ElaineHokkaido is a dream destination for food lovers. With its pristine seas, farmland, and cool climate, Japan’s northernmost island offers a culinary spread that goes far beyond sushi and sashimi. For Singaporeans, the appeal lies in a mix of comforting flavours, fresh seafood, and dishes that you simply cannot find anywhere else. Here are 10 must-eat dishes in Hokkaido that should be on every foodie’s list.
Also read: A 13-Day Hokkaido Itinerary Beyond the Snow
1. Kaisen-don (Seafood Rice Bowl)
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Start your day at Nijo Market in Sapporo or the Hakodate Morning Market with a bowl of kaisen-don. Generously topped with uni (sea urchin), ikura (salmon roe), scallops, crab, and sashimi, it is a celebration of Hokkaido’s ocean bounty.
2. Soup Curry
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Unlike the thick Japanese curry most are familiar with, Hokkaido’s soup curry is lighter yet packed with spice. Served with slow-cooked chicken or seafood and colourful vegetables, it is hearty, aromatic, and warming. Perfect for chilly days.
3. Genghis Khan (Jingisukan) BBQ
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Named after the Mongolian ruler, this signature Hokkaido dish is all about lamb grilled on a dome-shaped hotplate. Smoky, flavourful, and best enjoyed with friends, it is a fun dining experience that sets Hokkaido apart from the rest of Japan.
4. Sapporo Miso Ramen
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Hokkaido is the birthplace of miso ramen, and nowhere does it better than Sapporo. The rich miso broth, springy noodles, and toppings like butter and corn make this a comforting bowl that will win over any Singaporean traveller.
5. Hokkaido Dairy Soft Serve
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Thanks to its lush pastures and high-quality milk, Hokkaido produces some of Japan’s creamiest soft serve. Whether you find it on a farm or in a city shop, one bite of this smooth, milky treat will prove why it is a local icon.
6. Red King Crab (Tarabagani)
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If there is one showstopper to seek out in Hokkaido, it is the red king crab. Famous for its enormous size and sweet, meaty legs, it is best enjoyed steamed, grilled, or in hotpot. For a true feast, head to a seafood market and watch the crabs being prepared fresh.
7. Ishikari Nabe (Salmon Hotpot)
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This traditional dish from the Ishikari River region brings together salmon, vegetables, tofu, and a miso-based broth. It is wholesome, filling, and especially comforting in winter. The kind of meal that warms you from the inside out.
8. Yubari Melon
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Hokkaido’s melons are renowned for their fragrance and sweetness, with the Yubari variety being the most prized. While a whole melon can be pricey, slices and melon-flavoured desserts are widely available, often paired with a swirl of soft serve.
9. Hokkaido Butter Corn
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Simple yet irresistible, grilled corn slathered with rich Hokkaido butter is a street food favourite. It showcases the region’s agricultural strength and makes a satisfying snack between sightseeing stops.
10. Zangi (Hokkaido Fried Chicken)
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Zangi is Hokkaido’s take on fried chicken. Marinated in soy sauce and garlic before frying, it is juicy, crisp, and utterly moreish. It’s a familiar comfort food with a regional twist.
Also read: 8 Travel Hacks That Benefited My Trip When I Travelled to Japan
Final Bite
From steaming bowls of ramen to the indulgence of king crab, Hokkaido is a food paradise waiting to be explored. For Singaporeans, the island’s mix of bold flavours, fresh seafood, and dairy-rich treats makes it a culinary journey worth savouring with every stop.
