Okushiba Shoten, a soup curry restaurant with four locations in Sapporo, is a popular restaurant that uses thick soup stock made from the heads of sweet shrimp. Soup curry with seafood broth is now well-known, but this restaurant pioneered it. This time, we visited Okushiba Shoten Jikka to learn more about their commitment and the secret behind their luxurious taste.

A small seating area that was remodeled by the entire staff.

Originally located in the Paseo building directly connected to JR Sapporo Station, the Jitsuke Restaurant was relocated to its current location at Minami 1 Nishi 5 due to the construction of the Shinkansen bullet train extension to Sapporo. Located in the basement of a building along Densha Dori in the heart of Sapporo, it is marked by its retro appearance that jumps into view as you go down the stairs.

The restaurant also has counter seats that are easy to use even for a single person.

The interior of the restaurant has a Showa-era atmosphere, with plenty of old wood, tiled walls, tatami mats, black-and-white TVs, and tin signboards. The restaurant's soup curry, which is served in a "safe and comfortable atmosphere like coming home to one's parents' house," is gaining popularity.

Cape Soya Ranch Okusibagu Curry" for 1,980 yen. The overflowing juices of the meat ooze into the soup.

Okushiba Shoten's rich shrimp soup is made by extracting the natural sweetness of 2,000 heads of sweet shrimp and the core of cabbage in a 60-liter zundo pot. It is allowed to sit overnight to round out the flavor. This soup was inspired by the shrimp soup that the founder's mother made for him when he was a child. The restaurant was established in 2006, when there were no soup curries with shrimp broth, and it quickly became popular due to the enormous support it received.

The most popular dish, "Cape Soya Ranch Okushiba-gu Curry," is topped with a hamburger steak made from Hokkaido beef raised at Cape Soya Ranch, the northernmost ranch in Japan. 180 grams per person is juicy and savory, and it is cooked on a teppan (iron plate) upon order!

Kabocha Croquette Curry" 1,320 yen, featuring freshly fried croquettes

Curry topped with deep-fried items such as pumpkin croquettes prepared in the restaurant and pork cutlets made from domestic pork are also popular. The freshness of the vegetables is also a priority, and they have a strong flavor even when eaten as is! There are six basic ingredients: cabbage, carrots, eggplant, bell peppers, lotus root, and pumpkin. In addition, there are many free toppings for one vegetable item, so you can fully enjoy the vegetables that we are particular about. You can choose the spiciness from 0 to 5, and you can choose the rice with or without lemon as a garnish as well as the quantity.

The "Jikka's Special! The "Shrimp Marugoto Furikake" is only 10 yen!

A surprisingly recommended menu item is the homemade furikake. It is made by crushing dried and aged whole shrimp and blending them with aonori (green laver) and sesame seeds. It is served in a mortar and pestle, and you can adjust the coarseness to your liking. The freshly ground shrimp is fragrant, and you can pour it over rice or add it to soup. It adds an extra depth of flavor.

Okushiba Craft Beer" 980 yen. The label is the face of the founder's father.

In addition to the well-known lassi, the shop offers cola, oolong tea, guarana, and other drinks in nostalgic bottled styles. There is also an original craft beer, which features a refreshing blend of green tea and cardamom. It is made to match the shrimp flavor and spice of Okushiba Shoten.

Super ball raffle for elementary school students and younger.

The Jitsuke Branch is a store that is used more by locals than by tourists. It is characterized by the fact that it is mainly used by families as well as nearby businessmen and students. Children's chairs and toys are available in the small seating area. A one-plate children's lunch (750 yen) is also available, which is appreciated by those with children.

The height of various characters is engraved on the pillars in the restaurant

Kentaro Terashima, who is in charge of the restaurant, says, "Of course the food is delicious, but we also aim to create an at-home atmosphere that makes people want to stay longer. With the motto, "Put love and care into your food," the restaurant is committed to making each and every dish with care and attention.

This is Mr. Terashima's second year at Okushiba Shoten. Until then, he had been working at a hotel in the city for nine years, honing his skills in the field of Western-style cuisine.

*All prices include tax.

Original Shrimp Dashi Soup Curry Okushiba Shoten Jikka Branch

Location: B1F President Matsui Building 100, 5-16 Minami 1-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Business hours: 11:00-15:00 (L.O.), 17:00-20:30 (L.O.) *Close when soup is gone.
Closed: Monday
Click here for details and map information of "Ganso Shrimp Dashi Soup Curry Okushiba Shoten Jitsuke Branch

Check it out as well!