Sapporo in Hokkaido is nationally popular as a gourmet paradise where delicious food from all over the prefecture gathers. Among them, ramen is in a class of its own.
The most distinctive feature of "Sapporo ramen" is that not only are there long-established, popular restaurants, but new ones are also opening one after another, all competing with each other to pursue the best taste.

In the Sapporo ramen scene, there are keywords that are currently attracting attention: "light and refreshing," "different industry," and "wheat-based ramen."
We've selected the "Top 7" shops in these three genres that our writers confidently recommend. We'll introduce them all at once. Stay tuned!

Table of Contents:
Recommended restaurants specializing in "light and refreshing" style cuisine.
1. Hachinoki
Recommended shops from different industries
2. Semi Gin
3. Yuriya Restaurant
Recommended restaurants in the "Mugi-Chen" style
4. Ramen Shakariki
5. Menya 169
6. Shenron
7. Hien
Final thoughts

Sumire is a renowned miso ramen shop that has made a name for itself among ramen connoisseurs nationwide. This is the new shop opened by the owner who trained there for many years.

Of course, miso ramen is a popular menu item, but their original Chinese-style ramen, a challenge to create a lighter broth, is exceptional. Delicious Hokkaido-produced pork shoulder chashu is beautifully arranged, topped with Kujo green onions.

This is an exquisite product that is beautiful both in appearance and taste.

Recommended menu item (Chinese noodles, soy sauce flavor)

Hachinoki
1-33, Hassamu 7-jo 14-chome, Nishi-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido
TEL) 011-590-1992
Opening hours [Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday] 11:00-15:00, 17:00-19:30
　　　　[Wednesday] 11:00 AM - 15:00 PM　
　　　　*We will close once the soup runs out.
Closed on Thursdays

The owner-chef, who trained in southern France, uses various French culinary techniques to create popular "tsukemen" (dipping noodles).

The rich, orange-colored lobster shell sauce, which looks incredibly appetizing, surprisingly pairs perfectly with the noodles! You should definitely try it at least once.

Recommended menu item (Shrimp Tsukemen)

Cicada's song
4-26, North 9th Street, Hongodori, Shiroishi Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido
TEL) 011-558-9114
Opening hours: 11:30 AM - 14:30 PM, 17:30 PM - 21:30 PM
Closed on Tuesdays

This is one of Sapporo's most renowned and long-established soba restaurants, which actually opened in the 1940s.

The key is the kelp and bonito-based broth, which they use in their experience as a soba noodle restaurant. Enjoy the comforting, picture-perfect ingredients and the nostalgic Showa-era style soy sauce ramen!

Recommended menu item (Ramen)

Yuriya Restaurant
1-19 Minami 1-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
TEL) 011-621-4911
Opening hours: [Monday to Friday] 11:00 AM - 18:00 PM
　　　　[Saturday] 11:00 AM - 16:00 PM
Closed on Sundays and public holidays

This ramen shop is popular with men for its filling portions. In particular, their unique "miso curry" ramen, piled high with ingredients and generously seasoned with spices, is absolutely delicious. Of course, they use Hokkaido-grown wheat, and the flat noodles that cling to the curry flavor are a perfect match!

Recommended menu item: Miso Curry Ramen

Ramen Shakariki
2-22, Hiragishi 2-jo 3-chome, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido
Opening hours: 11:30 AM - 16:00 PM, 17:00 PM - 20:30 PM *Ends when ingredients run out
Closed on Tuesdays and the second Wednesday of each month.

Among the younger ramen shops, this one is popular for its seafood-based broth and its use of rare and luxurious ingredients.

In particular, I highly recommend trying the soup made with exquisite ingredients such as roast beef, black truffles, and clams. The chewy texture of the Hokkaido-grown wheat noodles, "Yumechikara," is also irresistible.

Recommended menu item (Rich Soy Sauce Ramen)

Noodle Shop 169
Matsuna Building 1F, 1-1, Minami 16-jo Nishi 9-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido
Business hours 11: 00 to 17: 00
Regular holiday Monday

This restaurant is delightful because of the owner's desire to let customers enjoy Hokkaido-grown wheat noodles in the most delicious way possible.

We have developed and released our own "Salt-based Ankake Ramen" that perfectly complements these noodles. Fresh vegetables blend into the soup and noodles, resulting in an exquisite dish with a perfect balance of sweetness and umami!

Recommended dish (Salted Cantonese Noodles)

Shenron
1-7, Toyohira 7-jo 13-chome, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido
TEL) 011-841-8050
Business hours: 11:30-20:30

This restaurant is popular for its delicious chicken broth soup. In particular, the "Chicken Carbonara," a variation of carbonara, is a must-try, featuring a creamy soup with fragrant bacon! The wide, flat noodles, which resemble fresh pasta, are unique!

Recommended menu item (Chicken Carbonara)

Garyu Menbu Hien
札幌市豊平区中の島1条9丁目4-14
TEL) 011-842-5262
Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 20:00 PM *Ends when soup runs out
Regular holiday Thursday

Final thoughts

So, I've introduced some of my highly recommended, carefully crafted ramen shops. What did you think?
I think I was able to introduce various genres of "evolved Sapporo ramen," including some lesser-known establishments.

If there's a restaurant that you'd like to try, please be sure to enjoy it to your heart's content when you visit Sapporo!

*The menus featured here are from the time of our visit. Menus and prices may have changed since then. For the latest information, including business hours and other store details, please check the store's website or contact the store directly.

Interview, writing, and photography: Maverick

Please also check out these related articles.

• 

  A visit to the Chitose Tsuru Sake Museum, the brewery of Sapporo's local sake, "Chitose Tsuru."

• 

  Rent a car in Sapporo! A guide to choosing the right car and recommended driving spots ♪

• 

  A drive from Sapporo to Niseko! We'll tell you about the sights and gourmet spots♪

• 

  Hakodate's biggest summer event! The history and highlights of the Port Festival's "Squid Dance"

• 

  Must-visit restaurants! Two top-rated spots in Otaru to enjoy the best of local cuisine!

• 

  Retro atmosphere in the heart of the city – Top 8 "Gourmet Walking Tours" around Sapporo's Tanukikoji area

• 

  A sauna in the middle of a forest? Experience a "forest tent sauna" at "Mori Jam" in Shimokawa Town.

• 

  Enjoy a brewery tour and tasting at Tanaka Brewery in Otaru.

Introducing our sister site (please check it out if you're interested)