Sapporo, Hokkaido is home to countless ramen shops beloved by locals and tourists alike. While famous for its miso ramen, the city boasts an incredible variety of bowls, including shoyu (soy sauce) and shio (salt). In this article, we've carefully selected our top recommendations for ramen in Sapporo! From classic flavors to truly unique creations, let this guide help you choose your next unforgettable bowl.

The "Miso Ramen" (1,000 yen), ordered by the vast majority of customers.

The signature "Miso Ramen" at the famed Sapporo miso ramen shop Menya Saimi continues to captivate crowds daily. The soup, a pork bone chintan (clear broth) combined with a special white miso-based sauce, achieves a perfect balance of deep richness and a clean finish that you can enjoy to the last drop. The firm, yellow, medium-thick curly noodles are an excellent match for the broth. Furthermore, melting the grated ginger placed on top of the chashu pork creates a refreshing change in flavor.

The Owner's Surprising Recommendation: "Kara Shoyu Ramen"

The owner's recommendation: "Kara Shoyu Ramen" (Spicy Soy Sauce Ramen) (1,050 yen)

In addition to the classic miso, the menu offers a rich variety of options, including shoyu (soy sauce) and shio (salt). Among them, the owner recommends the "Kara Shoyu Ramen." While it appears to be a dark, heavy soy sauce ramen, the broth has a surprisingly sharp and clean taste. The exquisite balance of spiciness and umami makes for an addictive bowl.

A Popular Ramen You Have to Try at Least Once in Sapporo

The noodles are the classic medium-thick curly noodles quintessential to Sapporo ramen.

The restaurant is easily accessible, just a 5-minute walk from Misono Station on the Toho Subway Line. It's also convenient for drivers, with a third parking lot available in addition to the one in front of the shop. The interior features both counter and table seating and is loved by tourists as well as local families and regulars. As a one-of-a-kind establishment, it's a legendary shop where you can truly experience Sapporo miso ramen.

Read more about Menya Saimi

The signature "Miso" (1,200 yen), a representative of Sapporo ramen.

Located in Sapporo's Toyohira Ward, Sumire's main branch is a super-popular shop that is essential to any conversation about Sapporo ramen. The signature dish is the "Miso Ramen," which has captivated fans since the shop's founding. A key feature is the layer of lard covering the soup's surface, which keeps it piping hot until the very last bite. The slowly simmered chintan (clear broth) is packed with the concentrated umami of animal products and aromatic vegetables.

Custom Noodles and a Flavor-Changing Twist of Ginger

The medium-thick curly noodles are custom-made for Sumire by Nishiyama Seimen.

The noodles are medium-thick and curly, robust enough to stand up to the rich broth. Their springy and chewy texture pairs exquisitely with the soup, enhancing the satisfying experience. Furthermore, melting in the ginger transforms the rich, heavy miso into a lighter, more refreshing flavor.

The Shoyu Ramen and Fried Rice Also Have a Strong Following

The wonton topping adds a nice touch.

While the signature Miso Ramen is a must-try, the Shoyu (soy sauce) Ramen and chahan (fried rice) also boast a loyal fan base. The shop is a 10-minute walk from Nakanoshima Station on the Namboku Subway Line, and with 16 parking spots, it's also accessible by car. The quality of its taste is proven by the many apprentices who trained at the legendary Sumire and now showcase their skills at shops across the country.

Read more about Sumire

The shop's signature dish, "Shirokimo Niboshi Ramen" (White Liver & Dried Sardine Ramen) (1,100 yen).

Located in Sapporo's Shiroishi Ward, Ame wa, Yasashiku serves a distinctive bowl featuring a broth made entirely without animal products and a unique white liver paste. The shop's signature "Shirokimo Niboshi Ramen" is served with this paste, made from Hokkaido-sourced white liver, mushrooms, and soy milk. As the paste dissolves into the ichiban dashi (primary broth) of niboshi (dried sardines), shiitake mushrooms, and kombu (kelp), it transforms the soup's flavor.

