By Paul McInnes
As you already heard in the first part of Hokkaido’s Food Culture, the giant northern Japanese island is very different from the Japan you think you know. So let’s see what else this foodie’s paradise has to offer.
Dairy Queen
Hokkaido natives, it has to be said, love their dairy. Cheese, cream, lashings of butter, milk and ice-cream all play central culinary roles within the island’s food culture.
This must feel like a foreign land to Tokyoites and Osakans who generally eschew dairy. It does, however, feel like a piece of home if you come from northern Europe, middle America or other areas of the world where a day without cheese can be considered a calamity. It would be nothing short of rude not to try Hokkaido’s renowned soft-serve ice cream. There’s a multitude of ice cream parlors dotted around Hokkaido so treat yourself to a couple while you’re there. Leave a bit of space for butter cookies which the locals swear by. They also make for some pretty well-received souvenirs.
Jingisukan
The mighty jingisukan (literally Genghis Khan) is Hokkaido’s culinary beating heart. Everyone loves it and talks about it in hushed and reverential tones.
Essentially a dish consisting of large slices of mutton with grilled vegetables on an oddly shaped grill then dipped in various sauces and washed down with the local Sapporo beer, jingisukan is absolutely essential (for the carnivores out there) when visiting Hokkaido.
It’s not difficult to find out why this kind of dish is so popular in this area of Japan. As it is dark in winter, it gets very snowy and freezing cold so what’s better than a hearty plate of barbecued lamb with veggies and beer? Really a no brainer. Jingisukan is available throughout the island but probably most associated with the capital city of Sapporo.
Pencil in a trip to the legendary Sapporo Beer Brewery which also has a huge beer hall attached which proudly serves jingisukan and beer by the truckload to locals and tourists alike.
Make sure to also read Hokkaido’s food culture – part 3 where Hokkaido’s “soul food” is revealed. Until then make sure you read up on our Hokkaido Travel Advice, where you can also find some of the best places to eat while in Sapporo.
