An Honest Local’s Guide to Sapporo Ramen: Explanations, Tips & Recommendations

Hey there, welcome to Sapporo! As someone who’s lived in this city for a long time, there’s something I definitely want to share with you. Yes, you guessed it – it’s Sapporo ramen!

You’ve probably heard the word “Ramen” before, right? It’s a beloved national dish all over Japan, but the ramen here in Sapporo is a bit special. In this snowy land, it’s deeply rooted in our lives as soul food that warms us up from the inside out.

In this article, I’ll cover everything from the basics of Sapporo ramen to how locals enjoy it, plus my personal recommendations. Reading this should make your trip to Sapporo even more delicious and fun. So, let’s dive into the world of authentic Japanese ramen!

What Exactly is Ramen Anyway?

It’s hard to sum up ramen in one word, but basically, it’s a hot noodle dish consisting of noodles, soup (broth), and various toppings.

The soup is made by creating a dashi (stock) from various ingredients like pork bones, chicken bones, seafood, and vegetables. A tare (flavor base) is added to this. Here are the main types of flavors:

Basic Flavor Profiles

• Miso: A rich and savory flavor using “miso,” a fermented soybean paste. This is the signature style of Sapporo ramen.
• Shoyu (Soy Sauce): Based on traditional Japanese soy sauce. It varies widely, from clear and light broths to rich ones combined with animal-based stocks.
• Shio (Salt): Characterized by a clear, light soup that allows you to simply enjoy the flavors of the ingredients. It offers a delicate taste.
• Tonkotsu (Pork Bone): A cloudy, creamy, and rich soup made by simmering pork bones for hours. It’s famous in the Kyushu region, but also popular here in Hokkaido.

Of course, there are many other flavors and styles of ramen out there. Each shop has its own way of making soup, different types of noodles, and unique toppings, making it a truly deep and fascinating world.

My Personal Ramen Journey Through Flavors

Let me share a bit about my own long history with ramen.

When I was a kid, I loved the classic shoyu ramen at the local diner. It was light and had a comforting taste I could eat almost every day.

As I got a bit older, I discovered the delicate deliciousness of clear-スープ shio ramen and went through a phase where that was all I sought out. I loved how the flavors of the ingredients came through so directly.

And now? Well, I think I’ve settled on miso ramen. Sipping that hot, rich miso soup on a cold Sapporo winter day warms me right to the core. It has a real punch and is incredibly satisfying. But hey, that’s just my personal preference. I hope you find your own favorite!

The Fascinating World of Hokkaido Ramen: Sapporo, Hakodate, and Asahikawa

Hokkaido is a big place, so it’s interesting how different regions have their own distinct ramen styles. We often talk about the “Big Three Hokkaido Ramen”:

• Sapporo: Miso
• Hakodate: Shio (Salt)
• Asahikawa: Shoyu (Soy Sauce)

Each city is known for its representative flavor. Of course, you can find delicious shio and shoyu ramen in Sapporo, and other flavors in the other cities too. But if you visit each place, I definitely recommend trying the local specialty. You’ll really get a sense of the diversity of Hokkaido ramen.

【A Local’s Honest Take ①】The Real Deal About Sapporo Ramen

Maybe Watch Out for the Calories…

Okay, here’s a bit of honest truth from a local. Sapporo ramen, especially miso ramen, often uses rich broth and lard (pork fat), so honestly, it’s pretty high in calories.

If you’re on a diet or very health-conscious, you might feel a little guilty eating it (haha). Maybe it’s not something you’d eat every day.

But That Allure is Undeniable!

However! The appeal far outweighs the calorie count. Eating piping hot ramen on a cold day is the best, and the rich soup clings perfectly to the medium-thick, wavy noodles. One bite, and you’ll surely exclaim, “Delicious!” That deep satisfaction is something special, hard to find in other foods. So, while you’re traveling, maybe forget about the calories for a bit and just indulge!

My Top Recommendation: Sumire’s Rich Miso Ramen

Sapporo has countless ramen shops, each unique and delicious. But if you want to experience the quintessential Sapporo miso ramen, my personal top pick would be “Sumire (純連)”.

