Best Places for Street Food in Hokkaido
Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, is not only known for its stunning natural beauty but also for its vibrant street food culture. Whether you are a food enthusiast or just curious about Japanese cuisine, exploring Hokkaido's street food scene is a must. This article will guide you through the best places to savor mouthwatering street food on this beautiful island.
Sapporo: The Heart of Hokkaido's Street Food Culture
Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, is a haven for street food lovers. The city is not only famous for its beer and snow festival but also for its delightful street food offerings. Nijo Market is a cherished spot where you can find fresh seafood. Here, locals and tourists alike indulge in various seafood delicacies, such as shrimp, crab, and sea urchin. The Japanese breakfast staple of salmon and ikura (salmon roe) on rice is a frugal yet delicious choice.
For those with a love for ramen, Ramen Yokocho, located in the Susukino area, is a narrow alley filled with ramen shops serving Sapporo-style miso ramen. The rich and creamy broth is paired with thick, wavy noodles and topped with toppings like butter and corn, a nod to Hokkaido's dairy fame. Explore this culinary lane, and you'll discover the warmth of Japanese hospitality in every bowl.
Otaru: A Sweet Escape
The picturesque canal city of Otaru, located just 30 minutes from Sapporo, is another gem for food lovers. Known for its charming streets and historical buildings, Otaru is equally famous for its sweet treats. Sankaku Market carries a reputation for its enticing array of seafood. Yet, the highlight for many visitors is undoubtedly Otaru's cream puffs and soft-serve ice cream. Made with fresh Hokkaido milk, these desserts are a must-try.
Exploring Otaru’s Sakaimachi Street, visitors will find numerous shops selling glassware and souvenirs, but it’s the food stalls that capture hearts with local sweets and snacks. Be sure to try the local favorite, kaisen-don, a bowl of vinegared rice topped with fresh sashimi. Enjoying these indulgent bites while taking in the city's scenic beauty provides a perfect day-trip experience.
Hakodate: Seafood Paradise
Located at the southern tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate is famous for its morning market, Hakodate Asaichi. This bustling marketplace has over 250 shops offering seafood-based street food. The market's crown jewel is its fresh squid, which can be eaten as sushi or grilled on the spot. Watching the vendors skillfully prepare these meals is an experience in itself.
Hakodate is not only about seafood. The streets are also peppered with small stalls serving freshly baked pastries and sweet potato candies—delicacies that keep locals coming back and intrigue tourists. A visit to Hakodate is incomplete without trying **, squid ink ice cream, a unique treat representing the city's fishing heritage. This unusual delicacy might be suited for adventurous palates, but it’s certainly memorable.
Best Places to Visit for Street Food in Hokkaido
- Sapporo Nijo Market: Fresh seafood and traditional Japanese breakfast items.
- Sapporo Ramen Yokocho: Specializes in Sapporo-style miso ramen.
- Otaru Sankaku Market: Known for cream puffs, soft-serve ice cream, and kaisen-don.
- Hakodate Asaichi: Offers a wide variety of seafood and the unique squid ink ice cream.
- Sakaimachi Street, Otaru: Features local sweets and traditional snacks.
Each of these locations provides a unique taste of Hokkaido's rich and diverse street food culture. Whether you indulge in savory dishes or satisfy your sweet tooth, Hokkaido's street food offerings promise a delightful culinary journey through Japan's northern gem.