What to Eat in Sapporo: 8 Must-Try Local Dishes and Where to Find Them (2025)

2 July 2025

From rich miso ramen to sizzling Genghis Khan BBQ and late-night parfaits—discover what to eat in Sapporo and exactly where to eat it.

Must-Try Local Favorite: Sapporo Ramen

Sapporo ramen is the ultimate comfort food of the city—characterized by a rich miso-based broth, medium-thick curly noodles, and plenty of veggies like bean sprouts.

As the birthplace of miso ramen, Sapporo is the place to slurp it. The wavy, springy noodles cling beautifully to the thick, savory soup, creating a perfect bite every time. It’s no wonder so many visitors fall in love at first taste.

Recommended Spot: “Menya Kaiko” at Telechika Gourmet Court

Located beneath the iconic Sapporo TV Tower, Menya Kaiko originated in Obihiro and now operates three branches across Hokkaido.

Their signature dish is the “Tokachi Whey Pork Ramen”—a delicious fusion of Sapporo-style ramen and Tokachi’s famous pork rice bowl. Made with rare, richly flavored local pork, it’s hearty and satisfying. You can even customize the type of miso to suit your taste.

Access Info for Menya Kaiko

Address: B2F, Sapporo TV Tower, Odori Nishi 1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Getting There: Right by Exit 27 of Odori Station (Subway)
Phone: 011-221-3335
Hours: 11:00–20:00
Closed: Open daily
Parking: None (use paid parking nearby)
Website: kaiko.co

Hokkaido’s Soul Food: Genghis Khan BBQ

Genghis Khan (Jingisukan) is Hokkaido’s beloved grilled lamb dish, served sizzling on a convex iron grill. It’s made with tender lamb or mutton, grilled alongside heaps of fresh vegetables.

The dish took root during WWI when sheep farming was introduced near Sapporo for military uniforms. Naturally, lamb as a food followed suit. In 2004, it was officially recognized as a Hokkaido heritage food.

Recommended Spot: “Yamagoya” for its signature apple-based sauce

Craving authentic grilled lamb? Head to “Nama Ram Genghis Khan Yamagoya.” This cozy, counter-only joint uses a domed grill over a shichirin charcoal stove.

Their signature sauce—made with apples—brings out the best in the lamb. Bonus: onions, bean sprouts, and cherry tomatoes are all-you-can-eat!

Access Info for Yamagoya

Address: 1F, Dai-5 Green Building, Minami 4-jo Nishi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Getting There: 3 mins walk from Susukino Station (Subway & Streetcar)
Hours:
- Sat/Sun lunch: 11:30–14:30
- Dinner: 16:00–22:30 (Closed Sundays)
Closed: Year-end holidays
Phone: 011-271-2853
Website: suginome.jp/yamagoya

A Curry Like No Other: Soup Curry

What makes soup curry different?

Soup curry is a broth-based dish made with chicken or veggie stock and packed with spices and colorful vegetables. It’s lighter than regular curry but absolutely bursting with flavor.

Originating as a medicinal-style curry served in cafés, it grew into a staple of Sapporo’s food scene. Each shop now serves its own creative spin.

Recommended Spot: “Okushiba Shoten Ekimae Soseiji” and its bold shrimp broth

This beloved soup curry spot near Sapporo Station draws long lines for its intense shrimp-based broth.

They use handpicked Hokkaido ingredients, blend over 10 spices, and let you choose from 12 spice levels—so even kids or spice-shy eaters can enjoy.

Access Info for Okushiba Shoten

Address: B1, Pearl Town Food Court, Hokuren Building, Kita 4-jo Nishi 1-chome, Chuo-ku
Getting There: 2 mins walk from JR Sapporo Station
Hours: 11:00–15:00 / 17:00–21:00
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 011-207-0266
Website: okushiba.net

Fresh from the Sea: Seafood Rice Bowls

Why Sapporo seafood bowls are so fresh

Being surrounded by rich waters, Hokkaido is a seafood paradise. Fish markets here serve ultra-fresh catches at prices that feel like a dream.

Many local eateries are located right inside or near the markets, making it easy to enjoy seafood bowls overflowing with premium toppings.

