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The Ultimate Hidden Gem for Lunch! Is this Cafeteria near Akarenga Chosha the Best Value in Sapporo?
The Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, also known as Akarenga Chosha, is one of Sapporo's most famous landmarks, attracting many tourists. But did you know that the cafeteria in the Hokkaido Prefectural Assembly Building, located on the same grounds, is open to the public? And what's more, it's incredibly affordable! We knew we had to check it out, so we paid a visit.

The Prefectural Assembly Cafeteria used to be in the basement of the Hokkaido Prefectural Assembly Building. However, it was renovated and reopened in 2020, moving to the first floor, making it much more accessible. With its large glass windows, the space is bright, filled with sunlight, and has a wonderfully open feel! Just being able to eat in such a pleasant place is enough to lift your spirits.

While the menu was updated during the renewal, one item that remains as popular as ever is their "soba" noodles. They are homemade, with the noodles prepared right here every morning.

The cold "Zaru Soba" (550 yen, tax incl.) and the hot "Kake Soba" (530 yen, tax incl.) are delicious, but what you really have to try at the Prefectural Assembly Cafeteria is the "Toku Zaru Soba" (650 yen, tax incl.).

You eat this dish by dipping the cold soba noodles, served on a bamboo tray, into a warm, special dipping sauce. It's rich and satisfying, yet you can slurp it down effortlessly. It's no wonder this is a signature dish. In fact, it's so popular that there's a whole menu section dedicated to just the Toku Zaru Soba!

In the photo, the smallest mountain of noodles is the "Toku Zaru Soba," the medium portion is the "Chu-Toku Zaru Soba" (700 yen, tax incl.), and the towering peak is the "Dai-Toku Zaru Soba" (800 yen, tax incl.), which weighs in at about 1 kg. And yet, it's only 800 yen—that's incredible value! While the regular Toku Zaru Soba is a generous portion, we're told that many people can easily finish the Dai-Toku Zaru Soba.

And the second most popular item on the menu is the "Omurice" (Omelette Rice) (750 yen, tax incl.)! Wrapped in fluffy egg and generously covered with demi-glace sauce, this omurice looks appetizing enough to make your mouth water. It turns out the Prefectural Assembly Cafeteria excels at Western-style dishes too.

The "Napolitan Pasta" (650 yen, tax incl.) is another popular choice. Topped with green peas, it has a wonderfully nostalgic flavor. By the way, both the Omurice and the Napolitan Pasta can be upgraded to a large portion for an extra 150 yen. Again, what a bargain!

From their pride-and-joy soba alone, there are over 10 varieties, including Curry Nanban Soba and Tamago-toji Soba. In addition, the Prefectural Assembly Cafeteria offers set meals on a single plate, rice bowls, and even ramen. With such an extensive menu, you're bound to have a hard time choosing, so we recommend visiting multiple times and working your way through the popular dishes we've introduced today.
Address: Kita 2-jo Nishi 6-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Contact: 011-271-8845 (Main Line)
Akahyotan Co., Ltd.
Address: Kita 2-jo Nishi 6-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Contact: 011-271-8845 (Main Line)
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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 who live in Hokkaido are wonderful resources. We aim to share the charm of this amazing prefecture.