Hokkaido is a foodies dreamland. The food is rich and full of flavour. From their local confectioneries to spicy miso-broth ramen and from sashimi to grilled lamb, Hokkaido has something for everyone! When I knew I would be travelling to Hokkaido, all I was focused on was capturing its breath-taking scenery I read so much about. Never did I think Hokkaido would capture my heart by its cuisine! It turned out to be my best holiday yet! So here are nine delicious things to eat in Hokkaido:
1. Snow Crab
Snow crab is one of 4 types of crabs available on the island. It is often boiled and served at room temperature. It’s meat it slightly sweet and full of flavour!
2. Soft Serve
Soft serve ice cream is a synonym for Hokkaido. I kid you not. Dairy farms thrive in Hokkaido and produce some of the best confectionery products you can find. Try their chocolate, fromage cheese and Yubari melon flavours!
3. Sashimi
The best place to savour sashimi would be in a fishing town. If you are in Abashiri, make sure to try sashimi and focus on their variety of fish roe from salmon, hearing and flying fish!
4. Butadon
Originating from Obihiro, this pork rice dish is simply delicious and is laced with a mildly sweet sauce. It can be ordered on its own or in set meal called “teishoku”.
5. Jingisukan
Translated, Jingisukan means Genghis Khan! It is tender lamb pieces you grill by yourself on a convex metal skillet. It comes either chilled, frozen or marinated with a side of raw vegetables. Try Jingisukan at the Sapporo Beer Garden.
6. Sake
The best place to taste sake (an alcoholic beverage derived from fermented rice) and understand its production is at the Tanaka Sake Brewery in Otaru, one of the stops on the Otaru Bay Story Tour.
7. Venezia Rendezvous
Don’t let the fancy name stop you from trying this amazing brulee from LeTAO made from mascarpone and cream cheese! One will never be enough! Visit the famopus LeTAO confectionary when in Otaru!
8. Ramen
Spicy Miso Ramen originating from Hokkaido is blended with oily chicken, pork or fish broth that creates a nice thick tangy, nutty flavour! So good during winter.
9. Fish Cake
Misonanban is a spicy fish cake from a shop called Kamaei. If you cannot find it during your travels you can try it at the New Chitose Airport too!
How We Stayed Connected in Japan
The one thing I cannot live without is data connection! Whether it is for emails, social media or just keeping in touch with mom, data is the first thing I think about when planning a trip. We found it easy to just arrange for it to be picked up at the airport when you arrive by purchasing it online here.
Travel Tips
- Find all details on the Sapporo Beer Garden dinner here.
- From the JR Sapporo Station, take bus #188 to get to the Sapporo Beer Garden.
- Find all details on the Otaru Bay Story Tour here.
- Read more about Eastern Hokkaido.
Delicious…
I have never had confectionery with such richness before! Missing Hokkaido!
Cant keep myself from mouthwatering on these food lists. Trying out great new dishes is one thing that I enjoy doing. Specially from other places. Thank you for sharing us the list.
My mouth was watering as i listed them! LOL I found the Ramen in Hokkaido so different from the one in Kyushu. It was extremely special. Sigh… I wish I had a bowl of it appear in front of me right now!
Snow crabs. No one can beat them. Delish. 🙂
Totally! 🙂
Hokkaido looks a foodie’s dream! The mountain of crab looks superfresh, as does the sashimi. I’d love to try that soup pictured with the scallop shells and chunk of cob corn.
So many succulent dishes on offer in Hokkaido … will have to make a trip soon!
LOL, how embarrassing, not going to admit how many of the 9 I ate on our short visit (mumble…might have been 7 … mumble). Thanks for taking me back to that fabulous part of Japan and some very special food memories!
Hahaha Toni, I enjoyed your comment. Made me smile. I am sure there must have been special dishes you ate that I didn’t! 🙂