What Food To Try in Sapporo and Food Prices

Jingisukan - Genghis Khan (grilled mutton) - Tender slices of mutton grilled on a dome-shaped metal skillet, often enjoyed with vegetables. Locals love to share this meal at outdoor barbecues, typically on weekends with friends.

Shiraae - Silken Tofu Salad - Creamy silken tofu mixed with a flavorful sesame dressing, often served as a side or main dish. Frequently eaten during lunch, it exemplifies the Sapporo preference for fresh, local ingredients.

Butadon - Pork Bowl - Rice topped with savory pan-fried pork belly marinated in a slightly sweet sauce, giving it a rich flavor. A favorite for locals at lunch, especially on chilly days, for a quick and satisfying bite.

Soup Curry - スープカレー (soup curry) - A spiced curry served in a broth with large chunks of meats and vegetables, sipped from a bowl rather than eaten with rice. It's typically enjoyed during colder months, with a unique mix of flavors that feels like a warm hug.

Yakiniku - 焼肉 (grilled meat) - A spread of various types of meat and vegetables grilled right at the table, often accompanied by a dipping sauce. It's common for locals to gather for dinner at a Yakiniku restaurant, sharing plates with laughter and cheer.

Durian - ドリアン (surprising combination) - While it's a love-it-or-hate-it fruit, durian appears in certain dishes, often as a dessert on the side. Yes, it’s not the most common, but locals might savor its intense aroma with a hint of sweet and savory flavors at family gatherings.

Tsukemen - つけ麺 (dipping noodles) - Chilled noodles served with a hot, flavorful dipping sauce, often loaded with toppings like pork and menma. Best enjoyed during the summer, it’s a refreshing way to enjoy ramen without the heat of hot broth.

Seafood Donburi - 海鮮丼 (seafood bowl) - A vibrant bowl topped with fresh sashimi, crab, and uni over rice, showcasing Sapporo's coastal bounty. Locals indulge in this dish for breakfast or lunch at seaside markets, with the freshest catch of the day often available.

Hot Sake - 熱燗 (warm rice wine) - A soothing rice wine served warm, often made from locally sourced sake rice. Locals enjoy this during cold evenings, especially après-ski during winter at cozy izakayas. (You might want to ask for a specific sake brand; ordering “sake” usually gets you a generic option.)

Shiroi Koibito - 白い恋人 (white chocolate cookies) - These iconic biscuits consist of creamy white chocolate sandwiched between two delicate langue de chat cookies. A popular souvenir, they're usually bought around the New Year for gifting, but locals do indulge in them year-round with their coffee. (They can be a bit pricey, but totally worth it for the flavor!)

Iced Coffee - アイスコーヒー (chilled coffee) - Strong coffee brewed hot and then chilled quickly, served over ice for a refreshing drink. Sapporo locals often sip on this during summer festivals, enjoying it as a way to cool down while indulging in the lively atmosphere. (Pro tip: ask for less ice if you don't want it to dilute too quickly!)

Soft Serve - いもソフト (sweet potato soft serve) - Creamy soft serve made with locally grown sweet potatoes, popular at festival stalls or special events. It's a unique mix of sweet and earthy flavors, perfect for a treat while strolling through town. (Trust me, it's a favorite among locals during the autumn months when sweet potatoes are in season.)

Yukimurasaki - 雪紫 (sweet rice dumplings) - These chewy, mochi-like dumplings are filled with sweet red bean paste and often enjoyed during the Sapporo Snow Festival. Served warm or at room temperature, they're a nostalgic treat for many families who attend the festival yearly. (A common mistake is thinking they’re just like mochi; they have a denser texture that's quite different!)