Enjoy Kushiro gourmet food loved by locals. Must-visit hidden gems in 2019

"Kushiro's only authentic burger specialty store serves hearty burgers"

THE BURGER STAND eureka South Ave

THE BURGER STAND eureka South Ave is a hamburger specialty restaurant located in Minami Odori in the eastern area that opened in 2018. The interior of the restaurant, which was built by the owner, Kota Kawahara, is a DIY project, and has a relaxing and calm atmosphere where you can take your time.

The homemade 100% beef patty, seasoned with spices, has a wild texture that is just like meat, and is overflowing with juices, which goes perfectly with the custom-made buns. It's very filling and satisfying. The "Bacon Cheeseburger" (1,020 yen, tax included), made with fresh vegetables, is a delightful dish that melts into your mouth. The burgers come with a wide variety of toppings, and the set includes a choice of salad or fries with the skin on, which is a nice touch. They also have a wide selection of sweets, such as homemade cookies, and drinks.

"In addition to eating in, you can also get takeout, so it's nice to enjoy it while strolling along the historic Minami-Odori street lined with shrines and temples." (Tatsuya Shimizu, same below)

"A small curry restaurant renovated from an old house on a hilltop, serving special chicken curry."

Ikkenya Curry Comin

Ikkenya Curry Komin is a curry restaurant located on a hill overlooking the sea in a quiet residential area, a 15-minute walk from Nusamai Bridge. The owner, Takeshi Yarida, fell in love with Kushiro and moved here with his wife to run the restaurant. The interior of the restaurant, which was renovated from a 40-year-old house, is a warm space where you can feel the owner's sense and humor.

The ingredients used are mainly from eastern Hokkaido and Hokkaido. There is only one type of waterless "string curry" on the menu. Nakasatsunai chicken is boiled and shredded, and the fibers of the chicken are reminiscent of the strings of a stringed instrument, so it is called "string curry". This curry, which is neither a roux nor a soup, has a unique flavor that is addictive. Shimizu's recommendation is the "Special One Plate" (price varies depending on the season and contents) which is served with popular toppings such as spiced eggs and requires a reservation.

"The curry is excellent, but you should also enjoy interacting with the owner, who will happily tell you anything you want."

Yorukomin, which is open at night, is also open on irregular days, so be sure to check in advance when planning your trip.

"A new yet somehow nostalgic coffee shop on the edge of the drinking district."

Cafe Boronji

Cafe Boronji opened in 2017 in Inarikoji, a bar district in Suehirocho. Its green and yellow color scheme is a striking exterior. The interior, with five counter seats and one table seat, is a mix of novelty and nostalgia. Just looking at the decorations is enjoyable, and the owner's good taste subtly exudes. Enjoy a relaxing time chatting with the owner or reading a magazine.

The drink menu is extensive, including original blends and floats. In addition to the standard desserts, there are also limited-time menu items, and drinks are available as a set for a great deal. Although they only serve "Napolitan" (850 yen, tax included), you can also enjoy light meals.

"The "Hot Gateau Chocolat" (650 yen, tax included) is a melting dessert of warm chocolate cake topped with cold ice cream, and it melts in your mouth like heaven."

"A hideaway cafe where you can enjoy delicious food and beautiful views of Lake Harutori"

Smile Cafe

Nikkori Cafe, which opened in 2017, was renovated from an old house that was built over 50 years ago. The first thing you notice when you enter the cafe is the impressive large hemp-patterned dome made of kumiki wood. While the atmosphere is extraordinary, it has the warmth of something handmade, creating a comfortable space.

Apparently no animal products are used in the dishes. All dishes are made with mainly pesticide-free vegetables, so you can enjoy them with peace of mind. The popular "Daily Smile Lunch" (1,200 yen, tax included) features 5-7 seasonal vegetable dishes as a main course and dessert.

"Their dishes are made using homemade salt koji and miso paste, and are made with care and kindness. The miso soup in particular is so delicious it will warm your whole body."