Their main shop is in a place called Sumikawa. Their miso ramen is incredibly rich and packs a punch. Thanks to the layer of lard on top, the soup stays hot until the very last drop. When you take a sip, the fragrant aroma of miso and its deep umami fills your mouth. It was quite a revelation the first time I tried it.

If you’re a ramen lover searching for authentic Sapporo miso ramen, I highly recommend checking it out. There’s often a line, but I believe it’s well worth the wait.

• Sumire Sapporo Main Store (純連 札幌本店)
  • Address: 4 Chome-7-28 Nakanoshima 2 Jo, Toyohira Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
  • Access: Within walking distance from Nakanoshima Station or Sumikawa Station on the Namboku Subway Line.

The Ultimate Way to Eat Ramen: The Forbidden Combo with Rice

Alright, I know I just mentioned calories, but hear me out… (lol). Let me teach you the absolute best (and most decadent) way to eat ramen, especially the rich miso kind.

Order a side of rice!

Many ramen shops offer rice as a side dish. Once you’ve eaten most of the noodles, dump the rice into the remaining soup! Or, put some rice on your spoon (renge) and dip it into the soup! It’s unbelievably good.

Yes, it’s carbs on carbs, and the calorie count goes through the roof (lol). But the combination of rich soup and rice is outstanding – truly a forbidden deliciousness. If you feel like letting loose a bit during your trip, definitely give it a try. This might just be one answer to how locals eat ramen in Sapporo.

Customize Your Bowl: Exploring Ramen Toppings

Another great thing about ramen is that you can customize it to your liking with toppings.

Standard toppings often include chashu (braised pork), menma (fermented bamboo shoots), and green onions.

But most places let you order extra toppings:

• Extra chashu pork: A must if you love meat!
• Ajitama (Seasoned soft-boiled egg): The runny yolk mixing with the soup is divine.
• Butter: Adding butter to miso ramen enhances its richness and creaminess. A very Hokkaido-style topping.
• Corn: Also a Hokkaido classic. The sweetness adds a nice accent.
• Extra green onions: Adds extra flavor and texture.

You might also find nori (seaweed) or kikurage (wood ear mushroom). Experiment and find your own best ramen toppings combination – it’s part of the fun!

【A Local’s Honest Take ②】About Susukino’s Ramen Yokocho

One more honest take from a local. In Susukino, the entertainment district in central Sapporo, there’s a place called “Ramen Yokocho (ラーメン横丁)”. It’s a narrow alley packed with ramen shops, giving off a very “Japanese ramen street” vibe.

To be frank, it’s perhaps more of a tourist spot than a place locals frequent regularly. Of course, there are good shops there, but it feels more like a place you go to soak in the atmosphere.

Many shops stay open late, so stopping by for a bowl after drinks in Susukino is a classic move. You can easily find it by searching for Ramen Yokocho Susukino. It’s not a bad idea to experience that unique atmosphere as part of your Sapporo trip!

Don’t Underestimate Instant Ramen: A Perfect Late-Night Snack?

Eating ramen at a restaurant is fantastic, of course, but Japan’s instant ramen (cup noodles) is actually incredibly high quality too.

You’ll find an overwhelming variety at convenience stores and supermarkets. There are versions replicating famous restaurants’ flavors and even regional specialties. Just Browse is fun.

Eating instant ramen back at your hotel or ryokan when you’re a bit peckish has its own special charm. Especially enjoying a hot cup of noodles in your room on a cold night can feel like a small luxury.

They’re affordable and light, making them great souvenirs too. Japanese instant ramen will surely be a hit with your friends back home.

Find Your Perfect Bowl in Sapporo!

So, what did you think after hearing all about Sapporo ramen?

Ramen is a truly profound food, with each bowl packed with the shop’s dedication and passion. If you’ve never tried ramen before, I really hope you give it a go during your visit. It’ll surely open up a new world of flavors.

Miso, shoyu, shio, tonkotsu… there are so many flavors and countless shops. I’ve shared my recommendations, but the most important thing is finding a bowl that you personally think is delicious.

Feel free to wander the streets of Sapporo and pop into any shop that catches your eye. I’d be thrilled if you find your best ramen Sapporo!