I recently took a trip to Sapporo and had some of the most amazing food I've ever eaten. Many people say that Osaka is the kitchen of Japan, but after visiting Sapporo, I have to disagree! I think the real kitchen of Japan is Sapporo!
I relied solely on public transport during my trip to Sapporo, but anyone looking to pre-book car rental can do so from this page.
I want to share some of the great places I ate and drank at while in Sapporo - 16 to be exact! I'll show you some of the best food in Sapporo (some of which is considered famous Sapporo food) in addition to some lesser-known places that I enjoyed. Hopefully this post helps you out when planning your own trip to the capital of Hokkaido.
I recently posted about the best things to see in Sapporo, and also about some great Sapporo day trips, so be sure to take a look! For more Japan food and travel ideas, pop on over to my Instagram.
Let's get into it!
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Soup Curry Yellow
Soup curry is a dish that originated in Hokkaido, and something that took me 10 years to try! It's really difficult to find soup curry outside of Hokkaido, so make the most of this dish while you can! I visited two soup curry restaurants while in Sapporo, and loved both.
Soup Curry Yellow had by far the most delicious broth, and reminded me a little of a Thai red curry or curry laksa due to the use of the coconut milk. I ordered the seafood soup curry and loved every mouthful. The curry came with a side of rice that was lightly flavored with curry and perhaps octopus..? Either way, the soup and rice were both delicious.
Address in English: 〒060-0063 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 3 Jonishi, 1 Chome−12-19 エルムビル １Ｆ
Name in Japanese: スープカリー イエロー
Address in Japanese: 〒060-0063 北海道札幌市中央区南３条西１丁目12-19 エルムビル １Ｆ
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Soup Curry King
Soup Curry King was the second soup curry I tried while in Sapporo. There was a big difference between the broth at Soup Curry King and Soup Curry Yellow. I ordered the seafood soup curry at this store also, and although I preferred the broth at Soup Curry Yellow, Soup Curry King had lots more ingredients - more vegetables, more seafood - more everything. The rice was curry flavoured, and I had no issue with it, but to be honest I preferred the rice from Soup Curry Yellow.
Soup Curry King can customise your order with extra toppings, and extra spice. You can also upsize the soup (1.5 times the regular size), and make changes to the amount of rice you'd like. Some of these menu changes will cost extra, however the price is clearly shown on the menu.
I highly suggest trying two or more different restaurants for soup curry and comparing and contrasting them - not all soup curry is created equal! I loved both soup curry dishes in different ways.
Website: https://www.soupcurry-king.shop/
Address in English: 〒060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Jonishi, 3 Chome−13-4 カタオカビルB1
Name in Japanese: スープカリーキング
Address in Japanese: 〒060-0062 北海道札幌市中央区南２条西３丁目13-4 カタオカビルB1
Tap Room Beer Kotan
What a treat! This is likely one of my favourite tap houses in all of Japan. I loved the beer, the food and the vibe.
There's indoor and outdoor seating available, however I'm not sure whether the outdoor terrace is available for use in the winter time, as it snows a LOT in Sapporo.
I drank the Coffee Ale - and yes, I could actually taste the coffee! And a glass of the Haskap Fruit Ale. I'd happily order both again. It was actually my first time trying anything with haskap, so I have nothing to compare it to but I'd love to try the fresh fruit some day.
Not only was the beer great at Tap Room Beer Kotan, but the food also exceeded my expectations. The summer vegetables with dip tasted extremely fresh, the pickles were great, and the octopus carpaccio was amazing.
This place was wonderful, and I'll be recommending it to all of my craft beer loving friends who are planning on visiting Sapporo in the future.
Website: http://hopkotan.com/taproom/
Address in English: 〒060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Jonishi, 3 Chome−13-2 パレードビル 3F
Name in Japanese:
Address in Japanese: 〒060-0062 北海道札幌市中央区南２条西３丁目13-2 パレードビル 3F
Moon and Sun Craft Beer (Miredo location)
This is a local craft beer company that has a couple of locations in Sapporo city. I tried to visit the main store (near Nijo Market), but even with reservations they only had standing room available. Soon after that phone call, I happened to randomly come across a Moon and Sun Craft Beer Bar in a small shopping complex called Miredo and was able to make a booking there with no issue.
I highly recommend the three beer tasting set, as it give you a chance to try three different beers without having to commit to buying a larger size glass. To be honest, I thought the beer here was just okay, but you might love it! I ordered some pickles and fish and chips with three types of Hokkaido-grown potatoes, and enjoyed both, so I definitely recommend trying some food while you're here.
Website: http://moonsunbrewing.com/
Address in English: 〒060-0003 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Kita 3 Jonishi, 3 Chome−１−1 miredo 1F 大同生命札幌ビル
Name in Japanese: 月と太陽BREWING miredo店
Address in Japanese: 〒060-0003 北海道札幌市中央区北３条西３丁目１−1 miredo 1F 大同生命札幌ビル
Donburi Chaya at Nijo Market
Nijo Market (二条市場) is perhaps the most well-known seafood market in Sapporo, and is popular with domestic and international tourists around breakfast and lunch time. In addition to buying fresh seafood directly from the stalls (which may be difficult to prepare in your hotel room), you can sit down for a meal at one of the small market restaurants.
The market is not big, and nothing compared to the size of many other popular seafood markets in Japan, but worth a visit while in Sapporo. Nijo Market is open every day from around 7am to 6pm, although individual stores may have their own operating hours/days.
The seafood bowl (or kaisen-don) here is extremely popular, and an item you'll likely see on every menu at Nijo Market. I ate kaisen-don from a restaurant called Donburi Chaya, and highly recommend it. There is a large display of kaisen-don dishes outside the store, and the menu also offers pictures, so you know exactly what you're going to get.
The market is easy to explore on your own, but those who prefer to join a tour can book here.
Address in English: 1 Chome Minami 3 Johigashi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0052
Name in Japanese: 二条市場
Address in Japanese: 〒060-0052 北海道札幌市中央区南３条東１丁目
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Kani Honke (Sapporo station ekimae store)
Kani Honke is without a doubt the most famous restaurant for eating crab in Sapporo. The first store opened in 1971, and has expanded with more locations since then.
The restaurant offers an ala carte menu, as well as multiple course options in a traditional Japanese setting. You are ushered into your own private tatami mat room and served with waitstaff dressed in traditional Japanese kimono.
I went for the course option as I was dining alone and figured the course would allow me to try multiple different dishes. I know the course menu may seem a little expensive, but you have to keep in mind that this is a specialty crab restaurant, and crab is (unfortunately!) not cheap. In addition, there is so much attention to detail placed into the presentation of each and every dish, so definitely worth it in my opinion!
I recommend Kani Honke to anyone looking to eat a crab based course menu, and for people looking for an authentic Japanese dining experience while in Sapporo. As you can see from my photos, there certainly is a lot of care and attention to the detail at this restaurant. The course pictured here is the Jyuraku Kaiseki at the Kani Honke Sapporo Ekimae branch, and cost 7,600 yen for one person.
Reservations at Kani Honke can be made in English through this link.
Address in English: 2 Chome-1-18 Kita 3 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0003
Name in Japanese: 札幌かに本家 札幌駅前本店
Address in Japanese: 〒060-0003 北海道札幌市中央区北３条西２丁目1-18
Initial
This is one of the most famous dessert stores in Sapporo, and for good reason. The quality of ingredients and attention to detail is amazing. I ordered a parfait, and I can tell you with complete honesty that it was one of the best parfaits I've ever eaten.
The parfaits at Initial definitely aren't cheap (this one was around 2,000 yen), but after visiting the store and trying one for myself, I totally think they're worth the price.
I've been to many stores in Japan before and ordered parfait only to have half the glass filled with whipped cream. The parfait at Initial was not like that! It was packed full of delicious ingredients. If you find the price a little too steep, I suggest going for the soft-serve ice-cream instead.
Due to the popularity of this place there may be a wait for a table. Instead of waiting inside, the staff will ask you to wait on the stairs outside, so just keep that in mind - Sapporo gets COLD in winter!
This store is usually open until late, so you can enjoy a lovely dessert after dinner or visiting a bar in the area. I highly recommend a visit to Initial if you're a dessert lover like me!
Address in English: 〒060-0063 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 3 Jonishi, 5 Chome−３６−1 Ｆ.DRESSビル 2F
Name in Japanese: イニシャル サッポロ
Address in Japanese: 〒060-0063 北海道札幌市中央区南３条西５丁目３６−1 Ｆ.DRESSビル 2F
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Petite Chevre Hokkaido, Goat's Milk Specialty Store
I know some of you will scroll right past this section after seeing "goat's milk", but let me tell you that this may have been one of the best ice-creams I've ever eaten in Japan.
I really wasn't sure what to expect from this ice-cream, and was a bit skeptical as I know that goat's milk can be a little sour, but this ice-cream was amazing.
I honestly couldn't tell this ice-cream was not made from regular cow's milk. It was extremely smooth and creamy, and ticked all of my boxes. I added the salted caramel, which also went down a treat.
From the look of the store's Instagram, the topping flavours change seasonally, so you can go back again and again and never get bored!
I had some issues locating this store following the directions on Google Maps. The store is actually underground in a shopping mall called Aurora Town. Once you find the bird enclosure (yes, Sapporo has an underground bird enclosure), you're close by! This was definitely worth the hassle of finding it.
