Hey everyone! Welcome to Sapporo! I’ve been living in Sapporo for 40 years, and today I want to introduce you, our international visitors, to our soul food: “Genghis Khan.” Guidebooks are great, but how about hearing the real deal from a local? I’ll be friendly and honest about it.
First off, what exactly is Genghis Khan? Some kind of lamb BBQ?
Ever heard the name “Genghis Khan”? Yeah, it’s said to come from the Mongolian hero, Genghis Khan. Interesting, right? Simply put, it’s a type of grilled mutton or lamb dish. But it’s a bit different from your usual yakiniku (Japanese BBQ).
The most distinctive feature is the special dome-shaped grill pan, convex in the middle. This shape is key! As the meat cooks, excess fat drips down into the grooves around the edge, where you grill vegetables (onions, bean sprouts, bell peppers, and pumpkin are classics). The veggies soak up the meat juices and sauce, and oh man, they are incredibly delicious!
Why is it so good? Hmm, I think there are a few reasons:
- The Meat: Young lamb is tender with less gaminess, while slightly older mutton has a unique, rich flavor. It’s a matter of preference, but both are fantastic.
- The Sauce (Tare): Each restaurant has its own secret sauce, you know? It really brings out the umami of the meat. They range from fruity ones made with a soy sauce base, fruits, and aromatic vegetables, to spicier varieties. There are two main styles: “Ajitsuke” where the meat is marinated beforehand, and “Atozuke” where you dip the grilled meat in the sauce. Sapporo mostly favors the “Atozuke” style.
- The Cooking Method: Grilling on that dome-shaped pan makes the meat juicy and allows the vegetables to absorb all those wonderful meat juices. This unique style creates a deliciousness different from cooking on a regular hot plate or standard BBQ grill.
Why is it so popular in Sapporo?
There’s some history behind why Genghis Khan is so loved in Hokkaido, especially Sapporo. One story goes that sheep farming for wool was common in Hokkaido back in the day, and Genghis Khan became a popular way to enjoy the mutton.
Now, it’s deeply rooted in our food culture.
- Gatherings with Family and Friends: It’s a staple for casual BBQs during cherry blossom viewing (hanami), camping, or even just in the backyard.
- Dining Out Option: Of course, there are tons of amazing specialty restaurants. It’s perfect for grabbing a bite with colleagues after work or enjoying with family and friends on the weekend.
【Honestly, as a local… ①】 To be real with you, it’s not something we eat every single day. But sometimes, you just get this intense craving for it. It feels like a bit of a treat, something for a special occasion. When friends visit from other parts of Japan, it’s often the first thing we suggest: “We’ve gotta have Genghis Khan!”
The Ultimate Pairing: Beer!
I really have to emphasize this: Genghis Khan and beer are a match made in heaven! Taking a bite of that savory grilled lamb and washing it down with a cold beer… it’s pure bliss! Sapporo has lots of delicious craft beers too, so definitely give them a try. Especially in summer, you can enjoy Genghis Khan and beer outdoors at the beer garden beneath the Sapporo TV Tower. It’s so refreshing and liberating – definitely consider it if you’re here at the right time! (Check out info on the TV Tower too!)
Of course, if beer isn’t your thing, no worries. Lemon sours, highballs, sake, or even wine pair well too. Enjoy it with your favorite drink!
It’s Popular with Women Too!
You might think, “Isn’t lamb a bit gamey?” But honestly, the lamb available these days has very little gaminess and is really easy to eat. Plus, lamb is said to be rich in L-carnitine, which helps burn fat, making it popular among health-conscious women. And you get plenty of vegetables with it too!
Where Can You Eat It? Any Popular Restaurants?
Sapporo truly has countless Genghis Khan specialty restaurants. Here are a few famous ones:
- Sapporo Beer Garden: The red brick building has an amazing atmosphere and is super popular with tourists. You can enjoy a lively meal in the large hall. They offer all-you-can-eat plans, perfect if you have a big appetite. Great vibe, and a paradise for beer lovers.
- Matsuo Jingisukan: This place is famous for “Ajitsuke” (pre-marinated) Genghis Khan. They have several branches in Sapporo. While you might want to try an independent spot on your trip, being a chain means they offer consistent quality. (But honestly, if you want a truly personal recommendation, maybe ask your hotel staff? They might know some hidden gems only locals frequent. Sorry to any Matsuo Jingisukan fans!)
- Official Website: https://www.matsuo1956.jp/ (It’s in Japanese, so use your browser’s translate function if needed!)
- Daruma: A super popular spot in Susukino. There’s always a line, but the classic counter-style dining is part of its charm. You can savor thick, juicy Genghis Khan here. It’s really famous, so you should find info easily by searching the restaurant name.
- Official Website: https://sapporo-jingisukan.info/main (This site is also in Japanese, so translation might be necessary!)
Of course, there are many other hidden gems besides these. It can be fun to search online for “Sapporo Genghis Khan recommendations” or ask hotel staff. You’ll likely find plenty of reviews!
Can You Eat It at Tourist Spots?
Besides the Sapporo Beer Garden mentioned earlier, places like the Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill also have restaurants serving Genghis Khan. Imagine enjoying Genghis Khan while overlooking the vast landscape after seeing the famous Dr. Clark statue – that would make a great memory, don’t you think?
【Honestly, as a local… ②】 Let me be real, Genghis Khan can make your clothes smell (haha). It gets quite smoky too. So, maybe avoid wearing your fanciest outfit. Many places have good ventilation, but it’s kind of unavoidable to some extent. But you know, that smell and smoke somehow whet your appetite – it feels like part of the whole Genghis Khan experience!
What About the Price?
It depends on the restaurant and how much you eat, but the average cost is probably around ¥3,000 to ¥5,000 per person. All-you-can-eat plans might be around ¥4,000 to ¥6,000. Of course, upscale places can cost more. If you’re interested in a specific restaurant, it’s a good idea to check their website for prices. It’s not super expensive, but think of it as a bit more of a splurge than your typical lunch.
What’s the Honest Verdict from International Tourists?
From what I’ve seen and heard, the feedback from international visitors seems overwhelmingly positive! I often hear things like, “I never knew lamb could be this delicious!”, “The sauce is amazing!”, “The combination with beer is fantastic!”. You can probably find reviews from foreigners online too.
Of course, some people might find the lamb flavor a bit strong for their taste. But in most cases, Genghis Khan in Japan, especially Sapporo, is prepared to be less gamey and easy to eat, making it very approachable even for first-timers.
To Sum It Up: Definitely Try Genghis Khan When in Sapporo!
So, what do you think? Did I manage to convey some of the appeal of Genghis Khan? When you come to Sapporo, definitely try the delicious ramen, sushi, and seafood bowls, but please give Genghis Khan a try too! I’d be happy if you enjoyed this dish that we locals love.
I’m sure it’ll be an unforgettable, delicious food experience!