Generous Chashu and Eye-Catching Burdock Tempura

The accompanying gobo-ten (burdock tempura) has a powerful presence.

The homemade noodles cling perfectly to the delicate soup, highlighting their wheat flavor and smooth texture. The toppings are also visually striking. The white liver paste is mounded on top of a large slice of chashu pork, accompanied by gobo-ten (burdock root tempura). The crisp gobo-ten becomes even more delicious as it soaks up the soup.

A Welcoming Atmosphere for Solo Diners. A Second Branch in Central Sapporo.

The gentle atmosphere of the shop makes it easy for women to enter.

The main shop, located about a 10-minute drive from JR Shiroishi Station, has seven parking spots. True to its name (which means "The Rain is Gentle"), the shop's exterior and interior create a soft, warm atmosphere, making it an inviting space even for women dining alone. A second branch in central Sapporo also makes it conveniently accessible.

Read more about Ame wa, Yasashiku

The most popular dish, "Tonshio Ramen" (850 yen).

Founded in 1994 and celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024, the veteran ramen shop Ramen Gojogen's signature dish is the "Tonshio." The creamy soup, which concentrates the umami of pork bones without any strong odor, is exquisitely matched with a salt-based seasoning.

The Immensely Popular Side Dish: "Chashu Onigiri"

Gojogen's representative side dish, "Chashu Onigiri" (Pork Rice Ball) (200 yen).

And then there's the side dish as popular as the ramen itself: the "Chashu Onigiri." Originally offered as a complimentary item for regular customers, it's now a star menu item, with over 300 sold per day. The rice is mixed with plenty of finely chopped chashu pork, and at 200g, its volume and meaty flavor make it incredibly satisfying.

Located Near Central Sapporo and Open Until 3 AM

The ramen is constantly evolving, with slight changes to the soup's concentration and sauce to match the times.

The shop is a 10-minute walk from Nakajima Koen Station and also has parking available. A major draw is its late hours, staying open until 3 AM. The simple interior, with just 13 L-shaped counter seats, is always bustling with customers from opening time until late at night.

Read more about Ramen Gojogen

The popular "Hojun Shoyu Soba" (Rich Soy Sauce Soba) (1,200 yen).

Menya 169 in Sapporo's Chuo Ward has earned a reputation for its delicate ramen, crafted by a chef with a background in traditional Japanese cuisine (washoku). The signature "Hojun Shoyu Soba" features a characteristic "triple soup" that exquisitely blends dashi from chicken, niboshi (dried sardines), and clams. The medium-thin straight noodles allow you to fully appreciate the wheat's flavor and create a perfect harmony with the soup.

The Secret to its Deep Flavor: "Black Truffle and Fermented Black Garlic Paste"

The paste of black truffle and fermented black garlic sits atop the duck chashu.

The bowl is generously topped with moist, tender chashu pork, flavorful duck chashu, and clams. But the real star is the paste of black truffle and fermented black garlic served on the duck chashu. Dissolving this into the soup little by little adds a significant depth of flavor.

The Rich Miso "Sapporo Miso Ramen" is Also Popular

For miso lovers, the satisfying "Sapporo Miso Ramen" (1,000 yen).

Another popular menu item, the "Sapporo Miso Ramen," features a deep flavor combining a pork bone broth with miso tare and niboshi dashi. The medium-thick curly noodles cling well to the soup, and melting in the ginger at the end adds a refreshing aftertaste. The shop is about a 10-minute walk from Horohirabashi Station on the Namboku Subway Line. It's a noteworthy spot that was listed in the Michelin Guide shortly after opening.

Read more about Menya 169

The popular "Jidori Komen Shoyu" (Free-Range Chicken Noodle Soy Sauce) (1,100 yen).

Known for its elegant atmosphere and bowls crafted from meticulously selected ingredients, Shinasoba Chiu's signature dish is the "Jidori Komen Shoyu." The soup is carefully extracted from whole Amakusa Daio and Hinai-jidori chickens—two high-end breeds—and seasoned with a blend of raw soy sauce from Akita's "Ando Shoyu" and tamari soy sauce from Gifu's "Sekigahara Jozo." The toppings are also luxurious, featuring two types of chashu made from Hokkaido pork and beef, as well as roast beef.