Recommended Market: “Sapporo Wholesale Market & Jogai Ichiba”

This is the place to go for the freshest seafood bowls in town. Markets receive top-quality catch year-round, and restaurants open early with budget-friendly breakfast options.

You’ll find bowls topped with seasonal seafood and optional customizations depending on the stall.

Access Info for Jogai Ichiba

Address: Kita 11-jo Nishi 21-1-7-214, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Getting There: 7 mins walk from Nijuyonken Station / 9 mins from Soen Station (JR)
Hours: 6:00–17:00 (Restaurants from 7:00, varies by shop)
Parking: Free
Phone: 011-621-7044
Website: jyogaishijyo.com

Sushi at Its Freshest: A Hokkaido Essential

Hokkaido is hugged by the Sea of Japan, Pacific Ocean, and the Sea of Okhotsk—bringing a wealth of nutrients and marine life.

Add in local markets that receive fish daily, and you’ve got some of Japan’s freshest sushi served right in Sapporo.

Recommended Spot: “Sushiya no Negami” – Artisan Craftsmanship

For an elevated sushi experience, head to “Sushiya no Negami.” This intimate sushi bar offers only counter seating and an omakase-style service.

Each piece is carefully handcrafted by the chef using seasonal fish. They also serve local Hokkaido sake—perfect for pairing.

Access Info for Negami

Address: B1, KT Sanchome Building, Minami 3-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku
Getting There: 2 mins from Susukino Station / Hosui Susukino Station
Hours: 17:00–22:00 (Last order 21:30)
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 011-281-2622
Website: sushiyanonegami.com

King of Crab Dishes: Sapporo-Style Crab Cuisine

Hokkaido leads Japan in crab harvests, and Sapporo is brimming with restaurants serving every kind of crab imaginable—from king crab to snow crab and beyond.

Each species has its own peak season, so check the calendar and plan accordingly!

Recommended Spot: “Sekkatei” for Crab Done Right

Sekkatei specializes in fresh local crab and seasonal Hokkaido cuisine. Choose from seven curated courses or à la carte options, each showcasing the crab’s natural sweetness.

Access Info for Sekkatei

Address: Basement, J-BOX Building, Minami 3-jo Nishi 4-chome, Chuo-ku
Getting There: 3 mins walk from Susukino Station
Hours: 17:00–22:00 (Last order: Courses 20:30, A la carte 21:00)
Closed: Open daily
Phone: 011-251-1366
Website: sekkatei.com

Sapporo’s Late-Night Sweet Tooth: “Shime Parfait”

A uniquely Sapporo phenomenon, “Shime Parfait” refers to ending your night with a gorgeous, indulgent parfait.

Thanks to Hokkaido’s top-quality dairy and seasonal fruits, local parfait shops craft stunning, Instagram-worthy creations that keep growing in popularity.

Recommended Spot: “Parfait Sato” – A Sweet Icon

A trailblazer in the shime parfait scene, Parfait Sato reopened in April 2024 with a fresh new look.

The space features projection-mapped tables and a vibrant menu of layered parfaits available from day to late night. Great for couples, friends, or even families.

Access Info for Parfait Sato

Address: Floors 1–3, Ki-Ninaru Building, Minami 1-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku
Getting There: Right by Exit 36, Odori Station
Phone: 011-233-3007
Hours:
- Mon–Thu, Sun: 13:00–24:00
- Fri & Sat: 13:00–25:00
Closed: Irregular
Instagram: @honten_pf_sato_do

Raise a Glass to History: Sapporo Beer

Sapporo Beer dates back to the Meiji era, brewed first at the Kaitakushi Brewery. The region’s cool climate and fertile land made it perfect for growing hops and barley.

Don’t miss the local-only “Sapporo Classic”—a 100% malt beer that’s exclusive to Hokkaido and a must-try for beer lovers.

Recommended Spot: “Sapporo Beer Museum”

As Japan’s oldest beer museum, this historical site offers a peek into the nation’s brewing history with exhibits, original equipment, and guided tastings on the premium tour.

Access Info for Sapporo Beer Museum

Address: Kita 7-jo Higashi 9-chome 1-1, Higashi-ku, Sapporo
Hours: 11:00–18:00 (Last entry 17:30)
Closed: Mondays (next day if Monday is a holiday), year-end, occasional closures
Phone: 011-748-1876
Website: sapporobeer.jp