From the restaurant's location on high ground, you can enjoy the view of Lake Harutori and the changing of the seasons. The view of the sun setting is particularly spectacular. The time you spend at the restaurant and the view are sure to be an unforgettable experience. The restaurant is open irregularly, so we recommend checking their Facebook page in advance.

"A coffee shop where you can feel the human atmosphere, serving delicious coffee and homemade sweets."

thread

In recent years, Sumiyoshi and Fujimi have become areas where many independent shops have gathered. "Ito" is a cafe with the theme "To eat is to live" that promotes food that we want to pass on to the future. The cafe was opened by the husband and wife team of Sakami Hitoshi and Nashimai, originally from Kushiro, who returned to their hometown.

"The couple are raising three boys while living in the local community. Watching them do so fills the shop with warm feelings."

The husband is in charge of carefully brewing coffee using a cloth drip filter, while the wife is in charge of the homemade cooking and baked goods. They provide safe and secure meals and sweets without using dairy products, animal products, eggs, or white sugar. The baked goods, which change daily, such as cakes, muffins, and scones, are a perfect match for coffee.

"A local cuisine restaurant where you can enjoy plenty of traditional Ainu cuisine"

Folk Crafts Cafe Poronno

At the Folk Craft Cafe Poronno, located in the Ainu Kotan in Lake Akan Onsen, you can enjoy traditional Ainu cuisine and original dishes. Authentic Ainu dishes such as the soup "Ohau" (500 yen, tax included) and salted fish "Mefun" (300 yen, tax included) are all simply seasoned and feature deep flavors that make the most of the ingredients. Among them, the specialty "Pocche Imo" (450 yen, tax included), made from frozen potatoes that have been naturally fermented, is crisp on the outside and chewy inside, with a simple taste.

"The wild plants and mushrooms used in the cooking are collected locally, and the region's bounty is prepared into Ainu cuisine."

The interior of the store is filled with Ainu lampshades and decorations, giving it an ethnic cultural atmosphere. While running the store with her family, Goukon Fukiko also plays traditional Ainu instruments such as the mukkuri and tonkori as an Ainu storyteller on the Akan Tourist Ship "Ainu Culture Gallery Ship". She also performs with her sister, Toko Emi, in a musical unit that sings Upopo.

"A restaurant that takes pride in its wild game dishes made with Ezo deer. We also offer lodging."

Hot Spring Inn and Restaurant Ryogoku Main Branch

Located near Lake Akan, Ryogoku Sohonten is a hot spring inn and restaurant where you can enjoy local cuisine. The restaurant's signature venison dish is made with carefully prepared, natural Ezo venison under the age of two. The meat is soft and has little of the distinctive venison flavor.

A popular menu item is the "Deer Bowl" (1,620 yen, tax included), which is grilled venison coated in a homemade sauce and served on rice, but Shimizu's recommendation is the "Venison Teppanyaki" (2,484 yen, tax included). He says it's best to have it medium rare, lightly seared on both sides. It has a soft texture and no unpleasant odor, allowing you to enjoy the deliciousness of the lean meat.

"The venison dishes at this restaurant are so delicious they will completely change your perception of venison. This is an inn where you'll want to take your time enjoying the hot springs along with your meal."

This guesthouse is also known for its delicious meals. For dinner, you can enjoy dishes made with Akan ingredients, such as venison teppanyaki and smelt tempura. The baths are natural hot springs that flow directly from the source. There are relaxing Japanese-style rooms as well as Western-style rooms.

Enjoying local cuisine is also one of the joys of traveling

This time, Shimizu introduced us to unique restaurants that take advantage of the good things about the Kushiro region and are full of people's passion. Not only are the dishes made with local ingredients and the atmosphere filled with unique sensibilities, but the people who work there are also appealing. Through conversations with the staff, the dining experience becomes even more profound and you can also learn various information about the region. Interacting with local people while enjoying a delicious meal is surely one of the joys of traveling.

Tatsuya Shimizu

Editor-in-chief of the local media "Field Note" in the Kushiro region. With a focus on introducing shops that can only be found in the Kushiro region, the site disseminates information about people, things, and events that can only be found in this town via its website, free paper, and events.
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