Hokkaido, blessed with beautiful nature and a harsh climate, is home to a rich and diverse food culture. The region’s specialty products are shaped by its unique climate and soil, from fresh and delicious seafood to vegetables and dairy products cultivated in the rich land. Not to mention, the local sweets that capture the essence of Hokkaido. In this article, we’ll introduce some of Hokkaido’s most famous and beloved specialties, showcasing the flavors of this northern paradise.
Hokkaido’s Specialty Products
Seafood
Hokkaido is known for its crabs, especially Taraba Crab, Hairy Crab, and Snow Crab, which are famous for their freshness and delicious taste.
The sea urchins harvested in Hokkaido are known for their strong sweetness and exceptional flavor.
Ikura, made from salmon eggs, is one of the most popular seafood items in Hokkaido.
Kombu from Hokkaido, such as Rishiri Kombu and Hidaka Kombu, is of high quality and widely used for making dashi (broth).
Agricultural Products
Hokkaido-grown potatoes are known for their firm texture and natural sweetness. Danshaku and Kita Akari are particularly popular.
Hokkaido corn is famous for its rich sweetness and is considered some of the best in Japan.
Soybeans are used in various traditional Hokkaido foods, such as tofu, natto, and miso.
Hokkaido melons, especially Yubari Melon, are known for their exceptional sweetness and aroma.
Dairy Products
Fresh, rich Hokkaido milk is the basis for many dairy products and is known for its creamy taste.
Hokkaido cheese is delicious and comes in a wide variety, with Tokachi cheese being especially popular.
Hokkaido is renowned for its dairy products, and its butter is particularly rich and flavorful.
Others
©Ishiya
A beloved Hokkaido treat featuring crisp butter cookies sandwiched with smooth white chocolate. Its delicate sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a popular souvenir.
Haskap is a fruit native to Hokkaido with a distinct combination of tartness and sweetness. It is primarily harvested in the Shiretoko and Eastern Hokkaido regions and is often used to make jams and juices.
Known for its creamy yet light texture, Hokkaido cheesecake highlights the region’s high-quality dairy products and is a must-try for dessert lovers.
Hokkaido rice is known for its large grains, sweetness, and fluffy texture. Nanatsuboshi and Yumepirika are particularly popular varieties.
Must-Try Gourmet Guide
Seafood Donburi
Surrounded by the sea, Hokkaido offers an abundance of fresh seafood throughout the year. Seafood donburi, or kaisendon, is a signature dish that showcases the region’s rich marine bounty. Particularly popular at local markets and morning fish stalls, these rice bowls are generously topped with fresh sashimi, including uni (sea urchin), ikura (salmon roe), crab, scallops, and shrimp. Known for their exceptional freshness, generous portions, and reasonable prices, Hokkaido’s seafood donburi is a must-try for any food lover.
Genghis Khan (Jingisukan)
Genghis Khan is a traditional Hokkaido dish made with lamb, a specialty that reflects the region’s thriving dairy farming industry. The dish typically features lamb marinated in a soy sauce-based sauce, grilled alongside vegetables on a special dome-shaped grill designed for cooking Genghis Khan. Depending on the area, you may also find the “after-sauce” style, where the grilled meat is dipped in sauce afterward. This hearty dish is not only a popular dining choice for visitors but also a beloved soul food enjoyed regularly by locals at home.
Sapporo Miso Ramen
Sapporo ramen traces its roots back to the flavors of street food stalls. The signature style features rich miso-based soup paired with yellow, medium-thick curly noodles. A common topping includes butter and corn, adding extra flavor and texture. The layer of butter also helps keep the soup hot, making it perfect for warming up during Hokkaido’s cold winters. For visitors, the famous “Ramen Alley” in Sapporo’s Susukino district is a must-visit destination, known for its variety of delicious ramen shops.
Crab foods
When it comes to Hokkaido’s seafood, crab stands out as a top delicacy. Varieties such as king crab, horsehair crab, snow crab, and hanasaki crab are harvested throughout the year across the region. Hokkaido boasts numerous crab specialty restaurants and seafood izakayas, offering a wide range of dishes including boiled crab, crab shabu-shabu, sashimi, and rich crab miso.
