Best Places to Eat in Sapporo Japan

Savoring Sapporo: A Guide to the Best Eats

Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, offers a delightful array of culinary experiences beyond its famous snow sculptures. As a major city, you’ll find everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to charming local eateries, but for a truly authentic taste of Sapporo, dive into its vibrant street food scene!

Must-Try Sapporo Street Food:

  • Sapporo Ramen: This is THE quintessential Sapporo experience. Sapporo boasts a unique style of ramen with a rich, savory miso broth. Head to the Ramen Alley (ラーメン横丁) in Susukino for a variety of stalls specializing in this delicious dish.

  • Jingisukan (Genghis Khan Lamb Grill): Originating in Hokkaido, “Sapporo’s Genghis Khan” is a popular and tasty way to experience the local cuisine.
    This dish features thinly sliced lamb grilled on a domed cast-iron pan with vegetables and a variety of sauces.

  • Hokkaido Milk Bread (北海道ミルクブレッド): Known for its soft texture and slightly sweet flavor, this iconic bread is a testament to Hokkaido’s renowned dairy industry. Try it plain or in a sweet bun from a local bakery.

  • Taiyaki (たい焼き): This traditional Japanese fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste (anko) is a delightful treat. While you can find them all over Japan, enjoying a fresh taiyaki from a street vendor is a particularly fun Sapporo experience.

  • Potato Salad: You might be surprised to see this on the list, but Hokkaido’s famous for its delicious potatoes and the local potato salad (北海道のポテトサラダ) reflects that!

  • Others:

    • Hokkaido Milk:**

Don’t miss out on the unique “Sapporo Style” of milk bread.

  • Potato Salad Ice Cream (yes, really!): This savory-sweet treat is a local delicacy you have to try to believe.

  • Seafood at the Sapporo Market: The Sapporo Market (札幌市場) is a great place to experience the fresh, local seafood that Sapporo is known for.

  • Freshly Caught Seafood:

Sapporo Ramen Alley (さっぽろラーメン横丁) in the city center is a fantastic place to find this treat!

Why Sapporo’s Food Scene is Special:

While Hokkaido’s renowned for its fresh seafood and dairy products, it’s the unique “jingisukan” style that makes it truly stand out. This dish, also known as “Genghis Khan,” features thinly sliced mutton cooked on a domed grill with sweet sauce poured into a moat around the cooking surface.

For a truly authentic Sapporo experience, be sure to check out:

  • Hokkaido Ramen Yokocho (札幌ラーメンラーメン横丁): Located in the heart of Sapporo’s nightlife district, this is a legendary spot for trying various styles and flavors of Sapporo ramen.

You can also find delicious Hokkaido specialties at:

  • Yakisoba (焼きそば) - A savory noodle dish that’s a local favorite.
  • Ikayaki (いか焼き) - Grilled squid skewers, another popular street food option.

Beyond the Ramen:

While you’re in Sapporo, be sure to explore these other delicious options:

  • Soup Curry: A spicy and flavorful soup curry experience (スープカレー) is a must-have for any foodie visiting Sapporo. This local dish is a perfect example of Hokkaido’s vibrant food culture.
  • Jingisukan (ジンギスカン): This iconic dish, named after the Mongolian warlord, is a unique culinary experience in itself!

Enjoy the deliciousness!