I’m currently in the process of making compilation guide post to Sapporo like my Otaru one, except Sapporo is considerably bigger (for good reason), and to fit it all in would make it very long. As such, I’ll make individual topic posts for now and them compile them later
As the start of my Sapporo guide series, here’s a post about soup curry! To be honest, I’m not a huge Japanese curry fan in general (my first curry was the school lunch curry), mostly because of the spices that are in it, but even though soup curry does have similar spices, I don’t mind it as much as normal curry.
Hey, isn’t soup curry a Hokkaido thing? Sure. Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido, and even in this city alone there’s a ton of different restaurants that serve it. I’m sure in every smaller town there’s at least one or two that have it (I know my town does). I figure most of the tourist traffic goes to Sapporo though.
What is soup curry? What’s the difference?
I’m no food history expert, and I’m just going to explain in layman’s terms based on my experiences with curry.
Curry isn’t even a Japanese dish (like how ramen isn’t either). I believe it’s their rendition of Indian curry that’s been adapted to the Japanese palate (which is why there’s so much ‘Indian’ decor around curry places), and now is so ingrained in food culture that it’s become its own thing. Anyway, while normal curry is typically on the thicker, gloopy side, soup curry is well, soupy, and I think has some added spices and broth to it. It’s not just runny curry, but it’s more brothy, and hearty. Some restaurants let you choose the soup base of the soup curry. Normal curry is served with a protein, many times associated with katsu, and the accompanying vegetables are potatoes, carrots, and onions, with a side of fukushinzuke pickles. Then there’s white rice on the side. In soup curry, there’s a wider array of vegetables, a lot more green ones, but exactly which ones depends on the shop. Typically you can customize your order and add additional veggies if you like. The main proteins you can find are some kind of slow cooked pork belly, or an entire chicken leg, but some places will offer seafood options, and other choices of protein. Instead of white rice, you can usually expect barley, or turmeric rice, or normal rice with some other grains mixed in. In both, typically you can choose your spice level.
Slightly related, is that at most soup curry places, you can order lassis. Fancy ones will have flavored ones. There’s that Indian feel for ya.
Where to Eat Soup Curry in Sapporo
When I tell you there’s a ton, I’m not joking. I highly doubt that even the ones listed here cover them all, but I’ve tried to compile some of the more well-known ones here, because I haven’t personally eaten at that many. If you’re ever walking around central Sapporo and you see people gathering outside a restaurant forming a line before opening, chances are, it’s likely a soup curry restaurant. Some are chain restaurants, and some just have one storefront. Many of these places have become so famous that they now sell instant or take-home packs, making great souvenirs if you’re into that. Some sell them right there, but if you’re ever at a souvenir shop in the curry section, that might also help you make your decision on what restaurant to eat at.
Soup Curry Garaku
The top contender for soup curry, and arguably the most famous one around, is Garaku. They open at 11:30, but don’t let that fool you. They open their waitlist system at 11, and if you want to eat at a reasonable time, you better line up for the line early. What I’d heard is that once they sell out of their soup, then they close up for the day. I have to say, even though I waited for 2+ hours, the soup curry was pretty good. Is it worth the hype? Sure. Is it worth the wait? Not really, unless you have time to kill. They do have an English menu though!
Okushiba Shoten
Okushiba has quite a few locations around Sapporo. I think this spot started out in someone’s grandmother’s home, and from there, they expanded. I really like their menu options, and the way they prepare their vegetables are pretty good. You might have to wait in a line for this place though. They also offer English and Chinese menus!
Suage
Suage also has a few locations in central Sapporo. Out of the options so far, their veggie selection is the most limited, but interestingly enough, here they all come on skewers. This was my first soup curry spot, recommended to me by my friend when I first came.Get the lavender pork if you go here!
Yellow
This is the only one with a dewscription that I haven’t been to personally, but the friend who recommended Suage also recommended this place. She said she really likes their soup base here.
Others
Here are some others, among others. I’ve included links to either Google Maps locations or their websites. Some have multiple locations, some don’t. Some have souevnir items, some don’t. These were the ones I have been interesed in going or taking friends, but in reality, there are way more in Sapporo than this measly list.
- Soup curry king
- Rakkyo
- Ramai
- Samurai (located in Apia under the station)
- Picante
- Hiri hiri
- Savoy
- Treasure
- Ouchi
- Curry shop s
- Shabazo
- Zora
- Kanako
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