Must-try foods in Sapporo! 6 traditional, long-established and trending new foods

Sushi Izakaya Nakamuraya: A modern bar offering exquisite original sushi and a wide range of side dishes

Sushi Izakaya Nakamuraya opened in April 2022 along the street, a 3-minute walk from the north exit of JR Shiroishi Station.

This is a state-of-the-art bar where you can enjoy a wide range of izakaya menu items, from classic nigiri sushi and unusual types of sushi, as well as snacks and meat dishes, made by a chef who has trained in a Japanese restaurant for about 10 years.

There are 12 seats at the counter where you can enjoy conversation with the cheerful chef, and 13 seats on the spacious raised area, totaling 25 seats. The raised area has spacious tables, making it perfect for lively drinking parties or families.

The recommended drink was the "Shiawase Kajitsu Shichifukujin Daigin Juice Gold Kiwi" (638 yen including tax). Gold kiwi is not too sour and has a sweet taste, and when mixed with soda, it has a refreshing taste and a tropical flavor that is a new sensation.

The best thing about this restaurant is that you can order just one piece of sushi, which the chef makes with all his heart and soul.

The most popular dish is the "Royal Two Pieces" (319 yen including tax), which allows you to order any two of several types of nigiri sushi you like. The "Drinkable Salmon" is fatty and smooth, and the "Raw Octopus 44° Style" is slow-cooked to give it a crisp texture, all for 319 yen!

The "Royal 2 Pieces" set of "Green Onion Tuna" and "Raw Herring" is 319 yen including tax. I was amazed at the fresh taste, quality, and value for money!

The sake that goes with it is "Nanae Town GOHHOU Special Junmai" (858 yen including tax). The sweetness and rich aroma are pleasant the moment you drink it, and the aftertaste is crisp and refreshing, making it the perfect match for sushi.

The "Kiwami Sushi" is made with luxurious ingredients and costs 418 yen per piece (tax included). There are four types. The "Caviar Sushi" is a perfect combination of the lightly seasoned rice and the salty taste of the caviar. The "Scallop and Sea Urchin Sushi" is a rich dish of plump scallops topped with rich sea urchin, the "Bluefin Tuna Rossini Style" is a rich dish of bluefin tuna nigiri topped with truffle salt and sea urchin, and the "Melting Eel Butter" combines fluffy eel with rich butter, making it a truly Kiwami sushi with a new sensation of sweet and spicy sauce and the richness of butter.

If you come to Sapporo, you can't miss the "Special Zangi" (319 yen including tax). The cost performance of two large Zangi for 319 yen is amazing...! The crispy batter and juicy meat overflowing with juices are just the best.

Whether you want to drop in for a quick drink or enjoy sushi and sake with friends, this is a new bar where you will be energized by the cheerful chef and is definitely worth a visit.

Sushi Izakaya Nakamuraya

Rooftop Jingisukan: A rooftop bar overlooking Sapporo city and the TV tower

In May 2022, Sapporo Rooftop Jingisukan opened on the rooftop of The Royal Park Canvas Sapporo Odori Park, about a 15-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station. Isn't it great to have a toast on the rooftop on a nice day?

When you take the elevator to the rooftop, you'll see the huge TV tower towering right before your eyes. You'll be excited to be able to toast while looking at the Sapporo cityscape and TV tower from up close!

Just look at this sense of freedom that only a rooftop can provide! There are 56 spacious, relaxing table seats. It is popular with couples and families alike, and you can spend a fun and luxurious time here, just like you're camping.

Let's toast to Hokkaido's local beer! "Susukino Meat Beer Pilsner" (900 yen including tax) is light and refreshing, and the moderate bitterness of the hops brings out the flavor of the meat.

"Outou no Shizuku" (900 yen including tax) has the fruity sweetness of cherries in both appearance and aroma, and is easy to drink and delicious.

The bacon and cheese skewer (400 yen including tax) is grilled at the bonfire bar. It's fun to watch the bacon and cheese on the long skewer slowly cook over the bonfire.

The bacon skin is nicely browned and crispy, juicy and flavorful, and the slightly melted cheese is rich and flavorful, melting slowly in your mouth...

When talking about classic barbecue sweets, roasted marshmallows (300 yen including tax) are a must-have. They should be roasted slowly over low heat so they don't burn.

It's done when the surface turns a light golden brown. The contrast between the crispy outside and the soft, gooey inside is fun and deliciously sweet!

A bonfire bar where you can enjoy a toast with local beer in a great location overlooking the TV tower. Enjoy the scenery and gourmet food in an outdoor setting.

ROOFTOP JINGISUKAN

Whether it's traditional flavors that continue to preserve the old-fashioned taste, or the latest gourmet dishes that incorporate new elements in appearance and taste, both dishes are full of the passion of the restaurant. If you're visiting Sapporo, Hokkaido, be sure to enjoy a tour of both long-established and new gourmet restaurants.

Interview and text: Hatsumi Ito