In addition to ice-cream, Petite Chevre also sells a variety of other products made from goat's milk including desserts such as puddings and shortcakes, and even dog treats. You can also buy fresh goat's milk here, and individual serve ice-cream tubs to take home. Most stores in Japan that sell refrigerated or frozen products will offer you a free ice-pack to help you get the item home safely, so be sure to ask for one at the register.
Address in English: 〒064-0042 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Odorinishi, 1 Chome, さっぽろ地下街オーロラタウン小鳥の広場よこ 13番地
Name in Japanese: プティ・シェーヴルHOKKAIDO〜やぎミルク専門店
Address in Japanese: 〒064-0042 北海道札幌市中央区大通西１丁目 さっぽろ地下街オーロラタウン小鳥の広場よこ 13番地
Milk & Parfait Yotsuba White Cosy (New Chitose Airport)
You're not going to believe me when I tell you the flavours of this ice-cream. Vanilla and...... corn!
When the shop staff told me about the corn flavoured ice-cream I was extremely intrigued, and very apprehensive. I guess the staff's sales tactics worked on me, because I somehow walked away from that stall with a cone filled with a vanilla and corn mix ice-cream.
In all honesty, the corn x ice-cream worked well - I'm guessing because corn is so naturally sweet. I'm definitely happy I decided to try something I wouldn't usually try, and would suggest it to anyone who is even a little bit curious. You'll be surprised at the flavour and will likely leave wondering why we can't buy corn ice-cream on every street corner.
Address in English: 〒066-0012 Hokkaido, Chitose, Bibi, 987-22 国内線ターミナル2F 新千歳空港内 (second floor)
Name in Japanese: よつ葉ホワイトコージ 新千歳空港店
Address in Japanese: 〒066-0012 北海道千歳市美々987-22 国内線ターミナル2F 新千歳空港内
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Sapporo Confectionary/Times Square (Susukino Store)
This store sells Sapporo sweets that are popular gift items. It's famous for it's custard cake as well as custard flavoured soft-serve ice-cream. The location is convenient before or after a night out, as it's located underneath the famous Nikka Whiskey sign in the nightlife area of Susukino.
The ice-cream comes in a cone and is available in two flavours - custard, or custard with azuki (red bean) on the side. I was a little full after dinner, so I was glad the ice-cream was size was a little smaller than a regular serving. I was quite happy with the mild custard flavour. Take-out only.
Address in English: 〒064-0804 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 4 Jonishi, 3 Chome, すすきのビル 1F
Name in Japanese: 札幌菓子處 菓か舎 すすきの店
Address in Japanese: 〒064-0804 北海道札幌市中央区南４条西３丁目 すすきのビル 1F
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Roquefort Café
Roquefort Café is a traditional Japanese coffee house (or "kissaten") serving coffee, teas and some sweets. These types of traditional cafes have often been around for decades and many are still run by their original owners.
I find kissaten to very hit and miss, and don't often visit these types of cafes as they usually allow smoking and can be quite smelly after decades of tobacco abuse. However, I'm happy to report that Roquefort Cafe is NON smoking! Yay!
This cafe had such an old world charm. It was like stepping back into the past, but in a good way. The cafe has obviously been very well cared for, and I could tell that the staff working here put a lot of care into making drinks.
I ordered an iced cinnamon royal milk tea and a slice of blueberry cheesecake, and it was the best morning tea I could have asked for.
The café has table seating or counter seating, and plants placed along the large windows. I loved it!
Address in English: 〒060-0001 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Kita 1 Jonishi, 3 Chome, 古久根ビル 2F
Name in Japanese: ロックフォールカフェ
Address in Japanese: 〒060-0001 北海道札幌市中央区北１条西３丁目 古久根ビル 2F
Boul'ange
If you've been following my blog or Instagram for a while, you may have seen me mention eating at Boul'ange bakery on a trip to Tokyo. To say I was happy to randomly come across the same bakery in Sapporo would be an understatement. As I said in my previous post about Boul'ange, this bakery offers up the BEST croissants and pan au chocolat that I've ever eaten - just be sure to visit early in the morning for the freshest, crispiest bread!
On my visit to the Sapporo store I had a pan au chocolat with white chocolate (only sold for a limited time!), and a chocolate marble croissant, paired with a hot latte.
This store in Miredo has just a few seats, but I was the only customer eating-in during my visit.
Address in English: 〒060-0003 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Kita 3 Jonishi, 3 Chome−１ 大同生命札幌ビル B1F
Name in Japanese: ブール アンジュ 大同生命札幌ビル店
Address in Japanese: 〒060-0003 北海道札幌市中央区北３条西３丁目１ 大同生命札幌ビル B1F
Siretoco Donuts (New Chitose Airport)
Surprisingly New Chitose Airport has a great selection of food and gift stores. The food court as absolutely rammed with people, and popular stores had lines up to 20 people deep. You can find all of Hokkaido's most popular food here - creamy ice-cream, fresh melon, Royce chocolates, etc.