"Jidori Komen Shio" Features a Salt Tare Blended with Okinawan Rock Salt

"Jidori Komen Shio" (Free-Range Chicken Noodle Salt) (1,100 yen).

The other regular menu item besides the "Jidori Komen Shoyu" is the "Jidori Komen Shio." It features a salt tare that allows you to savor the deliciousness of the clear chicken broth, blended with Okinawan rock salt "Nuchimasu" and other salts. It is every bit as delicious as its soy sauce counterpart.

A Popular Shop in the Maruyama Area with a Distinctive Ramen and Atmosphere

The noodles are homemade in the noodle room at the back of the shop.

The shop is a 5-minute walk from Maruyama-Koen Station on the Tozai Subway Line. Although there is no dedicated parking, nearby coin-operated parking lots make it accessible by car. Enjoy a luxurious bowl of ramen in this upscale setting.

Read more about Shinasoba Chiu

Serving Sapporo miso ramen that inherits the flavor of the legendary shop Sumire.

Located in the Hassamu area of Sapporo's Nishi Ward, Hachinoki is a popular shop serving a "Jun-Sumi style" bowl, inheriting the flavor of the legendary Sumire. As the third shop to receive a norenwake (official approval to open a branch) after Saimi and others, it opened in 2016 and has been serving the epitome of classic Sapporo miso ramen ever since.

Piping Hot Soup and Fragrant Stir-fried Vegetables are Key to the "Miso Ramen"

Hachinoki's most popular dish, "Miso Ramen" (1,000 yen).

For their popular "Miso Ramen," lard and garlic are heated in a wok, then bean sprouts and other vegetables are stir-fried at the perfect temperature to avoid burning. The soup is then added to the same wok to be served piping hot. The secret to the soup's deliciousness is the special miso tare, a blend of several types of miso. And, as is familiar with Sumire-style ramen, dissolving the accompanying grated ginger creates a refreshing change in flavor.

Custom Noodles Designed for the Soup. A Proudly Popular Shop in Sapporo's Nishi Ward.

Using custom-made medium-thick curly noodles from Morizumi Seimen.

The noodles that cling to the soup are characterized by their springy bite and firm texture. The shop is a 7-minute walk from JR Hassamu Station and has 12 parking spots. The interior, with 8 counter seats and 2 tables, is compact yet offers a calm and relaxing space.

Read more about Hachinoki

This is the only item on the menu! "Miso Ramen" (1,100 yen).

Located in Sapporo's Nakajima Park area, Miso Ramen Senmonten Ookami Soup is a renowned ramen shop that stakes its reputation on a single miso bowl. Here too, the owner, who trained at Sumire, inherits that tradition while offering a uniquely evolved creation. The soup is rich, mellow, and has a distinctive thickness. Both locals and tourists flock here in search of this one-of-a-kind miso.

Kita-akari Potatoes Create a Unique Thickness and Richness

One sip of the soup reveals a rich yet mellow umami flavor.

Ookami Soup's menu is refreshingly simple: only "Miso Ramen." The soup is made by combining a meticulously simmered pork bone and vegetable base with the owner's special miso tare. One sip reveals a rich yet mellow umami. The secret lies hidden at the bottom of the bowl: "Kita-akari," a variety of Hokkaido potato. This clever addition lends a natural sweetness and thickness, maintaining a deep richness to the very last drop.

Custom Medium-Thick Curly Noodles are a Perfect Match for the Thick Soup

Located a 5-minute walk from Nakajima Park, it's easy to stop by while sightseeing.

