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'Matsuo Genghis Khan,' the Mainstream of Traditional Marinated Lamb: What is the Secret to the Deliciousness of its Secret Sauce?
Founded in 1956 in Takikawa, Hokkaido, Matsuo Genghis Khan is a renowned restaurant that has long been cherished by the people of Hokkaido. It pioneered the "Ajitsuke Genghis Khan" style, where mutton is marinated in a special sauce before grilling. We visited the Kita 19-jo Higashi branch in Sapporo to uncover the secrets behind its signature taste and learn about the long-established restaurant's vision for the future, which involves creating new dishes while preserving its traditional flavors.
The Pioneer That Made Genghis Khan a Hokkaido Staple
The Kita 19-jo Higashi branch, about a 10-minute drive from Sapporo Station. The storefront sells their famous Genghis Khan.
Since the Meiji era, the Japanese government had been promoting sheep farming for wool production. Hokkaido once had sheep breeding farms in Tsukisamu (Sapporo) and Takikawa, so it was only natural that a culture of eating mutton would emerge. However, the meat had a strong, gamey flavor, and the biggest challenge was finding a way to make it delicious. While marinating the meat was a long-standing practice, it was Matsuo Genghis Khan that perfected the sauce recipe, playing a key role in establishing Genghis Khan as a cornerstone of Hokkaido's culinary culture.
An Unchanged Recipe Since its Founding: A Taste of Nostalgia for Hokkaido Locals
The Matsuo style: simmering vegetables in the savory sauce as the meat cooks.
The secret sauce is soy sauce-based, with onions and apples primarily sourced from the local Takikawa area. It is used unheated, not only out of a commitment to flavor but also to ensure it's always served fresh. The natural sweetness of the ingredients mellows the gaminess of the meat while also tenderizing it and drawing out the umami of the mutton. Developed without using raw garlic to create a flavor that "everyone, young and old, can find delicious," this sauce has been made with the same unchanged recipe since the restaurant's founding.
In January 2022, the iron grill was updated to its 6th generation design. The wider rim makes it even easier to simmer vegetables.
From Tender Lamb to Rare Lamb Hearts
The "Four-Variety Sampler Set" with a drink, ¥3,400 (photo shows a serving for two). If you're unsure how to grill, the staff will be happy to show you.
The most popular menu item is the "Four-Variety Sampler Set." It allows you to compare special select lamb (from the tender thigh), lamb with a moderate amount of fat, mutton with its exquisite balance of gaminess and umami, and the rare lamb heart, which has a unique texture. A single serving is a generous 240g. We also recommend adding udon noodles to finish, or a raw egg to dip the cooked meat in, sukiyaki-style.
Savoring Mutton in New Ways with Authentic Hot Pot
The set includes thickly sliced lamb rolls, mutton sausage, and udon noodles. (Orders start from two servings / Available only at the Kita 19-jo Higashi, Kotoni, and Miyanomori branches).
With the desire to "expand the ways people can enjoy mutton," the restaurant began offering Chinese-style "hot pot" in January 2024. The recipe is authentic, developed by a Chinese chef from their sister restaurant, "Tenshin Sapporo." There are two types of broth: a spicy Mala soup packed with medicinal herbs like nutmeg, star anise, and Sichuan pepper, and a Paitan (white) broth made from pork and chicken bones. For a finishing touch, adding curry spice and udon noodles to the Paitan broth is highly recommended.
Rent a Giant Pot! Enjoy the Matsuo Flavor Outdoors with a Large Group
Orders start from 10 people. The most popular is the "Standard Plan" at ¥2,900 per person, which includes udon noodles to finish.
The Kita 19-jo Higashi branch also rents out large 10-person pots for outdoor Genghis Khan parties. They offer free delivery to locations like parks and homes within Sapporo, and cancellations are free up to two hours before the scheduled time. They even handle the post-party cleanup. It seems like a perfect way to enjoy Hokkaido's culture at a variety of events, from outdoor recreation to neighborhood gatherings.
Manager Yuki Koizumi holding the 10-person Genghis Khan pot. It's a massive 60cm in diameter!
(All prices include tax)
Matsuo Genghis Khan Kita 19-jo Higashi Branch
■Address: 3-2, Kita 19-jo Higashi 8-chome, Higashi-ku, Sapporo
■Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM (Last Order 10:00 PM)
■Closed: Open daily
Click here for details and a map of Matsuo Genghis Khan Kita 19-jo Higashi Branch
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Writer Profile
Magazine & Book Editor/Writer
Kyohei Yamashita
While working in program production at a radio station, Kyohei began producing zines and writing for magazines. He later joined a publishing house as an editor, where he worked on a wide variety of articles, mainly for a local city guide. His hobbies include cooking, mountain climbing, river fishing, and exploring Sapporo's stone monuments. He is a resident of Sapporo's Minami Ward and loves the area dearly.
