11+ most famous & must try food in Hokkaido and where to find them

It would be a shame if you only came to Hokkaido to ski but missed the cuisine of this land. So, what to eat in Hokkaido? Let’s explore Hokkaido’s delicacies with us in this article with 11+ famous food in Hokkaido, must try food in Hokkaido, must eat food in Hokkaido as well as where to find them!

King crab, fresh sushi, rich miso ramen, warm curry soup or sweet milk dishes such as creamy milk ice cream and fragrant melon sponge cake will definitely make you exclaim when you set foot in Hokkaido. Each dish here has a unique flavor, not only filling your stomach but also touching the hearts of travel enthusiasts. Just one taste, you will understand why Hokkaido cuisine has become the pride of the Land of the Rising Sun.

With Living+Nomads, explore the list of Hokkaido delicacies and famous restaurants, so you can “sweep” the wonderful flavors of Hokkaido cuisine!

Why is Hokkaido Cuisine Famous?

JR Hokkaido Rail Pass

Hokkaido is famous for its top-notch cuisine thanks to its fresh ingredients and seasonal flavors. Famous seafood such as king crab, sea urchin and scallops turn every meal into a feast of the sea. Meanwhile, rich Hokkaido milk makes for extremely famous ice cream, cheese and cakes.

The fresh and abundant ingredients here also bring hot bowls of miso ramen, fragrant Ishikari hot pot or rich Genghis Khan grilled lamb. In Hokkaido, cuisine is not only a dish to fill the stomach but also an exciting journey of taste, making anyone who has tried it want to come back again.

Hokkaido King Crab With Irresistible Taste of the Sea (#must try food in Hokkaido)

There is nothing better than enjoying Hokkaido king crab – a giant crab with sweet, firm meat, processed right on the spot. Try grilled or steamed king crab dishes to feel the essence of the sea, and don’t forget to dip it in garlic butter sauce for extra richness. This is definitely a dish you must try at least once when you come to Hokkaido.

ISOKIN Fisheries in Sapporo Susukino – Super Popular Crab & Seafood Izakaya

Rich Hokkaido Curry Soup

Not as thick as traditional Japanese curry, Hokkaido curry soup brings a completely different experience with a thinner broth but no less rich and delicious. Each piece of tender chicken, fresh seafood and colorful vegetables make the soup both eye-catching and irresistible. Take a spoonful, the mild spiciness spreads, the winter cold also softens. You can ask the restaurants here to adjust the spiciness according to your tolerance for spicy food!

Rich Hokkaido Miso Ramen

Miso ramen in Hokkaido is not only a dish, but also a part of the soul of this land. The rich broth, simmered carefully with fragrant miso, shimmering with fatty pork fat, creates an unforgettable, seductive flavor. The noodles are just chewy enough, the char siu is soft and melts, the sweet corn is crispy, all blending together in each chopstick of hot noodles. In the cold of winter, there is nothing better than sitting in a small, warm ramen shop, right?

Fresh Hokkaido Sushi

NanKouEn Okura in Sapporo Susukino – Wagyu Beef BBQ Buffet

Hokkaido is where you will find the freshest sushi in Japan, with ingredients from the ocean caught on the same day. Visit famous sushi restaurants in Sapporo or Hakodate to enjoy soft, sweet sushi pieces from fresh seafood. Don’t forget to try nigiri sushi with salmon or shrimp to feel the fresh taste of the ocean that Hokkaido brings.

Hokkaido Wagyu Beef – Softness Touches Emotions (#must eat in hokkaido)

Mentioning Hokkaido, in addition to the majestic natural scenery, this place is also known for high-quality Wagyu beef. The soft, smooth meat, the harmonious interlacing of fat helps each piece of beef to be both fatty and retain its natural sweetness. Whether enjoyed by charcoal grilling, steak or hot pot, the flavor of Hokkaido Wagyu beef always leaves its own mark. When grilled, the fat melts just enough, creating a juicy, fragrant meat. When bitten, you can immediately feel the delicate blend of softness, fat and rich aftertaste.

JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass

Hokkaido Milk Ice Cream

It is no coincidence that Hokkaido ice cream is so famous. Fresh milk from the lush green farms of this land brings a rich, smooth aroma that is hard to match with any other ice cream. Take a bite, the light milk flavor gradually melts on the tip of the tongue, leaving a sweet and enchanting aftertaste. Whether in the cold winter or the gentle summer sun, a Hokkaido milk ice cream is always a small joy but enough to brighten up the whole day.

Yubari Melon Steam Cake

Japan is home to many delicious and special fruits that you have never known. And when you come to Hokkaido, you will definitely see Yubari melons everywhere in the gardens. Since then, melon sponge cake has become a typical dish of this land. Yubari Melon Steam Cake has a very delicious taste, the special point of that taste is the melon jam in the cake filling and it is not too sweet like regular sponge cake. And of course, visiting Hokkaido Japan without buying this specialty cake is a real mistake.

Shiroi Koibito – A Century-Old Souvenir

Shiroi Koibito is always on the list of great snacks that you must buy when visiting Hokkaido. Shiroi Koibito is a crispy cookie sandwiched with rich white chocolate. A trade magazine voted Shiroi Koibito as the “souvenir representing the 20th century”. It also won the Monde Selection (a prestigious world award for premium foods conducted by the International Quality Organization in the Kingdom of Belgium).

Crispy Sapporo Nogakko

A crispy pastry made from butter and wheat sounds simple and boring, right? But in Hokkaido, there is a type of cake that will change your mind immediately. Taking advantage of the rich and unique flavor of Hokkaido dairy products, Sapporo Nogakko cookies are both crispy and rich.

Sapporo Nogakko, also known as Sapporo Agricultural College Milk Cookies, can be found at Kinotoya. Be sure to buy plenty of them as souvenirs, or there will be a fight over them among your loved ones!

Cheese Omelette

Contrary to its misleading name, Snaffles Cheese Omelette is actually a souffle-style cheesecake that originated in Hakodate and can also be found in Sapporo. This little cake will instantly melt in your mouth and melt with that divine butter!

Sapporo Genghis Khan (Grilled lamb)

When learning about cuisine when traveling to Hokkaido, you cannot miss Genghis Khan, or commonly known as grilled lamb. This is a dish that any tourist coming to Sapporo wants to enjoy once. Just like other grilled dishes, the marinated lamb will be placed on the grill, underneath is a layer of red charcoal that makes the meat smell fragrant. After being cooked, the pieces of lamb have a moist golden color that makes everyone who comes here want to enjoy it immediately.

8 Recommended Restaurants & Famous places to eat in Hokkaido

Kani Honke in Sapporo Station

• Address: 2 Chome-1-18 Kita 3 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0003, Japan
• Opening hours: 11:30 – 22:00

Kani Honke, located near Sapporo Station, is famous for its fresh crab specialties, offering a unique culinary experience for visitors. The restaurant features dishes such as fresh crab sashimi, soft and sweet grilled king crab legs, and rich crab miso soup. The restaurant space is imbued with traditional Japanese style, with private rooms creating a cozy and luxurious atmosphere.

The service here focuses on attentiveness, with staff wearing traditional costumes, enhancing the cultural experience for diners. Note that the restaurant also has strict dress code requirements for diners, so you come here and remember to dress modestly!

GUENPIN SAPPORO SUSUKINO

• Address: Japan, 〒064-0805 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 5 Jonishi, 2 Chome−1 オークラビル 1F
• Opening hours: 16:00 – 22:30, Monday only: 9:00 – 17:00 (Closed on Tuesday)

If you want to experience the unique flavor of pufferfish in a traditional Japanese space, Guenpin Sapporo Susukino is the ideal choice. The restaurant only uses carefully selected tiger pufferfish (Torafugu), bringing exquisite dishes such as pufferfish sashimi, pufferfish hotpot, or attractive fried and grilled dishes. With a cozy, Japanese-style space, Guenpin creates a unique and pleasant dining experience. The service here is also highly appreciated, with a team of friendly and professional staff, always ready to explain the puffer fish processing process.

