Welcome to our exploration of Food in Hokkaido, where we delve into the rich and diverse culinary scene of Japan’s northernmost island. Known for its exceptional dairy products, fresh seafood, and hearty ramen, Hokkaido offers a unique blend of flavors that reflect its abundant natural resources. In this article, we’ll take you through Hokkaido’s most beloved dishes and specialties.
Food in Hokkaido Known for
Hokkaido is popular for its exceptional food, largely due to its rich agricultural and marine resources. The island is famous for its high-quality dairy products, including fresh milk, cheese, and delicious soft-serve ice cream made from locally-sourced ingredients. Hokkaido’s seafood is also top-notch, with an abundance of fresh catches like crabs, sea urchins, and salmon, thanks to its expansive coastline. The region is well-known for its hearty ramen, particularly Sapporo ramen, which features a rich miso-based broth and thick noodles.
Must try Food in Hokkaido
Genghis Khan
When you think of Hokkaido, one dish that comes to mind is Genghis Khan. This popular meal features lamb cooked in a special pot, with vegetables arranged around it. The meat’s juices drip onto the vegetables, giving them a delicious flavor. Genghis Khan is light and easy to eat, making it a great pairing with alcohol, which means you’ll likely find yourself enjoying both quickly. Today, many restaurants offer different cuts of meat for this flavorful dish.
Soup Curry
Soup curry stands out for its thin, broth-like roux, unlike thicker curries. You can either pour it over rice or scoop up rice with a spoon and dip it into the curry, which is a popular way to enjoy it. In Sapporo, soup curry restaurants offer a diverse range of options. Some feature a fiery spiciness, while others, like those with coconut bases, offer a milder, more accessible flavor that suits all tastes.
Lucky Pierrot
Lucky Pierrot is a popular local hamburger shop in Hakodate that emphasizes using Hokkaido-sourced ingredients. Known for its Chinese Chicken Burger, which features deep-fried chicken in a sweet and spicy sauce, crunchy lettuce, and special mayonnaise, it’s a favorite among locals.
Sanpei Jiru
Sanpei-jiru is a traditional soup made with salted fish like salmon, herring, and cod. They locals simmered it with root vegetables in a kelp stock. Its simple, nostalgic flavor provides a comforting and fulfilling experience.
Sapporo Ramen
Sapporo ramen is famous for its rich miso-based broth and medium to thick noodles. With numerous ramen shops scattered throughout Sapporo, it’s a must-try for anyone visiting the city. Just a short walk around Sapporo city and the sight of rows of Sapporo ramen shops is simply overwhelming.
Asahikawa Ramen
Asahikawa ramen is with a soy sauce-based soup. The stock is from pork bones, chicken carcasses, and seafood, and combined with a soy sauce base. The soup is popular by the use of lard, designed to keep the soup warm even in Asahikawa’s harsh environment. Although it looks simple, the deep flavor and not-too-heavy soup will have you coming back for more. There are also derivative versions of Asahikawa ramen that use offal and pork cutlets.
Must try Soft Ice Cream in Hokkaido
In Hokkaido, renowned for its dairy farming, soft serve ice cream is a must-try treat. Here are some top picks:
Farm Milk Soft Serve Ice Cream (Ebetsu City)
At Machimura Farm Milk Garden, which has been around for over 100 years, this ice cream is made from fresh, direct-from-the-farm milk. It offers a rich yet light taste, showcasing the pure flavor of the milk. This simple, classic soft serve is a great introduction to Hokkaido’s dairy products.
Shiroi Koibito Soft Serve Ice Cream (Sapporo)
Available at Shiroi Koibito Park and Ishiya Cafe, this ice cream features the famous chocolate from Shiroi Koibito. You can choose from white, mixed, or black flavors. It’s a delightful blend of Hokkaido milk and Shiroi Koibito chocolate, available in both regular and jumbo sizes for those who want a larger treat.
Popular shops in Hokkaido
Western Confectionery Kinotoya Odori Park Store
Located a short walk from Odori Station in Sapporo, Kinotoya Odori Park offers an exquisite omelet parfait. This dessert features jewel-like fruit wrapped in fluffy omelet dough, providing a delightful and unique treat.
ROJIURA Café
Known for its wide variety of sweets, ROJIURA Café is perfect for dessert enthusiasts. From pancakes to parfaits, their menu offers a range of exquisite options that are sure to impress.
NAKAFURANO FOOD TERRACE DOT
This spot is famous for its juicy melon-flavored shaved ice, enhanced with Hokkaido milk. The combination of the melon’s sweetness and the creamy milk creates a refreshing and delicious dessert experience.
Takeaway
Whether you’re drawn to its renowned soft serve ice cream, savory ramen, or mouthwatering seafood, Hokkaido’s food invites you to savor its distinctive tastes and appreciate the region’s dedication to quality and freshness. We trust this glimpse into Hokkaido’s food culture has sparked your curiosity and inspired you to experience its delightful offerings firsthand.