The noodles paired with the soup are custom-made medium-thick curly noodles from the prestigious Sapporo noodle maker, Nishiyama Seimen. The springy, elastic noodles pick up the thick soup perfectly, creating an ideal sense of unity. Furthermore, crisp cabbage and bean sprouts provide a refreshing rhythm between sips of the rich soup, ensuring the flavor never gets old. Just a 5-minute walk from Nakajima-Koen Station, it's the perfect spot to visit during a walk or sightseeing tour.

Read more about Ookami Soup

The popular "Kaidashi Shoyu" (Clam Broth Soy Sauce) (950 yen).

Located in Sumikawa in Sapporo's Minami Ward, Mendokoro Maruha RISE is characterized by its clam broth, which extracts umami from a large quantity of hard clams. The popular "Kaidashi Shoyu" is a bowl brimming with the deliciousness of clams, combining the clam broth soup with an aromatic oil made from oysters. The set with "Shime-Chazuke" (a finishing dish of rice in broth) is also popular, allowing you to savor the soup to the fullest.

Rich "Noko Tonkotsu Miso" and Day-Specific "Sapporo Taiwan Men" Also Popular

If you enjoy a richer style, try the "Noko Tonkotsu Miso" (Rich Pork Bone Miso) (1,100 yen).

In addition to the signature clam broth shoyu and shio, the shop also offers a rich pork bone miso ramen. Furthermore, the "Sapporo Taiwan Men," available only on Mondays and Tuesdays, is a Sapporo-style twist on Nagoya's famous Taiwan Ramen. This ramen, topped with stir-fried bean sprouts, has an addictive, stimulating spiciness and fragrant aroma.

Family-Friendly and Welcoming to Strollers

The "Sapporo Taiwan Men" (1,100 yen), a take on Nagoya's Taiwan Ramen.

Mendokoro Maruha RISE opened in 2017 as the second brand of "Mendokoro Maruha BEYOND." The shop is a 5-minute walk from Sumikawa Station on the Namboku Subway Line. With a welcoming atmosphere that allows strollers, it is a beloved establishment for a wide range of customers, from families to ramen connoisseurs.

Read more about Mendokoro Maruha RISE

The most popular dish, "Miso Ramen" (1,100 yen).

Located in Sapporo's Nishi Ward, Sapporo Menya Mitsuba is a popular shop that received a norenwake (official approval to open a branch) from the legendary, always-busy Menya Saimi. The signature "Miso Ramen" features a deep-flavored miso tare blending three types of miso, accented with the flavor of ginger. The piping hot soup and the crisp, wok-fried bean sprouts are a perfect match. The noodles are the classic Sapporo medium-thick curly type, with a springy texture that perfectly complements the soup.

The Sharp "Shoyu Ramen" is Also Recommended

The kamaboko (fish cake) topping is a nice accent in the "Shoyu Ramen" (1,000 yen).

While miso is the most popular choice at Sapporo Menya Mitsuba, another noteworthy menu item is the "Shoyu Ramen." The sharpness of the dark soy sauce and the hot soup stimulate the appetite, and the bean sprouts are cooked just as masterfully as in the miso ramen. The kamaboko (fish cake) topping also adds a distinctive accent to the flavor.

A Bowl that Inherits the Spirit of Saimi While Evolving with its Own Personality

The noodles are the classic medium-thick curly noodles quintessential to Sapporo ramen.

The shop is a 5-minute walk from JR Hassamu-Chuo Station, with 9 parking spots available. While inheriting the flavor of its training ground, Menya Saimi, this bowl has an added originality and is constantly evolving. If you want to experience the next generation of Sapporo miso ramen, this is a must-visit.

Read more about Sapporo Menya Mitsuba

The most popular dish, "Niboshi Shoyu" (Dried Sardine Soy Sauce) (650 yen).

The signature "Niboshi Shoyu" at Ramen Mokuyoubi in Sapporo's Chuo Ward is a bowl that utilizes the natural umami and pleasant funk of niboshi (dried sardines), perfectly balanced with soy sauce. And what's more, it's served at the surprising price of just 650 yen.

"Tsukemen" and Spicy "Karanibo" Also Popular for Savoring the Noodles

"Kara (Spicy) