Welcome to the heart of Japanese cuisine!
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is renowned not just for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its extraordinary culinary scene.
From the freshest sushi to heartwarming soup curry, this gastronomic paradise offers an array of dishes that promise to tantalize your taste buds.
In this blog, we’ll embark on a delicious journey exploring seven quintessential Hokkaido dishes that you absolutely must try.
Sushi（お寿司）: A Fresh Take on Japan’s Classic
In Hokkaido, sushi transcends culinary art.
Thanks to its cold, clean waters, the island boasts an array of seafood, unrivaled in freshness and variety.
From the melt-in-your-mouth salmon to the sweetly succulent sea urchin, Hokkaido sushi offers an authentic taste of Japan’s marine bounty.
Dining here isn’t just about eating; it’s an experience where each piece of sushi tells a story of the sea.
In Western countries, sushi is often perceived primarily as maki-zushi (rolled sushi), featuring ingredients like avocado, cream cheese, and an array of non-traditional fillings.
However, in Japan, the heart of sushi culture lies in nigiri-zushi (hand-pressed sushi) – simple yet elegant pieces of thinly sliced fish over a small bed of vinegared rice.
This traditional style focuses on the quality and flavor of the fish, often forgoing the use of ingredients like avocado that are popular in Western adaptations of sushi.
This distinction highlights not only the diverse interpretations of sushi around the world but also underscores the importance of understanding cultural origins and preferences in cuisine.
Seafood Donburi（海鮮丼）: A Bowl of Ocean Treasures
Imagine a bowl brimming with the ocean’s freshest gifts.
That’s seafood donburi in Hokkaido. Each bowl is a colorful canvas, adorned with glistening sashimi, tender crab, and sweet shrimp, laid over a bed of perfectly seasoned rice.
This dish not only satisfies your hunger but also offers a glimpse into Hokkaido’s rich marine culture.
In Japanese cuisine, ‘Donburi’ refers to a popular and comforting dish that consists of a generous serving of rice topped with various ingredients. These ingredients can range from fish, meat, vegetables, to various types of sauces and seasonings. The essence of a donburi lies in its simplicity and versatility, offering a fulfilling meal that combines the hearty base of steamed rice with a variety of toppings to create different flavors and textures. Common variations include ‘Gyudon’ (beef bowl), ‘Katsudon’ (fried pork cutlet bowl), and ‘Tendon’ (tempura bowl), each providing a unique and satisfying eating experience. Donburi is a quintessential example of Japanese comfort food, embodying both the simplicity and depth of flavor characteristic of the country’s culinary traditions.
Sapporo Ramen（札幌ラーメン）: Slurp Up the Local Flavor
When in Sapporo, missing out on its signature miso ramen is a culinary sin.
This ramen stands out with its rich, miso-infused broth, a perfect blend of savory depth and umami.
Topped with corn, butter, and succulent slices of chashu, Sapporo ramen is a hearty embrace in a bowl, reflecting the city’s warm hospitality.
Sapporo Beer Garden
If you’re in Hokkaido and craving Jingisukan, pairing it with Sapporo Beer is a must! This combination is immensely popular, not just among tourists but also with locals. Due to its fame, making a reservation is essential to ensure you get a taste of this sought-after delicacy.
Address: 9-2-10, Kita7Jo, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 065-0007
TEL :0570-098-346 (Sapporo Beer Garden General Reservation Center)
*For customers using an IP phone, please call us on 011-742-1535.
Business Hours :11:30-21:00 (Last order at 20:40)
Soup Curry（スープカレー）: A Unique Hokkaido Twist on a Classic
Hokkaido’s soup curry is a delightful surprise for the palate.
Unlike the thicker, stew-like curries of mainland Japan, this version is a lighter, soup-based curry brimming with local vegetables and tender meat.
Each spoonful is a harmonious blend of spices and fresh ingredients, offering a comforting warmth that’s perfect for Hokkaido’s chilly climate.