Soup Curry
Now recognized nationwide as one of Hokkaido’s soul foods, “soup curry” is known for its flavorful, spice-infused curry broth. It features a variety of fresh vegetables, typical of Hokkaido, floating in the soup. Each restaurant has its own unique take on the base, with options such as chicken bones, shrimp, or a Japanese-style stock.
Zangi (Japanese Fried Chicken)
Zangi is a type of Japanese fried chicken marinated in a sweet and savory soy sauce-based sauce, then coated in flour and cornstarch before being deep-fried. It has a stronger flavor compared to regular karaage (Japanese fried chicken) and pairs perfectly with both rice and alcohol. It’s a staple dish on the tables of Hokkaido residents.
Sushi
In addition to the freshness of the ingredients, what sets Hokkaido sushi apart is the overwhelming size of the toppings, often large enough to cover the entire rice. This generous serving style highlights the region’s commitment to using the best local seafood, ensuring a rich and satisfying sushi experience. The combination of exceptional freshness and sizable, flavorful toppings makes Hokkaido sushi truly unique.
Hakodate Shio Ramen
Along with Sapporo’s miso ramen and Asahikawa’s soy sauce ramen, Hakodate’s shio (salt) ramen is known as one of Hokkaido’s local ramen varieties. It is said to have roots in Cantonese-style soup brought to the port city of Hakodate by Chinese immigrants. The soup, made from chicken bones and pork bones, is clear and light, with a deep umami flavor that makes it irresistibly delicious, often prompting you to finish the entire bowl.
Obihiro Buta-don
Buta-don is a local dish from the Tokachi region, where pig farming has been popular for many years. Thick slices of pork are grilled to a savory crisp, then coated in a sweet and salty soy sauce-based glaze, and served over rice. Traditional toppings include thinly sliced green onions (shira-gane) and green peas. The pork used is typically loin, though some places also offer belly meat, allowing you to enjoy the rich flavor of the fat, and in some restaurants, you can even choose tender pork fillet. The slightly sweet and savory sauce, which varies slightly from restaurant to restaurant, coats the meat perfectly, making it an irresistible dish that pairs wonderfully with a bowl of white rice.
Ishikari Nabe (Ishikari Hot Pot)
Originating from the Ishikari region in Hokkaido, this traditional hot pot features fresh salmon as its main ingredient, along with vegetables and tofu simmered in a rich miso-based broth. The savory miso flavor combined with the umami of the salmon creates a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for warming up during the colder months. It’s also a popular home-cooked meal in the region.
Melon Sweets
Hokkaido is renowned for its premium melons, such as Yubari Melon and Furano Melon. Hokkaido-grown melons are known for their sweet, juicy flesh and rich aroma. A popular local dessert called “Santa’s Beard” features a halved melon topped with soft serve ice cream, offering a luxurious way to enjoy this delicious fruit. Melon-based jams and jellies are also popular souvenirs.
Japanese soft serve
Hokkaido is well-known for its dairy products, and its soft serve ice cream, made with fresh, high-quality milk, is especially popular. Hokkaido’s soft serve is rich and creamy, with a delightful milky flavor that melts smoothly in your mouth. While the classic milk flavor is a favorite, Hokkaido also offers a variety of unique regional flavors. You can enjoy options like Yubari melon, haskap berry, and sweet corn, each showcasing the area’s local specialties. In tourist spots, farm-run shops are especially popular, offering soft serve made with freshly milked dairy for an exceptionally fresh taste. When visiting Hokkaido, trying different types of soft serve from various regions is a must for any foodie.
Cheesecake
Hokkaido is renowned for its delicious cheesecake, made with rich, high-quality milk and cream cheese produced in the region. Known for its smooth texture and perfect balance of sweetness and rich cheese flavor, Hokkaido cheesecake has become a favorite among both locals and tourists.
There are several popular varieties, including the light and airy soufflé cheesecake, the rich and dense baked cheesecake, and the creamy, chilled rare cheesecake. One of the most famous brands is LeTAO, which offers its signature Double Fromage—a luxurious dessert featuring two layers: a creamy rare cheesecake layer on top and a rich baked cheesecake layer below.
Hokkaido cheesecake is not only a delightful treat but also a popular souvenir, perfect for sharing the taste of Hokkaido with others.
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