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A Local's Guide to Sazae: 6 Must-Try Onigiri and Sushi Beyond Their Famous Ohagi
If you live in Hokkaido, you've probably seen the "Sazae" stalls frequently in department stores, shopping malls, and supermarkets. Many of you might find yourselves glancing over their products whenever you see them. This time, we visited the Sazae main store to take a deep dive into the charms of this familiar yet surprisingly diverse shop!
Sazae was founded in 1957. It all began with a small diner in Hakodate's morning market. Today, it has grown into a major company with 64 stores throughout Hokkaido.
The Sazae main store is located in Miyanomori, Chuo-ku, Sapporo. You can spot it by its green building and a yellow sign with the familiar logo. Stepping inside, you'll find a wide array of products, from the usual favorites to items you may have never seen before! It's truly surprising to see such a diverse lineup.
Here's a little fun fact for you. Did you know that only the Sazae main store has an eat-in corner? You can enjoy dishes like udon right inside the shop. A bit unexpected, right? Now, let's introduce some of their recommended products.
While Sazae is famous for its "Tokachi Ohagi" (sweet rice balls), their sushi rolls are just as popular. In the photo above, from the front left, are the "Daimyo Roll" (1,188 JPY per roll, tax incl.), "Jo Futomaki" (Special Thick Roll) (594 JPY per roll, tax incl.), and "Kodawari Tamago Futomaki" (Special Egg Thick Roll) (864 JPY per roll, tax incl.). The bestselling Jo Futomaki has a delightful accent of red pickled ginger, while the Tamago Futomaki, featuring a thick, honey-infused omelet made with Nakasatsunai eggs, is a favorite among all ages.
The onigiri (rice balls) in the display case are also tempting. From the left in the photo are "Ebi-ten" (Shrimp Tempura) (199 JPY, tax incl.), "Benizake Mentaiko" (Sockeye Salmon with Spicy Cod Roe) (183 JPY, tax incl.), "Tuna Mayo Kombu" (Tuna Mayo with Kelp) (172 JPY, tax incl.), "Premium Kishu Large Honey Plum" (280 JPY, tax incl.), "Premium Sujiko" (Salmon Roe in Sac) (324 JPY, tax incl.), and "Premium Benizake Harasu" (Sockeye Salmon Belly) (270 JPY, tax incl.).
Apparently, the most popular is the Ebi-ten, but the premium onigiri series, with its hearty, high-quality ingredients, is definitely worth a try.
By the way, the sushi rolls and onigiri are made with specially selected Hokkaido-grown rice. The same rice is also used in their bento boxes. In the photo, from the left, are the "Chestnut and Maitake Mushroom Rice Bento" (583 JPY per pack, tax incl.) and "Gyu-meshi" (Beef Rice Bowl) (626 JPY per pack, tax incl.). Such a satisfying portion for this price is a great deal!
With so many products to choose from, we were a bit overwhelmed, so we asked a staff member for recommendations. Here they are in the photo above. In the front is the new Western-style dorayaki, "Andora-motchi" (172 JPY each, tax incl.). It comes in two flavors: condensed milk cream with red bean paste and coffee cream with red bean paste.
In the back is the "Shokutaku-an" (Table Anko) (324 JPY each, tax incl.), available in both coarse (tsubuan) and smooth (koshian) red bean paste. It seems versatile, perfect for spreading on bread or mochi, with possibilities limited only by your imagination.
There are so many other recommended products we couldn't cover! The "Tokachi Dango" at the surprising price of 86 JPY per skewer (tax incl.) looks delicious, and the various dorayaki and manju buns are so tempting you might end up buying several kinds. We thought we knew Sazae well, but visiting the main store was full of new surprises and delights.
Even if you can't make it to the main store, be sure to check out their other locations when you're out shopping. You're sure to find something new and exciting!
This time, we had the special opportunity to film the making of the "Jo Futomaki" and "Tokachi Daimyo Oyaki" with the help of Ms. Akane Shibata from the Product Sales Division. Please watch the videos to see the warmth and skill that goes into these handmade treats.
*Product information is as of the end of January 2022 (products and prices are subject to change without notice).
Address: 1-35, Miyanomori 4-jo 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Phone: 011-612-4717
Official Website: https://www.sazae.co.jp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/サザエ食品株式会社-1414308972149031/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sazaesyokuhin/
Sazae was founded in 1957. It all began with a small diner in Hakodate's morning market. Today, it has grown into a major company with 64 stores throughout Hokkaido.
