Are you a foodie traveler who loves exploring local cuisines? Then Eastern Hokkaido is the perfect place for you. The region is full of delicious food from fresh local ingredients.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the best 10 local food that you must try on your visit to Eastern Hokkaido!
Let’s dive in!
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1. Grilled Pork Rice Bowl in Obihiro
Obihiro is renowned for its Butadon, a dish of charcoal-grilled pork slices seasoned with a savory soy sauce-based sauce that has a hint of sweetness. The pork is cooked to perfection, allowing its savory flavor to go well with the rice.
If you're looking to try this Obihiro delicacy, there are many Butadon restaurants in the city, but Pancho is the most popular. On weekends, expect to find a long line outside the restaurant, as it is a favorite among both locals and foodie tourists. It’s a must-try in Obihiro!
2. Shoyu Ramen in Kushiro
If you are around Kushiro, get a bowl or two of Kushiro ramen. Kushiro shoyu (soy sauce) ramen is a late bloomer compared to Sapporo miso ramen or Hakodate shio ramen. The reason it took so long to get famous is because it's made with pure, simple ingredients and no preservatives or additives. But now, it's a major player in the Hokkaido ramen scene!
Kushiro ramen is all about keeping it simple: a light soy sauce soup and thin, wavy noodles. The mild flavor and high-quality ingredients make it hard to get tired of.
POPULAR RAMEN BRANDS IN KUSHIRO
Uocchi (魚一) - Been listed on MICHELIN Guide Hokkaido. Their signature ramen is using homemade fish sauce from saury. Many other seafood-flavored menus available.
Kawamura - A classic shoyu ramen with a mild soy sauce taste, using special broth made with seafood and onions.
Maruhira - Extra thin and wavy noodles and light, clear soup with a rich bonito flavor. Always crowded.
3. Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) in Kitami
If you're a fan of yakiniku (Japanese BBQ), you have to check out my hometown, Kitami. We've got the most yakiniku restaurants per capita in Hokkaido, and we're seriously proud of our yakiniku culture!
What sets Kitami yakiniku apart is that we use charcoal grills and flavor our sauces with fresh fruits and onions. We eat lots of internal organs as well.
With 60 yakiniku restaurants in town, choosing where to eat can be a tough decision. Don't worry, I've got you covered with my top 5 favorites. These are the places my family and other locals love to go to. I've been to all of them and keep coming back for more. Trust me, you'll get high-quality meat at a great price.
Mikakuen, Ginza Branch - All you can eat on offer
Mikakuen, Sohonten - A fancier branch
4. Shio Yakisoba (Fried Noodles) in Kitami
Shio Yakisoba is another specialty in Kitami that is popular among locals. It’s fried egg noodles seasoned with salt-based sauce, using local ingredients. There are 8 criteria to be qualified as Kitami Shio Yakisoba, including;
Use egg noodles made with Hokkaido-made flour
Use scallops from the Okhotsk region and Kitami onions
Seasoned in a salt flavor, instead of traditional yakisoba sauce
Served on an iron plate
Over 10 restaurants around Kitami offer Shio Yakisoba with their own twists. My favorite is the one at Okhotsk Beer Factory, which is packed with scallops’ umami flavor. Don’t forget to try it in Kitami
5. Crab in Mombetsu
Hokkaido is heaven for crab lovers with a variety of fresh options all year round. One of the most beloved crabs is the horsehair crab (ke-gani). It may be small, but it's packed with flavor - dense and delicately sweet.
For the best horsehair crab, head to Mombetsu and Abashiri in the Okhotsk region. These two port towns are known for serving up some of the best horsehair crab around. The best time to go is between late March and late April, right after the drift ice has disappeared from the Okhotsk Sea. The drift ice causes a bloom of plankton beneath the sea ice, making the horsehair crab taste even better with all those rich nutrients.
6. Sea Urchin in Shiretoko
Sea urchin, also known as "uni," is a beloved seafood in Hokkaido. With its creamy, rich, and slightly sweet flavor, it's no wonder why it's so popular! If you're looking to try some, head to Eastern Hokkaido between January and June for the best time to enjoy it.
They are often enjoyed raw - whether as a topping for sushi or on its own with a little soy sauce and wasabi. But if you're feeling adventurous, you can also find it in dishes like uni pasta.
For the freshest uni in Hokkaido, Shiretoko is the place to go. Rusu and Utoro, the two port towns on the Shiretoko Peninsula, are famous for their high-quality uni, known for its deep umami flavor and melty texture.
7. Oysters in Saroma
Hokkaido oysters are known for their sweet, briny flavor and are often enjoyed raw during its season, which is from November to March.
Whether you prefer them raw, grilled, or breaded and fried (Kaki Furai), the taste will be unforgettable. These plump, juicy oysters don't have a strong "fishy" taste - just a delicious ocean flavor and a springy texture.
Akkeshi and Saroma are the famous destinations for oysters in Eastern Hokkaido. Saroma offers the best oysters in the region, and is often said to be the best in Japan. Despite their smaller size, Saroma oysters are prized for their sweet, rich, and creamy taste. So don't miss out on this tasty treat!
8. Scallops in Tokoro
Scallops are another delicious seafood in Hokkaido. To get your hands on the freshest scallops, plan your visit between June and October, during scallop harvest season. The best way to eat them is sashimi or sushi, to enjoy their sweet taste and firm, bouncy texture. Locals also love grilling them for BBQ.
If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, I highly recommend picking up some smoked scallops marinated in oil (帆立燻油漬). These beautiful golden pieces have a smoky, savory flavor and can last up to 90 days, making them the perfect gift for your family and friends.
Tokoro is one of the best places to have delicious scallops in Eastern Hokkaido. The town is the first scallop aquaculture site in Japan, producing thick, sweet scallops thanks to the Okhotsk Sea which is rich in plankton. Especially the ones caught in August are the best, according to a local fisherman.
9. Tokachi Wagyu Beef
Tokachi Wagyu beef is one of the delicacies in Hokkaido, known for its tender texture and rich, juicy flavor. This high-quality beef is produced in the Tokachi region, located in the Southern part of Eastern Hokkaido. The secret behind Tokachi Wagyu beef is the abundant grass and clean water available in the region.
Tokachi Wagyu beef is best enjoyed grilled or as hamburger steak. My favorite restaurant is Tobachi in Kamishihoro, serving delicious Tokachi beef hamburger steaks. They are incredibly juicy and tender, and offer many kinds of toppings including cheese and avocado. Tokachi Wagyu beef is sure to satisfy your cravings!
10. Local Ice Creams
We’ll finish off this list with sweet treats! Hokkaido is known for its high-quality milk - no wonder ice creams made with milk are delicious. There are many unique flavors you can find only in Hokkaido, ranging from cheese and kelp to white beans.
You can find local ice cream at specialty ice cream shops, souvenir shops and convenience stores across the region. Find your favorite local ice cream!
THAT’S ALL!
Hope you enjoyed this article. I’d love to hear from you, whether it’s feedback or questions - Reach out to me on my Facebook page or Instagram. We also have Eastern Hokkaido Travel Group on Facebook where you can ask questions or share experiences about trips to Eastern Hokkaido. Join us!
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