“Magic Spice,” often regarded as the pioneer of soup curry, is located in Sapporo City and has become a popular destination for many fans captivated by its flavor. The soup curry here, a delicate blend of abundant vegetables, a variety of spices and herbs, and the essence of chicken, is highly recommended for its invigorating taste.
Address: 6-2, Hongo-dori 8-chome Minami, Shiroishi-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido
Business Hours:
Lunch: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Dinner: 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM (Monday, Tuesday, and Friday)
11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays, and Days before National Holidays)
Ishikari Nabe（石狩鍋）: A Heartwarming Seafood Hotpot
Named after the Ishikari River, this hotpot is a tribute to Hokkaido’s bountiful seafood and agricultural produce.
A steaming pot of broth becomes a communal canvas for salmon, tofu, and an assortment of local vegetables.
Ishikari Nabe isn’t just a meal; it’s a social experience, perfect for chilly nights and warm gatherings.
At “Kyodo Ryori Oga(local cuisine)” in Hokkaido, you can savor the Ishikari Nabe, a delightful hot pot dish made with fresh, locally-sourced salmon. The key to its unique taste is the special miso used in the broth. Besides Ishikari Nabe, the restaurant offers a wide range of dishes featuring the bounty of both sea and mountains. Enjoy a wonderful dining experience while watching the chefs at work from the counter seats.
Address: 8th and 9th Floors, Sun Three Building, Minami 3-Jo Nishi 3-1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido
Access :A 3-minute walk from Exit 1 of Susukino Station, 144 meters from Susukino Station (Municipal Subway)
Open: 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Last Order at 10:00 PM)
Pork Donburi（豚丼）: Hokkaido’s Savory Comfort Food
Pork Donburi, or ‘Butadon’, is Hokkaido’s answer to comfort food.
It features grilled pork slices glazed in a sweet and savory sauce, served over a bowl of steaming rice.
The pork, tender and flavorful, harmonizes beautifully with the simple rice, offering a satisfying meal that fills both the stomach and soul.
Panchou, The Original Pork Bowl Restaurant
In Obihiro, there are numerous pork bowl (butadon) restaurants, but the most famous for being the originator is “Panchou.” Established in 1933 (Showa 8), Panchou has maintained its original flavor to this day, making it a recommended spot for those who want to experience the classic taste of Obihiro pork bowls. The menu allows you to choose based on the amount of meat, with options categorized as “Standard,” “Deluxe,” and “Premium.”
Address: 19, Nishi 1-Jo Minami 11-Chome, Obihiro City, Hokkaido
Phone: 0155-22-1974
Business Hours: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Closed: Mondays, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays
Genghis Khan（ジンギスカン）: Grill Like a Mongolian Warrior
Jingisukan, or “Genghis Khan”, is a unique Hokkaido barbecue experience.
This dish features thinly sliced lamb, grilled at the table on a dome-shaped metal skillet.
Accompanied by fresh vegetables, diners cook the meat to their liking, enjoying the interactive and communal nature of the meal.
Jingisukan is more than just food; it’s a celebration of flavor and camaraderie.
Sapporo Beer Garden
If you’re in Hokkaido and craving Jingisukan, pairing it with Sapporo Beer is a must! This combination is immensely popular, not just among tourists but also with locals. Due to its fame, making a reservation is essential to ensure you get a taste of this sought-after delicacy.
Address: 9-2-10, Kita7Jo, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 065-0007
TEL :0570-098-346 (Sapporo Beer Garden General Reservation Center)
*For customers using an IP phone, please call us on 011-742-1535.
Business Hours :11:30-21:00 (Last order at 20:40)
Hokkaido’s culinary landscape is as diverse as it is flavorful.
From the streets of Sapporo to the coastal towns, every dish reflects the island’s rich natural bounty and culinary creativity.
Whether you’re a seafood lover, a soup enthusiast, or a fan of hearty meat dishes, Hokkaido has something special to offer.
So, on your next trip to this beautiful island, make sure to indulge in these seven must-try dishes and immerse yourself in the true flavors of Hokkaido!