The Sazae main store is located in Miyanomori, Chuo-ku, Sapporo. You can spot it by its green building and a yellow sign with the familiar logo. Stepping inside, you'll find a wide array of products, from the usual favorites to items you may have never seen before! It's truly surprising to see such a diverse lineup.
Here's a little fun fact for you. Did you know that only the Sazae main store has an eat-in corner? You can enjoy dishes like udon right inside the shop. A bit unexpected, right? Now, let's introduce some of their recommended products.
While Sazae is famous for its "Tokachi Ohagi" (sweet rice balls), their sushi rolls are just as popular. In the photo above, from the front left, are the "Daimyo Roll" (1,188 JPY per roll, tax incl.), "Jo Futomaki" (Special Thick Roll) (594 JPY per roll, tax incl.), and "Kodawari Tamago Futomaki" (Special Egg Thick Roll) (864 JPY per roll, tax incl.). The bestselling Jo Futomaki has a delightful accent of red pickled ginger, while the Tamago Futomaki, featuring a thick, honey-infused omelet made with Nakasatsunai eggs, is a favorite among all ages.
The onigiri (rice balls) in the display case are also tempting. From the left in the photo are "Ebi-ten" (Shrimp Tempura) (199 JPY, tax incl.), "Benizake Mentaiko" (Sockeye Salmon with Spicy Cod Roe) (183 JPY, tax incl.), "Tuna Mayo Kombu" (Tuna Mayo with Kelp) (172 JPY, tax incl.), "Premium Kishu Large Honey Plum" (280 JPY, tax incl.), "Premium Sujiko" (Salmon Roe in Sac) (324 JPY, tax incl.), and "Premium Benizake Harasu" (Sockeye Salmon Belly) (270 JPY, tax incl.).
Apparently, the most popular is the Ebi-ten, but the premium onigiri series, with its hearty, high-quality ingredients, is definitely worth a try.
By the way, the sushi rolls and onigiri are made with specially selected Hokkaido-grown rice. The same rice is also used in their bento boxes. In the photo, from the left, are the "Chestnut and Maitake Mushroom Rice Bento" (583 JPY per pack, tax incl.) and "Gyu-meshi" (Beef Rice Bowl) (626 JPY per pack, tax incl.). Such a satisfying portion for this price is a great deal!
With so many products to choose from, we were a bit overwhelmed, so we asked a staff member for recommendations. Here they are in the photo above. In the front is the new Western-style dorayaki, "Andora-motchi" (172 JPY each, tax incl.). It comes in two flavors: condensed milk cream with red bean paste and coffee cream with red bean paste.
In the back is the "Shokutaku-an" (Table Anko) (324 JPY each, tax incl.), available in both coarse (tsubuan) and smooth (koshian) red bean paste. It seems versatile, perfect for spreading on bread or mochi, with possibilities limited only by your imagination.
There are so many other recommended products we couldn't cover! The "Tokachi Dango" at the surprising price of 86 JPY per skewer (tax incl.) looks delicious, and the various dorayaki and manju buns are so tempting you might end up buying several kinds. We thought we knew Sazae well, but visiting the main store was full of new surprises and delights.
Even if you can't make it to the main store, be sure to check out their other locations when you're out shopping. You're sure to find something new and exciting!
This time, we had the special opportunity to film the making of the "Jo Futomaki" and "Tokachi Daimyo Oyaki" with the help of Ms. Akane Shibata from the Product Sales Division. Please watch the videos to see the warmth and skill that goes into these handmade treats.
*Product information is as of the end of January 2022 (products and prices are subject to change without notice).
Behind the Scenes: Making the Sushi Roll (Jo Futomaki)
Making the Tokachi Daimyo Oyaki
Address: 1-35, Miyanomori 4-jo 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Phone: 011-612-4717
Official Website: https://www.sazae.co.jp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/サザエ食品株式会社-1414308972149031/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sazaesyokuhin/
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Hokkaido Tourism Camera-Writer
Team Buchineko
We are "Team Buchineko," a group with many connections to tourist spots and facilities in Hokkaido. Even things that seem ordinary to us living in Hokkaido are wonderful resources. We aim to share the charm of this amazing prefecture.
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