Introducing the top 10 unmissable local gourmet dishes from the Hokkaido region.

Introducing the top 10 unmissable local gourmet dishes from the Hokkaido region.
When visiting the Hokkaido region, be sure to enjoy the authentic local gourmet dishes at their best.

Table of Contents

Jingisukan
Sapporo Ramen
Ishikari Nabe
Matsumaezuke
Asahikawa Ramen
Ikameshi (Stuffed Squid)
Zangi
Haskap
Kushiro Ramen
Ika Sōmen

No.1

Jingisukan

A delicious, affordable Hokkaido favorite

Jingisukan is a Hokkaido specialty made with lamb or mutton. Thinly sliced meat and vegetables are grilled on a domed pan, with the juices from the meat helping to cook the vegetables. Fresh off th...

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No.2

Sapporo Ramen

A rich miso broth and springy curly noodles come together in this Sapporo classic.

Sapporo Ramen originated in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Known for its rich miso broth and firm, curly noodles, it is one of Japan’s best-known ramen styles. Its history is said to have begun with postwar fo...

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No.3

Ishikari Nabe

A hearty miso-based hot pot with fresh salmon—one taste and you’ll be hooked.

Ishikari Nabe is a Hokkaido regional dish made with salmon and seasoned with miso. Salmon pieces and bony scraps are simmered with tofu and vegetables such as onion, cabbage, daikon radish, shiitak...

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No.4

Matsumaezuke

Crunchy textures that keep you coming back for more—a Hokkaido regional specialty.

A regional dish made with kelp, a specialty of the Matsumae area of Hokkaido. Herring roe, dried squid, and kelp are marinated in soy sauce to make a preserved food. It is commonly eaten locally an...

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No.5

Asahikawa Ramen

A savory soy sauce aroma and rich seafood flavor make this classic ramen irresistible.

One of Hokkaido’s three major ramen styles, Asahikawa Ramen is a simple dish made with thin, curly noodles in a soy sauce-based double broth combining pork bone and seafood. A layer of lard is a di...

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No.6

Ikameshi (Stuffed Squid)

A perfect match for meals, snacks, or even as a side for drinks!

Ikameshi (いかめし), a famous local dish from the Hakodate and Oshima regions of Hokkaido, has a fascinating history. It was first created during World War II as a bento meal sold at Mori Station o...

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No.7

Zangi

Crispy, juicy chicken that’s hard to resist!

Zangi is a Hokkaido favorite: chicken marinated in a sauce of ginger, soy sauce, and garlic, then deep-fried. Compared with karaage, it is more boldly seasoned and pairs especially well with beer. ...

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No.8

Haskap

Hokkaido’s jewel—a rare berry where tartness meets sweetness

Haskap is a blue-purple berry native to Hokkaido. Because it is rare, it is also known as the “phantom fruit,” and it has long been enjoyed by the Ainu people. Its name comes from the Ainu word “ha...

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No.9

Kushiro Ramen

Thin noodles and a light soy-based broth define this Kushiro-born ramen.

Kushiro Ramen is a local ramen style beloved in and around Kushiro City, Hokkaido. It is characterized by thin, curly noodles and a light soy-sauce broth. Its roots are said to lie in shina soba, a...

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No.10

Ika Sōmen

Even with modern refrigeration, freshly caught squid is still the best!

Ika sōmen is made by slicing Japanese flying squid landed in Hakodate into thin, noodle-like strips and serving it with seasoned soy sauce and condiments or noodle dipping sauce. Fresh squid has tr...

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