Mitsuba, a jingisukan specialty restaurant located on Gyokkeidori in the Yamahana district of Sapporo, has been a favorite of local residents since its opening in 2021. Because Jingisukan is such a simple dish, the secret sauce is one that shines through. We asked them what kind of specialties they have.

Gyokkeidori Avenue was named after the Emperor's visit to the Imperial Palace during the Meiji and Taisho eras. Mitsuba quietly operates along this historic street. Opened in the middle of the Corona Disaster, the restaurant has a powerful smoke hood and a clean interior that has been thoroughly cleaned. The owner's discerning eye for quality lamb meat has won the restaurant's support, and nowadays many women patronize the restaurant "by themselves.

Large-diameter smoke hood that quickly absorbs odors

Lamb shoulder roast with a perfect balance of fat and lean meat: 1,200 yen

We purchase fresh meat from Australia and New Zealand in blocks. Each piece is cut into thick slices for a satisfying eating experience. 120g for one person.

The first one is the standard "raw lamb" for 950 yen. The set with vegetables is 1,350 yen.

The sauce is what brings out the best in the meat! The original sauce is made by blending spicy spices and other ingredients in a soy sauce base and aging it for three months to give it a rounded flavor. Seasoned Genghis Khan is also available, which is marinated for at least two days in a special sauce made from a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and fruit. The flavor soaks into the meat to the core, and the moist and tender texture makes it especially popular among the elderly.

Seasoned Genghis Khan" 1,100 yen. Seasoned shoulder loin ¥1,200.

Lamb Gyopsal" is 1,350 yen. The meat is shoulder loin.

Mitsuba attracts many female customers, and the original "Lamb Gyopsal" is especially popular among women. As the name suggests, this is an adaptation of the Korean specialty "samgyeopsal" for lamb. The "jang" (marinade) is homemade to go well with the lamb. The meat is the usual amount for one person, and the price includes kimchi and sunchu...no wonder it is so popular. No wonder it is so popular.

Owner Hiroyuki Kita

Mr. Kita says that his insistence on thorough preparation and making each and every sauce by hand is "natural. Mr. Kita, the owner of the restaurant, calls this commitment "natural. He has been involved in the restaurant industry for many years and used to be a bartender. Of course, I used to make cocktails by hand. I make the sauce with that same sense (laughs).

If this sign were out in front of the restaurant...?

Kita later went on to run Bird, a restaurant in Susukino that proposes a marriage of wine and yakitori. Nowadays, the combination of wine and yakitori may be a standard item, but at the time, it was a rarity and gained many fans. Even today, the regulars from those days visit Mitsuba frequently. On rare occasions, Mitsuba puts up a sign in front of the restaurant that reads "Kushiyaki and Naturals Wine" to remind people of those days.

Certificates are also displayed.

The beer is "The Premium Malts Aromatic Ale". This is a "divine foam" expert restaurant that has cleared the standards set by Suntory and is recognized as serving the beer in its "best condition". The creamy foam and aroma are a perfect match for Genghis Khan.

Mr. Kita's "divine foam" PR poster displayed in the restaurant

In addition, rare lamb tongue, thick lamb chops, carefully prepared hormone (salt or miso), and rice balls made with Nanatsuboshi produced in Rankei-cho, all of which you will want to try at least once! Although the restaurant is located somewhat far from the center of Sapporo, it is easily accessible, just a 3-minute walk from the Sapporo City Tram Gyokoedori stop. Why don't you take a short trip once in a while and taste some of these hidden gems?

Jingisukan Mitsuba

Location: 3-7, Minami 14-jo Nishi 8-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Business hours: 17:00-22:00 (L.O.21:30)
Closed: Mondays (open if Monday is a national holiday, closed the following Tuesday)
Click here for details and map information of Mitsuba Genghis Khan.

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