Corn Topping: Sweet corn kernels add a unique texture and flavor to the dish.
- Fish Cake: The fish cake adds a subtle seafood taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
2. Jingisukan (Genghis Khan)
Grilled mutton dish cooked on a dome-shaped iron grill. Named after Genghis Khan, it's a popular dish in Sapporo.
- Mutton: Jingisukan uses mutton, a hearty and flavorful meat choice.
- Dome-shaped Grill: Cooking on a dome-shaped grill ensures even cooking and allows for easy sharing.
- Side Dishes: Served with side dishes like corn, cabbage, and potatoes.
3. Crab Cuisine at Susukino
Freshly caught crabs prepared in various ways, such as grilled, steamed, or fried. Susukino district is famous for its crab cuisine.
- Fresh Catch: Susukino is a major seafood hub, ensuring fresh and high-quality crabs.
- Variety of Preparation: Crabs can be enjoyed in multiple cooking styles to cater to different tastes.
- Susukino District: The lively Susukino district offers a vibrant atmosphere along with great crab cuisine.
4. Otaru Kani (Otaru Crab)
Fresh, succulent Otaru crabs are a must-try in the city of Otaru. Enjoy them steamed or in a creamy crab croquette.
- Succulent Meat: Otaru crabs are known for their tender and flavorful meat.
- Creamy Crab Croquette: A delicious snack made from creamed crab meat, coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried.
- Fishing Port Town: Otaru is a charming fishing port town with numerous seafood restaurants.
5. Sapporo Beer at Sapporo Brewery
Take a tour of the historic Sapporo Brewery and taste the original Sapporo beer, a symbol of Hokkaido.
- Historic Brewery: The brewery offers a glimpse into Sapporo's past and the evolution of its iconic beer.
- Tasting Experience: Enjoy a tasting session to explore different types of Sapporo beer.
- Iconic Symbol: Sapporo beer is synonymous with Hokkaido, making it a must-try experience.
6. Ishikari Don (Ishikari Rice Bowl)
A hearty rice bowl dish made with fresh Ishikari Salmon. Enjoy the simple yet delicious flavors of Hokkaido.
- Fresh Ishikari Salmon: The salmon used is locally sourced and fresh, ensuring a great taste.
- Rice Bowl Format: Ishikari Don offers a convenient and filling meal option for tourists.
- Simple Ingredients: Minimal ingredients let the freshness of the salmon shine through.
7. Fish Market Odori (Odori Fish Market)
Start your day at the bustling Fish Market Odori for fresh seafood and local delicacies.
- Bustling Market: The lively atmosphere of the market adds to the foodie experience.
- Fresh Seafood: Fish Market Odori offers a wide variety of freshly caught seafood.
- Local Delicacies: Discover unique local dishes at the stalls in Fish Market Odori.
8. Shiroyaki (Sapporo's Grilled Scallops)
Grilled scallops cooked with a layer of salt and served on a hot iron plate. A tasty treat to savor in Sapporo.
- Salt Layer: The layer of salt seals the moisture in, keeping the scallops juicy.
- Hot Iron Plate: The hot iron plate ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Grilled Scallops: Scallops are a delicious seafood choice, especially when grilled to perfection.
9. Yubeshippoyaki (Grilled Rice Cake)
Grilled rice cakes made with wheat flour and soy sauce, a popular street food in Sapporo.
- Wheat Flour: The use of wheat flour gives the rice cakes a chewy texture.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds flavor to the otherwise simple rice cakes.
- Street Food: Grilled Rice Cake is a delicious and affordable snack to try while exploring Sapporo.
10. Sapporo Doughnuts (Yaki Imo)
Roasted sweet potatoes shaped into doughnut-like forms. A popular street snack enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
- Shape: The unique doughnut shape makes these roasted sweet potatoes a delightful treat.
- Roasting: Roasting gives the sweet potatoes a rich, caramelized flavor.
- Street Food: Enjoy this delicious snack while exploring Sapporo's vibrant streets.
11. Sapporo Soup Curry at Kurucuri
Experience a unique twist on curry at Kurucuri, where the soup base replaces the traditional rice.
- Soup Base: The soup base adds a new dimension to the classic curry dish.
- Unique Twist: Sapporo Soup Curry offers a fresh take on a popular dish.
- Kurucuri Restaurant: Visit Kurucuri for an authentic and delicious Sapporo Soup Curry experience.
12. Tsunago-zushi (Sushi with Pickled Plums)
Delicate sushi rolls filled with pickled plums and fish. A unique and delicious dish found in Sapporo.
- Pickled Plums: The sweet and tangy taste of pickled plums complements the sushi perfectly.
- Sushi with a Twist: Tsunago-zushi offers a unique twist on traditional sushi rolls.
- Local Sushi Experience: Experience the flavors of Hokkaido with Tsunago-zushi.
13. Hokkaido Melon at Melon Center
Savor the sweet and juicy Hokkaido melons at the famous Melon Center. A treat not to be missed in Sapporo.
- Hokkaido Melon: The unique characteristics of the Hokkaido melon make it a delicious fruit.
- Melon Center: The Melon Center offers a wide variety of Hokkaido melons to choose from.
- Fresh and Sweet: The freshness and sweetness of the Hokkaido melon make it a refreshing treat.
14. Sapporo Sushi at Nijiya Market
Enjoy fresh and high-quality sushi at Nijiya Market, a popular supermarket in Sapporo.
- Supermarket Sushi: Nijiya Market offers convenient and affordable sushi options.
- Fresh Sushi: The sushi is made with fresh fish, ensuring a great taste.
- Local Shopping Experience: Nijiya Market offers a unique shopping experience for tourists and locals alike.
15. Sapporo Souvenir: Kaiten-zushi (Revolving Sushi)
Take home a piece of Sapporo's culinary scene with a box of revolving sushi (kaiten-zushi).
- Sushi Box: The sushi box makes for a convenient and unique souvenir.
- Revolving Sushi: Kaiten-zushi is a popular and fun way to enjoy sushi.
- Sapporo Souvenir: Share the flavors of Sapporo with friends and family back home.