As the main entry point to Hokkaido, Sapporo is an ideal starting place for food lovers. While offering the conveniences of a major city, it also brims with fresh seafood, produce from vast natural surroundings, and a rich variety of local dishes. For travelers focused on cuisine alone, Sapporo easily justifies a multi-day stay. Among the city’s culinary icons, three dishes stand out: Genghis Khan lamb BBQ, kaisendon (seafood rice bowls), and soup curry. A journey that includes all three is not just about tasting—it’s a deep dive into the flavor and culture of Hokkaido itself.
Begin with a visit to one of the many specialty Genghis Khan restaurants clustered around Sapporo Station and Odori Park. Once seen as a humble local meal, this dish has been redefined in recent years through refined grilling techniques and carefully sourced ingredients. Thick cuts of lamb, grilled on a dome-shaped iron plate with dipping or marinated sauces, are balanced with sweet vegetables and carry a hint of nostalgia. Some shops offer rare cuts or aged lamb for a more elevated experience—making even repeat visits full of new surprises.
The following morning, head to one of Sapporo’s lively morning markets, where the day begins early with trays of freshly caught seafood. Sapporo is home to several markets, all offering high-quality sashimi and seafood bowls. Toppings change with the seasons and daily catches, making each visit unique. Alongside classics like fatty salmon, tuna, sweet sea urchin, and salmon roe, you might also find local white fish and shellfish varieties rarely seen outside Hokkaido. Whether you enjoy your bowl in the shop or take it to a nearby park, the experience is undeniably satisfying and memorable.
In the afternoon, make your way to a specialty soup curry restaurant, a culinary style unique to Sapporo. Far from being just a “soup version of curry,” this dish features a richly spiced broth brimming with whole vegetables, chicken, lamb, or seasonal ingredients. The appeal lies in the way each ingredient’s natural flavor shines through. Visually striking, customizable in terms of spice level and toppings, and offering a bold flavor experience, soup curry has become a local icon.
Each restaurant takes its own approach—different spice blends, unique broths, and distinct ingredient pairings—making it a dish that invites comparison and exploration. Discovering your favorite version becomes a journey in itself.
The best part? All three of these iconic dishes—Genghis Khan BBQ, seafood rice bowls, and soup curry—can be enjoyed within central Sapporo. With a well-developed network of subways and streetcars, transportation is easy and stress-free, even for those hoping to enjoy a drink or two. Many eateries are open late into the night, allowing for a second round after dinner—or a midnight ramen bowl to wrap up the day.
Sapporo also excels at seasonal food experiences. In winter, enjoy sizzling Genghis Khan surrounded by festive lights; in summer, pair a cold seafood bowl with a beer garden outing. In autumn, freshly harvested vegetables enhance every bowl of soup curry, while spring brings limited-time menus featuring wild mountain vegetables. Here, cuisine becomes a way to taste the rhythm of the seasons.
Sapporo’s culinary culture goes beyond tourism—it’s deeply rooted in daily life. Each dish reflects a connection to the land, and each meal is an invitation to share a table, not just as a visitor, but as a welcomed guest. While many cities offer food-focused travel, few rival Sapporo in both balance and depth of flavor. In this city, unforgettable meals aren’t just had—they’re remembered. One bite at a time.