Wondering what to eat in Sapporo, Hokkaido? This famous city in northern Japan has so many delicacies to offer. Hokkaido prefecture is the biggest farming region in Japan, and being surrounded by the sea, it’s a foodie’s heaven for fresh produce and seafood. But that’s not all! There’s a lot more special regional treats to be discovered here! Grab a bib people! This is your Sapporo Food Guide!
*This post contains affiliate links, which means at no extra cost to you, I may receive a commission if you make a purchase.
Seafood
Seafood is the number one must eat in Sapporo. Fresh oysters, scallops, prawns…are you drooling yet? Crab is perhaps the most famous of all, with “crabbyhoudai” (all-you-can-eat crab) offered at many restaurants. A seafood bowl breakfast is also a recommended experience. You can try a bit of everything in one filling bowl!
Where to eat the best seafood in Sapporo
Crab: Kani-Honke (かに本家) // Locations HERE
All seafood: Nijo Fish Market (二条市場) // Location HERE
Sushi
Ok I know you’d probably say, “I can eat sushi anywhere in Japan?” But trust me, the quality of sushi in Sapporo is next level. I mean did you see my first point above? Ask a Japanese person where can you eat the best sushi in Japan, and they will likely say Hokkaido prefecture. So do not miss the chance to get your fish fix here!
Where to eat the best sushi in Sapporo
Hanamaru(花まる) in Sapporo station // Location HERE. Amazing value for price lunch set at 1,160 yen.
活一鮮 near Susukino station // Location HERE. Convenient location and mouthwatering sushi!
Miso ramen
Did you know that out of the six famous styles of ramen, three originated out of the Hokkaido prefecture? Sapporo is famous for miso ramen. The flavours of these noodles are simply amazing. The ramen alley near Susukino station is a great place to hunt them down. There are several ramen restaurants in this small alley, but my recommendation is Aji No Karyu Ramen. This little shop got the stamp of approval by the famous American chef, Anthony Bourdain himself!
Where to eat miso ramen in Sapporo
Aji No Karyu Ramen (味の華龍) // Location HERE. Visited by Anthony Bourdain!! Delicious ramen.
Butter corn ramen
Another ramen that you must try in Sapporo is butter corn ramen. A very Hokkaido dish, it incorporates two celebrated products from the region: sweet corn and butter. It’s guaranteed to be unlike any ramen that you’ve had before.
Pro-tip: You can also get miso butter corn ramen! Kill two ramens with one stomach yass!
Where to eat butter corn ramen in Sapporo
Aji No Karyu Ramen (味の華龍) // Location HERE. Same restaurant as the recommended place for miso ramen.
Jingisukan (Genghis Khan)
AKA grilled lamb. You cannot leave Sapporo without a Lambyhoudai (all-you-can-eat lamb) experience. It is much harder to find outside of northern Japan. Tender mutton and other vegetables (onion, pumpkin, beansprouts, etc) are grilled on a metal skillet and eaten with a dipping sauce. Ahh perfection with a glass of beer!
Pro-tip: Be aware that it can get super oily grilling the meat. Protect your clothing and bag with a disposable cover from the restaurant.
Where can you (all-you-can) eat lamb in Sapporo
Sapporo Beer Garden // Location HERE
Kirin Beer Garden // Location HERE
Sapporo Beer
Speaking of beer, you of course have to try the well-known Sapporo Beer from its place of birth duh! How convenient is that the Sapporo Beer Garden offers all-you-can-eat lamb and all-you-can-drink beer for 3,900 yen! Alternatively, you can check out the Sapporo Beer Museum next door, where you can learn about the history of beer in Japan, the process of beer making, and do some beer tasting for a small fee.
How do you like these giant Sapporo Beer ice sculpture from the Sapporo Snow Festival? 😉
Where can you drink Sapporo Beer
Sapporo Beer Garden // Location HERE
Soup Curry
This delightful dish is so comforting on a cold day in northern Japan! If you love curry, you will love it even more in soup form, a Sapporo special. This might become a favorite for vegetarians visiting. The soup is packed with nutritious vegetables like pumpkin, eggplant, asparagus, carrots, potatoes, and lotus roots. Hmmm yummy AND healthy!
Where to eat soup curry in Sapporo
Soup Curry Garaku // Location HERE
サッポロ スープカレー 浅野屋 // Location HERE
Hokkaido Milk Ice Cream
Sapporo is like that overachiever kid in school who is good at everything. Besides being a proud producer of delicious meat, seafood, and vegetables, it is also fricken famous for dairy products! Ice cream lovers rejoice! You can try the classic Hokkaido milk soft serve in many of the ice cream shops around the city. The rich creamy texture and taste are simply to die for! Or if you like scoop ice cream, that’s available too.
Where to try ice cream in Hokkaido
Milk Village // Location HERE
Queen’s Soft Cream Café // Location HERE
MILKISSIMO // Location HERE
Shiroi Koibito (White Lovers) Chocolate Cookies
If you are looking for some gifts to bring home for your sad friends who did not get to join you on your amazing Sapporo foodie adventure, look no further than Shiroi Koibito. These delicate chocolate cookie sandwiches, originated from Sapporo, are well known all over Japan. They are sold everywhere in the city, but the best place to try/purchase them is Shiroi Koibito Park. It is where you can do a tour of the Shiroi Koibito Chocolate factory and see the process behind how the sweet is produced. Just like in Willie Wonka kids! You can even try your hands at making the legendary cookies yourself.
Where to get Shiroi Koibito Cookies in Sapporo
Shiroi Koibito Park // Location HERE
Going to Japan soon? Plan your trip in 4 easy steps
Book A Flight: Find the cheapest flights on Skyscanner, my go-to search engine.
Find A Hotel: Score affordable accommodation on Booking.com. Receive $16 off your first booking with my link here.
Buy insurance: You never know what may happen on the road. Protect your trip & gear with World Nomad, the best travel insurance company ever. Get a quote here.
Read up on the best advice: Love a good old fashion guide book. Suggested reading: Lonely Planet: Japan Travel Guide
If you want more Japan travel inspiration, make sure to check out my Japan Instagram Story Highlights.
Bon voyage!
Like this post? Pin it to save for later!
8 comments
This looks AMAZING. There’s nowhere better than Japan for food is there! I love the look of all that seafood. I’ve been to Japan quite a few times because I have mates there, but still not made it to Sapporo. Thinking of including it on my next trip in Spring and this has convinced me I’m going to come back fat 😀
this has come up in front of me at the correct time since I am traveling to Japan in first week of April for Cherry Blossom period… thank you so much
Well this just made me super hungry.. Great photos and good inspiration!
Yum yum and yum! They all look sooo tasty! I’m not usually a big seafood fan but this is certainly tempting! Thanks for sharing these great tips 🙂
Every single item on this list seems like something I’d love – I mean, I’m already a die-hard ramen fan. Pinned for later!
Oh Japan! A foodie haven place. Your photos literally made me droll. I’ve seen a Filipino movie that was filmed in Sapporo and it’s an awesome place. I would definitely include it in my itinerary of places to visit in Japan. And yes, I’ll eat Japanese food and goodies all day. 🙂
I have to admit, I didn’t read your article. I just starred at the (great) pictures with saliva drooling off my mouth… It’s only 9am here, but I want to dive in tasting all of them!!!
Wow great list unfortunately I am vegan. I hope they have some options for vegans too. Ice cream and corn ramen looks yummy though