Welcome, fellow wanderlusts and food enthusiasts, to the enchanting island of Hokkaido! As your travel guide, I’m here to take you on a delightful journey through the top 10 things to eat in Hokkaido, these must-try culinary treasures are a northern gem. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with Hokkaido’s finest offerings, where every bite is a celebration of freshness, flavor, and tradition.
1. Hokkaido Dairy Products: A Creamy Dream
The top Things to Eat in Hokkaido is definitely the dairy products which are renowned throughout Japan, and for good reason. Picture yourself savoring a cone of soft serve ice cream that’s so rich and creamy, it feels like a hug for your taste buds. The cheese here is equally divine, often enjoyed in a variety of dishes or simply on its own. And don’t forget the milk – fresh, pure, and oh-so-smooth. A visit to Hokkaido wouldn’t be complete without indulging in these dairy delights.
2. Sapporo Ramen: A Bowl of Comfort
Imagine a steaming bowl of Sapporo ramen, its broth a savory blend of pork and miso, perfectly seasoned to warm your soul. This iconic dish, hailing from Hokkaido’s capital, Sapporo, is a must-try for any ramen lover. The thick, curly noodles are designed to hold the rich broth, while toppings like tender slices of pork and crunchy bean sprouts add texture and flavor.
Ramen Sapporo Akahoshi
〒060-0063 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 3 Jonishi, 7 Chome−１
Ganso Ramen Yokocho Sapporo
〒064-0805 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 5 Jonishi, 3 Chome−8
3. Kaisen-don: The Seafood Symphony
Hokkaido is a seafood lover’s paradise, and nothing showcases this better than a kaisen-don bowl. Picture a bowl filled with succulent local scallops, creamy fresh uni (sea urchin), and slices of salmon that practically melt in your mouth. While the blue fin tuna here might not rival that of Tokyo, the other seafood more than makes up for it with unparalleled freshness and flavor.
Places to Try:
Sankaku Market – Otaru
3 Chome-10-16 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0032
Hakodate Morning Market
9-19 Wakamatsucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0063
4. Hakodate Ramen: A Unique Twist
Travel south to Hakodate, and you’ll discover a different take on ramen. This version features a salt-based broth, giving it a lighter, yet incredibly flavorful profile. Adding Hokkaido corn and a pat of butter elevates the dish, creating a comforting and unique ramen experience that’s distinctly Hakodate.
5. Yubari Melon: The Prized Fruit
The Yubari melon is not just any melon; it’s a symbol of luxury and perfection. Grown in the town of Yubari, these melons are known for their perfect sweetness, juiciness, and exquisite fragrance. Carefully cultivated with meticulous farming techniques, Yubari melons are often given as prestigious gifts and can fetch a high price at auction. Indulging in a slice of this melon is like tasting a piece of Hokkaido’s dedication to quality.
6. Teshikaga Ramen: A Masterpiece of Umami
Venture to eastern Hokkaido, and you’ll find Teshikaga ramen, a culinary masterpiece. The base is a soy sauce flavor, but what sets it apart is the “Seafood Squeezed Soy Sauce,” which extracts maximum umami from local ingredients. This rich and flavorful broth is achieved by simmering pork bones for hours, bringing out the deep, collagen-rich essence of the meat. The result is a clear, yet profoundly flavorful soup that’s beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Teshikaga Ramen – Sapporo Ramen Alley
〒064-0805 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 5 Jonishi, 3 Chome
7. Fresh Hokkaido Crab: Sweet and Juicy
Imagine cracking open a 1.3kg king crab at Hakodate’s Morning Market, the sweet and juicy meat tasting like the ocean’s essence. Hokkaido crabs are a highlight of the region, their freshness and flavor unmatched. Whether you enjoy them boiled, grilled, or in a hot pot, the experience is unforgettable, making this one of the top things to eat in Hokkaido!
Sankaku Market – Otaru
3 Chome-10-16 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0032
Hakodate Morning Market
9-19 Wakamatsucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0063
8. Hokkaido Beef and Steak: Local Delights
Hokkaido’s lush pastures are perfect for raising cattle, resulting in beef that’s tender and full of flavor. Try it grilled to perfection, or in a Humburg steak style – a Japanese twist on the classic hamburger steak. Each bite is a testament to Hokkaido’s commitment to quality and taste. You’ve definitely heard of wagyu by now but Hokkaido Wagyu is on another level and a top things to eat in Hokkaido.
9. Fresh Squid Sashimi: A Delicacy from Hakodate
Hakodate’s coastal location makes it a prime spot for the freshest seafood, including squid sashimi. The translucent slices of squid are incredibly fresh, offering a delicate sweetness and a slight chewiness that’s highly prized in Japanese cuisine. A dip in soy sauce and a touch of wasabi complete this exquisite experience.
Sankaku Market – Otaru
3 Chome-10-16 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0032
Hakodate Morning Market
9-19 Wakamatsucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0063
10. Hokkaido Strawberries: Sweet Perfection
Hokkaido strawberries are a treat like no other. Grown with care and precision, these berries are exceptionally sweet and juicy. The cool climate and advanced farming techniques contribute to their superior quality, making them a sought-after delicacy. Enjoy them fresh, or in desserts that highlight their natural sweetness.
Bonus: Sapporo Beer – A Taste of Tradition
No visit to Hokkaido would be complete without a refreshing glass of Sapporo beer. Head to the Sapporo Beer Museum to immerse yourself in the history and brewing process of one of Japan’s oldest and most beloved beers. Don’t miss the chance to try Sapporo Classic, a beer available only in Hokkaido, known for its crisp, refreshing taste that perfectly complements the island’s culinary delights.
Conclusion of Things to Eat in Hokkaido
From the creamy delights of Hokkaido’s dairy products to the rich, umami-filled bowls of ramen, and the freshest seafood you can imagine, Hokkaido offers a culinary adventure that’s second to none. Each dish tells a story of the region’s dedication to quality and flavor, inviting you to explore and savor every bite. So pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get ready to experience the best of Hokkaido’s food scene. Bon appétit and safe travels! What culinary delight are you excited to try first?