Eat Like a Local in Hokkaido
Must-Try Local Foods in Hokkaido
Hokkaido is not only famous for its breathtaking nature and snowy landscapes, but also for its incredible food culture. From fresh seafood to hearty ramen and unique sweets, the island is truly a gourmet paradise.
Here are some of the best local spots you should definitely try when visiting Hokkaido!
🍺 Sapporo Beer Garden（Sapporo）
Enjoy Hokkaido’s iconic beer at the historic Sapporo Beer Garden.
The red-brick building is the perfect place to taste fresh draft beer along with the region’s signature dish, “Genghis Khan” (grilled lamb). A lively and unforgettable Hokkaido-style dining experience awaits!
📍 Address: Kita 7-jo Higashi 9-chome 2-10, Higashi-ku, Sapporo
🚉 Access: About 7 minutes by car from JR Sapporo Station, or 10 minutes by shuttle bus
🔗 Official English Website
🍛 Soup Curry GARAKU（Sapporo, Tomamu, New Chitose Airport）
Soup curry is a must-try dish invented in Sapporo, and GARAKU is one of the most popular spots.
Packed with colorful vegetables and rich spices, each bowl is full of flavor and warmth. You can also customize the spice level and toppings to create your perfect dish.
📍 Address: 2F Morini Bldg., Minami 3-jo Nishi 2-chome 7, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
🚉 Access: 5 minutes on foot from Odori or Susukino Subway Station
🔗 紹介ページ (Hotel site)
🦑 Umi Hachikyo (Sapporo)
For an unforgettable seafood experience, visit Hachikyo.
The restaurant’s specialty is the famous “Tsukko Meshi” – a bowl of rice topped with an overflowing mountain of salmon roe, served with lively shouts of “Oisa!” by the staff. It’s as entertaining as it is delicious.
📍 Address: Miyako Bldg. 1F, Minami 3-jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
🚉 Access: 3 minutes on foot from Susukino Subway Station
🔗 Official English Website
🍦 Handheld Parfait Shop Shonpy (Sapporo)
Looking for a cute and unique dessert? Try Shonpy, a specialty shop serving “hand parfaits.”
Unlike traditional parfaits in glass cups, these are served in a portable style you can hold in one hand—perfect for strolling around Sapporo. They’re also Instagram-worthy!
📍 Address: 1F Sanjo Mimatsu Bldg., Minami 3-jo Nishi 4-chome 16-5, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
🚉 Access: 5 minutes on foot from Susukino Subway Station
🍜 Ramen Shingen (Sapporo)
Loved by locals, Shingen is famous for its rich and flavorful miso ramen.
The thick broth and chewy noodles make a perfect match, warming both your body and heart. A must-try especially in Hokkaido’s cold winter!
📍 Address: Minami 6-jo Nishi 8-chome 8-2, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
🚉 Access: 10 minutes on foot from Susukino Subway Station
🔗 紹介ページ (Japan Travel)
🍜 Ramen Sumire (Sapporo)
When it comes to Sapporo-style miso ramen, Sumire is a legendary name.
Its piping hot soup, sealed with a layer of lard, keeps the broth warm until the very last sip. A bowl of Sumire’s ramen is a true soul food of Hokkaido.
📍 Address: 2-7-28 Nakanoshima 2-jo 4-chome, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo
🚉 Access: 8 minutes on foot from Nakanoshima Subway Station
🔗 紹介ページ (Sapporo Travel)
🍣 Kantaro (New Chitose Airport)
Before leaving Hokkaido, stop by Kantaro at New Chitose Airport.
This conveyor-belt sushi restaurant serves high-quality, fresh seafood right inside the terminal—making it the perfect last taste of Hokkaido before your flight.
📍 Address: 3F Domestic Terminal, New Chitose Airport, Chitose
🚉 Access: Inside New Chitose Airport Domestic Terminal
🔗 Official Website
From hearty ramen and flavorful soup curry to fresh seafood and unique sweets, Hokkaido offers countless gourmet experiences you can’t find anywhere else.
Make sure to add these local favorites to your itinerary and taste the true flavors of Hokkaido!