Kaniya Sapporo Crab House

• Address: Japan, 〒064-0804 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 4 Jonishi, 2 Chome−11
• Opening hours: 11:00 – 15:00, 17:00 – 22:00

Located right in the heart of the Susukino area, this restaurant is famous for its dishes made from fresh crab, from crab sashimi, rich crab hotpot to crispy crab tempura. Each dish is meticulously prepared, preserving the natural flavor of the crab. The space at Kaniya is also impressive, with a luxurious and comfortable design, stretching from the basement to the 7th floor, giving you a comfortable and pleasant feeling.

ゼンBeef Shabu Sukiyaki

• Address: Japan, 〒060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Jonishi, 1 Chome, 山口中央ビル地下
• Opening hours: 17:00 – 23:00

Zen (ゼン) is a famous restaurant in Sapporo, located in the Tanukikoji area, specializing in shabu-shabu and sukiyaki dishes, especially with high-quality wagyu beef such as Hokkaido beef and Kobe beef. Zen’s space is designed in a modern Japanese style, with private rooms in the “horigotatsu” style (low tables with footrests) that can accommodate from 4 to 40 people, very suitable for family parties or meeting friends.

Wada Maruyama – Michelin Star Restaurant

• Address: 27 Chome-1-7 Kita 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0821, Japan
• Opening hours: 11:30- 14:00, 18:00 – 20:00 (Closed on Wednesdays)

Wada Maruyama – a prominent restaurant in Sapporo with Michelin stars, is an ideal place for those who love sophisticated Japanese cuisine. The restaurant specializes in kaiseki dishes, imbued with traditional culinary style with fresh, seasonal ingredients typical of Hokkaido.

Each dish at Wada is meticulously prepared, showing a harmonious combination of flavor and aesthetics. Wada’s space has a modern yet cozy design, creating a pleasant feeling for diners. In particular, the open kitchen allows you to directly witness the food preparation process, bringing an interesting interactive experience.

Nijo Fish Market – Fresh Seafood Paradise in the Heart of Sapporo

• Address: Japan, 〒060-0052 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Johigashi, 1 Chome, 南3条東１丁目〜2丁目
• Opening hours: 7:00 – 17:00

If you want to enjoy fresh seafood in the local style, Nijo Fish Market in Sapporo is a destination not to be missed. It’s not as big as Tokyo’s Tsukiji, but it’s packed with local flavor, with seafood stalls selling king crab, scallops, sea urchin, salmon roe, and fresh fish caught that day. Some stalls even let you pick your ingredients on the spot and have them made into kaisendon (seafood rice bowl), ensuring absolute freshness.

Ramen Yokocho Alley Only Locals Know About

Tucked away in the bustling Susukino neighborhood, Ramen Yokocho Alley is where locals go when they crave a hot bowl of ramen late at night. The small alley is home to dozens of long-standing ramen shops, each with their own recipes, creating a rich variety of flavors. If you want to try Hokkaido’s signature miso ramen, try Aji no Karyu, a small shop that’s always bustling with locals. The rich, creamy miso broth combined with the tender char siu will be unforgettable.

Hakodate Morning Market – Experience a Real Seafood Breakfast

• Address: 9-22 Wakamatsucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0063, Japan
• Opening hours: 6:00 – 15:00

There is nothing better than starting the day with a bowl of fresh seafood rice at the Hakodate morning market. The market opens from 6:00 a.m., when fishing boats arrive with fresh seafood. One of the most famous dishes here is ika odori-don, rice with live squid that moves when poured with soy sauce. In addition, you can also try kaisendon with a variety of seafood from sea urchin, scallops, salmon eggs to sweet shrimp.

Hokkaido Cuisine Tips – Things to Know Before Departing

Choose the Right Time to Enjoy Seasonal Specialties

Hokkaido has cold winters and cool summers, which greatly affect the culinary ingredients. If you want the best king crab, come in winter. Yubari melons are sweetest in summer, while autumn is the perfect time to try mushroom and potato dishes. If you want freshly brewed sake, come in spring when the breweries start releasing their newest products. There’s a reason why people say “each food has its own season”, right?

