Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan and is known for its delicious seafood and agricultural products. According to Food in Japan, some popular local dishes from Hokkaido include Uni don (a rice bowl topped with sea urchin), Ikameshi (squid stuffed with glutinous rice), Sapporo Ramen, and Jingisukan (grilled sheep meat in an iron pan).
Uni don is a traditional Japanese food in Hokkaido which consists of a bowl of rice topped with sea urchin. It is a popular local dish from Hokkaido prefecture selected by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries as one of the “100 Best Local Dishes in Agriculture, Mountains, and Fishing Villages”. Usually, locals use raw sea urchin and besides sea urchin, they eat it only by sprinkling wasabi and soy sauce to enjoy the flavor and taste of sea urchin itself. Sometimes they also use salted sea urchins as the main ingredient.
Ikameshi is another popular dish from Hokkaido. It is made by stuffing squid with glutinous rice that has been simmered in soy sauce. The origin of Ikameshi is said to be from either Mori Station of the Hakodate Main Line or Oshima Region. During World War II, Ikameshi was first served as an Ekiben (train station bento) back in 1941 at Mori Station. At this time, locals were thinking of ways to conserve rice due to a rice shortage. They thought that if they stuff rice inside the squid, they can somehow save rice.
Sapporo Ramen is a famous dish from the city of Sapporo in Hokkaido. It is known for its rich miso-based broth and thick curly noodles. There are many ramen shops in Sapporo where you can try this delicious dish.
Jingisukan is a grilled mutton dish that originated in Hokkaido. It is named after Genghis Khan, who is said to have grilled mutton on his shield. The dish is cooked on a convex metal skillet or grill and is often served with vegetables.
These are just some of the delicious dishes that you can try when visiting Hokkaido. The island has a rich food culture and there are many more local specialties to discover.
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Hokkaido
Hokkaido Corn (北海道とうもろこし)
In Hokkaido, the long sunny days help the corn produce a lot of sugar, and when the nights cool down, it stores that sugar, making it super sweet. This corn looks as white as snow and surprises you with its incredible sweetness—like tast... -
Hokkaido
Jaga pokkuru (じゃがポックル)
This popular snack, produced by Calbee, has captivated taste buds with its crispy texture and genuine potato flavor. In this article, we'll delve into the history, production process, and nutritional details of Jaga Pokkuru, offering ins... -
Hokkaido
Tokachi wine (十勝ワイン)
Experience the world of Tokachi wine in Japan, where the cool climate of Hokkaido brings unique challenges and opportunities. This article explores the story of Tokachi wine, from battling cold winters to creating special grapes. Tokachi... -
Hokkaido
Tokishirazu (時しらず)
Have you heard about the fish called "Tokishirazu" that people enjoy in Hokkaido? It's not your typical salmon – it has a unique flavor that sets it apart. To those who are familiar, it's considered a top-notch ingredient from Hokkaido. ... -
Hokkaido
Izushi (飯ずし)
Izushi sushi is a regional specialty and a point of pride for both Niigata and Hokkaido. The use of local ingredients, including the distinctive soybean sheet wrap, reflects the unique culinary traditions of these areas. Trying Izushi su... -
Hokkaido
Ikasomen (イカそうめん)
Ikasomen is a refreshing and light dish, making it a popular choice for a summer meal in Japan. Combining the cold somen noodles and the tender squid is a delightful and cooling option during hot weather. Now, let’s get to know more abou... -
Hokkaido
Butter candy (バター飴)
Do you know the famous Hokkaido sweet "Butter Candy"? This is a simple candy made of a delicious buttery white candy sprinkled with powdered sugar that resembles powder snow. It has been loved as a standard souvenir from Hokkaido for a l... -
Hokkaido
Sanpeijiru (三平汁)
Sanpeijiru is a traditional Japanese soup enjoyed for generations. This hearty and flavorful dish typically features salted fish, daikon radish, and seaweed, and known for its ability to warm the soul. Making it particularly popular duri... -
Hokkaido
Shiroi koibito (白い恋人)
When you think of Hokkaido souvenirs, there's one that stands out - "Shiroi Koibito." It's a classic, and it's been delighting people for 40 years. In Hokkaido, where souvenirs are big business, this treat makes around 10 billion yen in ... -
Hokkaido
Ruibe (ルイベ)
Ruibe is a special dish from Japan's Hokkaido region. It's all about raw fish, but it's not your typical sashimi. They froze the fish in a unique way, which gives it a one-of-a-kind texture and taste. This is a local favorite with cultur...