When you think of Japanese food, what comes to mind? That’s right—ramen! 🍜 It’s beloved across Japan, but did you know there’s one region especially famous for it? Ask any local, and they’ll point you to Hokkaido.
Hokkaido isn’t just known for its mouthwatering ramen and fresh sushi—it’s a food lover’s paradise wrapped in snowy landscapes and crisp mountain air. Even Japanese travelers make the journey north just to savor the flavors!
Today, let’s dive into one of Hokkaido’s ramen treasures and warm up with a bowl that captures the soul of the region.
Hokkaido Ramen
Hokkaido, the northernmost and biggest island in Japan, is packed with ramen spots. If you’re heading there, make sure to visit Sapporo—the main city. It’s got everything you need: great food, fun places to explore, and of course, amazing ramen!
Ramen comes in a few main flavors—soy sauce, miso, and salt. In Sapporo, miso ramen is the star. The soup is rich, thick, and packed with flavor. It’s seriously delicious!
One thing that makes Sapporo ramen special is the noodles. They’re curly, bright yellow, and a little chewy. Perfect for grabbing onto that tasty miso broth with every bite!
Let me share one of local miso ramen from Sapporo. You won’t be able to resist eating it!
Kiwami 麺匠極味
Kiwami is a local ramen shop in the eastern part of Sapporo, and honestly, I’ve had a lot of ramen—but their miso ramen is the best! The flavor hits you with a rich, savory punch, followed by layers of umami that keep coming.
Most miso ramen is super thick, but Kiwami’s version is just right—not too heavy, not too light. The shredded white leek adds a nice crunch and freshness, and the noodles? Classic Sapporo style—curly, bright yellow, and perfect for soaking up that rich miso broth.
Ultra Spicy Ramen
Kiwami also serves insanely spicy ramen—and I mean spicy! I can usually handle heat, but this one really brought the fire. Still, it was super flavorful and totally worth it.
The soup is thicker than their regular miso ramen, which helps the noodles hold onto even more of that spicy goodness. It’s rich, bold, and so tasty you’ll want to drink every last drop… just make sure you’ve got plenty of water nearby!
Chilled Dandan Noodles
For a seasonal treat, Kiwami also offers cold noodles! This dish comes without soup and features a spicy sesame flavor that’s perfect for warmer days.
The noodles are served chilled and topped with minced meat that’s lightly spicy and packed with rich sesame taste. You mix everything together before eating, and the result? A bold, nutty flavor that’s super satisfying. It’s rich, refreshing, and seriously delicious!
Kiwami may be a small, local shop, but it’s absolutely worth a visit. Their miso ramen delivers a flavor you won’t forget—it’s the kind of taste that stays with you.
If you’re curious about more ramen spots or want to explore other parts of Japan, check out my other articles on the blog. There’s plenty more deliciousness waiting for you!
Summary
Ramen is booming in Japan right now! You’ll find ramen shops everywhere, each with their own unique flavor and noodle style. Some of the most popular spots even have long lines at lunchtime—yes, they’re that good!
Exploring different ramen shops has become a fun part of traveling in Japan. Every bowl tells a story, and every region adds its own twist.
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