Avoid Eating in Overly Touristy Areas If You Want Reasonable Prices

Highly touristy areas like Susukino (Sapporo) or Nijo Market are a bit more expensive than local eateries further out of town. If you want to experience it like a local, head to small markets, family restaurants or eateries in residential areas.

Save Your Stomach for Breakfast at the Seafood Market

Most of Hokkaido’s famous seafood markets open early in the morning, serving kaisendon (seafood rice bowl), crab soup and the freshest seafood of the day. Eating breakfast at the market not only gives you the freshest ingredients, but it also helps you avoid the midday rush.

Don’t Be Afraid to Try Strange Dishes Even If They Look “hard to eat”

Some dishes in Hokkaido may be unfamiliar to visitors, such as shirako (cod milt), natto ramen (ramen with fermented soybeans) or ika odori don (live squid that moves while being eaten). However, if you want to have the full culinary experience, try at least one specialty dish to feel the difference of this region’s cuisine.

Bring Cash When Eating at Markets or Small Restaurants

Although many large restaurants accept credit cards, seafood markets, small ramen shops or family restaurants in Hokkaido still often only accept cash. If you plan to eat at markets or small restaurants, be prepared with cash to avoid inconvenience.

Go Early or Make a Reservation If You Want to Avoid the Line

Some popular eateries in Hokkaido, especially those that serve ramen, Genghis Khan or seafood, often have long lines during peak hours. If you don’t want to waste time waiting, go early or make a reservation online, by phone or by asking your hotel to do it for you.

Learn Some Simple Vocabulary to Make Ordering Easier

Although many restaurants in Hokkaido have English menus, some smaller establishments still only have Japanese menus. Some basic vocabulary that can help you order more easily:

• Ramen (ラーメン) – Ramen noodles
• Kaisendon (海鮮丼) – Seafood rice
• Uni (うに) – Sea urchin
• Gyu (牛) – Beef
• Hitsujiniku (羊肉) – Lamb
• Oishii (美味しい) – Delicious
• Omori (大盛り) – Larger portion

Hokkaido in particular and Japan in general are culinary paradises for travelers with an open mind for food. Not only possessing fresh seafood dishes thanks to its geographical advantage, but dairy dishes or fruits from Hokkaido are also worthy of being your true love when visiting this land. If you come to Hokkaido, don’t just focus on skiing and sightseeing but miss out on delicious dishes!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Sapporo & Hokkaido you can refer to

• Hokkaido Day Tour from Sapporo: Asahiyama Zoo, Shirogane Blue Pond, and More
• Sapporo Highland Sightseeing Bus Tour with Meals
• Sapporo Private Day Tour with Local Licensed Guide
• Hokkaido Day Tour from Sapporo: Asahiyama Zoo, Shirogane Blue Pond, and More
• Hokkaido Enjoy Pass
• Furano and Tomita Farm Day Tour from Sapporo
• Sapporo Afternoon Bus Tour
• Hokkaido Spring and Summer Limited Depart from Sapporo
• JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Furano Area Pass
• Sapporo TV Tower Ticket
• JR Hokkaido Rail Pass
• Mt Tengu Ropeway Round-trip Ticket
• Asahikawa Zoo & Shikisai-no-Oka Day Tour
• Mt. Moiwa Ropeway Ticket in Sapporo
• JR Tower Observation Deck T38 Ticket in Hokkaido
• Asahiyama Zoo, Shirahige Falls, Biei, and Blue Pond Day Tour
• JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass
• Kani Honke in Sapporo Station – Popular Crab Specialty
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
• 4G WiFi (Japan Pick Up) for Japan
• JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Are you looking for more Hokkaido travel guide and top things to do in Hokkaido: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Hokkaido travel blog — The fullest guide for a budget trip to Hokkaido, Japan.