Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost area, is home to Sapporo, one of the chilliest cities in the country. With an average temperature of about 9°C, compared to Tokyo's 15°C, Sapporo is truly a winter wonderland. This cold climate has influenced the local cuisine, leading to the development of various types of ramen. Among these, Sapporo Ramen stands out as a fan favorite across Japan.
Sapporo Ramen is a delightful warming dish that showcases the flavors of Hokkaido. It's a hearty, salty ramen that often includes a pat of butter and a heap of sweet corn to help you combat the cold.
In this guide, we'll take you through the history and characteristics of Sapporo Ramen and share some top spots where you can savor this flavorful noodle soup. Once you try it, the rich miso broth and thick, curly noodles of Sapporo Ramen will leave a lasting impression, making it a memorable part of Hokkaido's culinary offerings.
Sapporo Ramen
Sapporo Ramen is a beloved dish from the Hokkaido region in Japan. Picture a bowl filled with a thick, creamy pork bone broth enhanced with miso, paired with hearty, curly noodles. Add a mix of stir-fried vegetables like bean sprouts and cabbage cooked in lard and garlic, topped off with sweet corn and a dollop of butter. This combination is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
What sets Sapporo Ramen apart is its noodle style and preparation. The noodles are medium-thick and wavy, made exclusively in Hokkaido following specific local methods. Additionally, the generous addition of vegetables not only adds to the flavor but also makes the dish more fulfilling.
Ramen broths can be light or dense, and seasonings can range from salt, soy sauce, to miso. Other varieties might add spicy chili oils or nutty sesame flavors. Toppings vary too, from the usual pork slices found in tonkotsu ramen to unique additions like a spoonful of corn, making each bowl a new discovery.
How did Sapporo Ramen originate? This distinctive dish from Hokkaido is believed to have first been made following the Second World War. A Chinese chef is credited with bringing the initial version to Sapporo in 1932, featuring a rich pork bone broth seasoned with soy sauce. After the war, locals started to put their own spins on the recipe, crafting richer broths and diverse toppings.
The iconic Miso Ramen emerged from a simple request: a diner at Aji-no-Sanpei asked for noodles in his miso and pork soup. The restaurant embraced this idea, and Miso Ramen has been a staple on their menu since then, continuing with the original recipe. The addition of vegetables became popular as a way to balance the dish's richness.
Miso Ramen's popularity soared, setting it as Sapporo's signature ramen style. Today, Sapporo is celebrated as a "ramen haven," boasting numerous eateries clustered especially in the famous Sapporo Ramen Alley. While new versions of ramen continue to emerge, with additions like chili paste, leeks, and various protein bases, it’s the traditional miso-infused broth that keeps Sapporo Ramen a beloved favorite.
Sapporo Ramen Alley
What sets Sapporo Ramen apart? The heart of Sapporo Ramen lies in its broth, a miso-based delight that's notably thicker and richer than others. The foundation of this broth involves a unique process where soy sauce and miso are blended and caramelized with vegetables, then mixed into the pork broth. This method, combined with cooking most ingredients in a work over consistent, high heat, infuses the ramen with deep, robust flavors and aromatic richness.
The addition of butter in the Miso broth not only enhances its richness but also ties back to Hokkaido's reputation as a dairy producer, offering a taste that truly represents the region. To balance the hearty broth, the ramen is topped with an array of fresh, seasonal vegetables and bean sprouts, along with generous amounts of sweet corn. For those who prefer a different twist, seasonal seafood toppings offer a wonderful contrast to the broth’s deep, salty essence. This delicious combination is perfect for warming up during the cold Hokkaido winters.
Delicious Combination of Sapporo Ramen
Wondering where to indulge in the best Sapporo Ramen? Head straight to Sapporo Ramen Alley (Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho) in Susukino. This lively spot is a haven for ramen enthusiasts, bustling from lunchtime well into the early morning hours, especially lively at night due to its proximity to the bustling local nightlife.
At Baisensya, the star is their Sapporo miso ramen. What makes their dish stand out? They use a creative mix of two types of Hokkaido miso. These are not just any miso—they're selected for their superior quality and are fermented right at room temperature within the restaurant, which imparts a deeply rich yet smooth flavor to their broths. Their menu also offers variations of their signature dish, from versions enhanced with blackened garlic and fried onions for those who favor bold flavors, to spicy options that blend in Chinese chili oil and paste for an extra kick.
Tucked away in Sapporo Ramen Alley, Shirakaba Sansou offers a cozy ambiance with limited seating, perfect for a quiet meal. This small venue is famous for its rich broths made from chicken or fish, seasoned with miso. The ramen here is generously topped with chashu, nori, and ground pork, and there's an ample supply of boiled eggs available to enrich your bowl further.
Shirakaba Sansou
Celebrated by culinary explorer Anthony Bourdain, Aji no Karyu is renowned not just for its miso ramen but also for its excellent Hokkaido seafood. Some might find their corn-and-butter ramen unconventional, often seen as catering to tourists, but the pairing of thinly sliced beef, savory miso broth, sweet corn, and butter create a flavorful experience that diverges from typical miso-based ramens.
Aji no Sanpei stands out as the place where miso ramen originated, offering what many consider the most traditional bowl of Sapporo ramen. Situated at Daimaru in Sapporo, Aji no Sanpei prides itself on sticking to its original recipe for several years, providing a taste of classic miso ramen at its finest. While you can find more modern takes on ramen in other spots, there's something special about returning to the roots with Aji no Sanpei's traditional flavors. Be prepared for a wait, as there's often a line to experience this iconic dish.
Aji no Sanpei
Sapporo Ramen is a standout among Japan's various ramen styles, and a visit to Hokkaido wouldn't be complete without diving into a bowl of this local specialty. If you enjoy other regional ramen like Okayama Ramen and Hachioji Ramen, you'll find Sapporo Ramen to be a delightful experience as well.
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