When it comes to Japanese cuisine, few dishes are as iconic and comforting as ramen. Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is particularly famous for its miso-based ramen, a rich, savory broth that perfectly complements the region’s cold climate. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, savoring a steaming bowl of miso ramen is a must-do experience. In this blog post, we’ll dive into 10 of the best places in Sapporo to indulge in this delicious dish.

1. Sumire (すみれ)

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One of the most well-known ramen shops in Sapporo, Sumire is often hailed as the pioneer of miso ramen. Established in the 1960s, this restaurant has maintained its reputation for serving deeply flavored, hearty miso broth. Sumire’s ramen is distinguished by its slightly sweet yet robust flavor, coupled with thick, curly noodles that perfectly soak up the broth.

Why Visit?

Sumire’s broth is simmered with minced pork and vegetables for hours, creating a rich, comforting meal perfect for colder days. This shop has expanded, but nothing beats experiencing the original flavor at its main branch.

Sumire” restaurant information

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2. Teshikaga Ramen (弟子屈ラーメン)

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Located near Sapporo’s famous Susukino district, Teshikaga Ramen is another must-try destination for miso ramen lovers. Known for its authentic Hokkaido flavor, the ramen at Teshikaga is made with local ingredients, including Hokkaido wheat for its noodles and fresh pork from nearby farms.

What Makes It Special?

Their Teshikaga Ramenuses a lighter broth compared to traditional miso ramen but still packs a savory punch. Teshikaga focuses on a balance between miso, fat, and noodles to create a perfectly harmonious bowl.

Teshikaga Ramen” restaurant information

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3. Menyaya Saimi (麺屋 彩未)

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Another Sapporo gem, Menyaya Saimi, is a cozy ramen shop that’s often packed with both locals and tourists. Saimi is known for its well-balanced miso ramen that strikes the perfect balance between richness and umami. The noodles are slightly thinner than the typical Sapporo variety but complement the broth beautifully.

Why You’ll Love It

The subtlety in flavor makes Saimi’s ramen stand out—an intricate dance of savory miso, aromatic garlic, and ginger with a hint of sweetness.

Menya Saimi” restaurant information

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4. Shingen (信玄)

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Hidden away in the bustling Susukino district, Shingen is a favorite among late-night diners. Known for its thick, rich miso broth, Shingen’s ramen is hearty and perfect for refueling after a long day of exploring.

What to Expect

Their miso broth is simmered for hours, creating a deep, umami-rich experience. The shop offers generous toppings, including tender slices of pork belly, butter, and corn—a Sapporo classic.

Shingen” restaurant information

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5. Ramen Sora (ラーメン 空)

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Ramen Sora is another top destination for miso ramen, famous for its consistent quality and delicious flavors. The broth is a perfect blend of miso, pork, and chicken stock, resulting in a rich and creamy texture that’s perfect for ramen enthusiasts.

Unique Feature

Their broth is incredibly smooth, and the noodles have a perfect springy texture. They also offer a variety of toppings, including green onions, seaweed, and tender chashu pork.

Ramen Sora” restaurant information

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6. Yukikaze (ラーメン 雪風)

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For those who prefer a slightly spicier kick to their miso ramen, Yukikaze is the place to go. This popular restaurant in the Susukino district adds a unique twist by offering a spicy version of their miso broth, which balances the richness of the miso with a hint of heat.

What Makes It Stand Out?

Their spicy miso ramen features a bold and fiery broth, ideal for spice lovers. Despite the heat, the broth retains a strong, miso-based flavor, making for a complex and satisfying meal.

Yukikaze” restaurant information

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7. Ichigen (一幻)

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Ichigen is a ramen shop with a difference—it specializes in shrimp-based broth. While not a traditional miso ramen shop, Ichigen offers a unique fusion of miso and shrimp flavors, making it a favorite among adventurous eaters.

Must-Try Dish

Their “Ebi Miso Ramen” (shrimp miso ramen) combines the creamy richness of miso with the delicate sweetness of shrimp, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind bowl of ramen.

Ichigen” restaurant information

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8. Keyaki (けやき)

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Keyaki is another popular spot in Sapporo, especially for those seeking a miso ramen experience that’s bursting with flavor. The broth is creamy, the noodles are thick and chewy, and the toppings are generous.

What’s Special?

Keyaki’s broth is made with pork bones and vegetables, which are simmered for hours to achieve a deep, rich flavor. The addition of garlic and ginger elevates the dish, making it a must-try for miso ramen lovers.

Keyaki” restaurant information

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9. Ajino Sanpei (味の三平)

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Ajino Sanpei is widely credited as the birthplace of miso ramen. Established in 1955, this historic ramen shop continues to draw crowds with its classic miso ramen recipe. The broth is light yet flavorful, and the noodles are perfectly cooked to absorb the savory miso.

Why It’s a Must-Visit

As the original creator of miso ramen, Ajino Sanpei offers an authentic and historical ramen experience. Dining here is like stepping back in time to savor the dish where it all began.

Ajino Sanpei” restaurant information

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Conclusion

Sapporo’s miso ramen is more than just a dish—it’s a culinary experience deeply tied to the culture and climate of Hokkaido. Whether you’re a ramen enthusiast or a curious traveler, these 9 restaurants offer some of the best bowls of miso ramen in the city. From the classic flavors at Sumire to the unique shrimp miso ramen at Ichigen, there’s a miso ramen for every palate in Sapporo. Make sure to visit a few of these spots during your stay to fully appreciate the depth and variety of this iconic Japanese dish.

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This guide gives you a flavorful journey through Sapporo’s ramen scene, offering plenty of options for every type of foodie. Whether you prefer rich and creamy broths or something with a spicy kick, Sapporo has a miso ramen shop to suit your taste. So, grab your chopsticks and get ready to dive into the delicious world of Sapporo’s miso ramen!