I bought these cute donuts at New Chitose Airport before boarding the plane to return to Osaka. The donuts looked better than they tasted, but I think they'd be a cute gift.
Address in English: 〒066-0012 Hokkaido, Chitose, Bibi, 新千歳空港ターミナルビル2階
Name in Japanese: しれとこドーナツ
Address in Japanese: 〒066-0012 北海道千歳市美々 新千歳空港ターミナルビル2階
Baristart Coffee
I love the concept of this little coffee shop! Not only can you choose the type of coffee beans you want, but you can also choose the type of milk you want in your drink!
As you can see from the menu below, all of the milk used at Baristart Coffee is sourced from dairy farms in Hokkaido, with each milk having a slightly different flavour profile.
I was a little clueless about which milk and coffee beans would go best together, but the barista was happy to help me choose the most suitable.
By the way, I'd have loved to have tried some kind of milk-tasting set in Hokkaido - does that exist? If so, let me know if the comments below!
Unfortunately I was only able to visit the Baristart Coffee shop once during my trip to Sapporo, but it's somewhere I'd be interested in visiting again to try different coffee and milk combinations. I really thought being able to choose the milk was such a cool concept! I wish this kind of thing was offered in cafes more regularly.
Address in English: 〒060-0061 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 1 Jonishi, 4 Chome−8−番地 フリーデンビル1F
Address in Japanese: 〒060-0061 北海道札幌市中央区南１条西４丁目８−番地 フリーデンビル1F
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Chocolate & Espresso SATURDAYS Stand
(Stellar Place store)
This is the smaller Saturdays store, located in Stellar Place in the JR Sapporo station complex. They have a bigger store closer towards the Susukino area, which I'd have loved to have visited, but unfortunately I ran out of time.
I decided to take a break from the ice-cream on this day (I was actually quite full from dinner), and ordered a hot chocolate instead. It was a good hot chocolate - thick and sweet without being too sweet. They also offer a hot chocolate without any sugar, if you prefer something less sweet.
This coffee stand also has a small area selling Saturdays chocolate and goods. I bought the Almond &Hokkaido Salt, and Hokkaido White Tokachi Soy chocolate to take home (they were both delicious!) The chocolate is made in Sapporo, so it's something to consider taking home as a good quality (and delicious) souvenir.
Website: https://www.saturdayschocolate.com/
Address in English: 〒060-0005 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Kita 5 Jonishi, 2 Chome, 札幌ステラプレイスCENTER B1F
Address in Japanese: 〒060-0005 北海道札幌市中央区北５条西２丁目 札幌ステラプレイスCENTER B1F
Poool Espresso & Work
Poool is a hip yet cozy co-working space and cafe located not far from Sapporo station.
The great thing about this place is that it opens early and closes late, so whether you're looking for a place to chill with a drink for a while, or planning to get some work done, you have the whole day to do so.
I usually find it difficult to find cafes that open before 10.30 or 11am in Japan, so this place is a blessing. On the day I visited Poool the cafe opened at 8am and closed at 11pm. Perfect!
There are many tables available for small groups, as well as many individual tables and counter space.
Poool has a good selection of drinks and some small sweets available for purchase. The outside menu shows just a small selection of what's available, so pop in for a look. The hot chai latte was lovely!
Address in English: 〒060-0002 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Kita 2 Jonishi, 3 Chome−1-29 タケサトビル 1F
Name in Japanese: プール
Address in Japanese: 〒060-0002 北海道札幌市中央区北２条西３丁目1-29 タケサトビル 1F
Final Thoughts
That wraps up this post about my recommendations for food and drinks in Sapporo. I really hope I can visit again soon to check out some other places I missed this time around. Hokkaido is definitely a great place for foodies, with some unique dishes that are a must-try while visiting. Hopefully this blog post has given you a glimpse into some of the best food in Sapporo, and where to find it.
Which food from this page do you want to try? For those of you who've been to Hokkaido before, did I miss any of your favourite foods?
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Love this article - thanks for sharing your recommendations! Japan is on my list and food is a bit reason for why I'd love to go.
Every single thing on this list made me hungry. Seafood heaven!!!
I am totally with you on this (well, maybe not that it's better than Osaka, but Sapporo is fabulous for food!) You are going to leave me dreaming of soup curry, ramen and fabulous donburi! I am a little in love with the cuteness of Siretoco Donuts! <3
Wow! the food and drink look amazing!!
All those chai lattes look yummy. I’ll have to add Sapporo to my travel list next time I go to Japan.