Japan

What to eat in Hokkaido

Hokkaido’s cuisine is dominated by fresh seafood and rich dairy, reflecting its coastal villages and vast pastures. The cool climate also encourages hearty soups and unique ice‑cream flavors.

Local dishes to try

King crab

Large crab served boiled or grilled, a staple in Sapporo’s winter seafood markets.

Miso ramen

Thick miso broth with butter and corn, popular at ramen stalls across Sapporo.

Soup curry

Spicy broth filled with vegetables and chicken, a Sapporo specialty often eaten for lunch.

Genghis Khan

Thinly sliced lamb and veg cooked on a dome grill, enjoyed in izakayas around Sapporo.

Zangi

Soy‑ginger marinated chicken pieces deep‑fried, a common bar snack.

Yubari melon

Sweet cantaloupe served sliced or as ice‑cream, sold at fruit stands in summer.

Sapporo Beer

Crisp lager brewed in the city, widely available in pubs and street stalls.

Nikka whisky

Single‑malt whisky from Yoichi, often sampled in whisky bars across Hokkaido.

Where to eat

1
Nijo Market
Seafood stalls offer crab, uni and fresh sushi in the heart of Sapporo.
2
Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade
Long covered street with ramen, soup curry and snack stalls.
3
Susukino
Nightlife district packed with izakayas serving Genghis Khan and zangi.

Photos: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons

Tips for eating out

Lunch is the cheapest meal time; many ramen shops close after 2 pm.
No tipping in Japan; a polite thank‑you is sufficient.
Reserve popular ramen or soup‑curry places via phone or online during peak evenings.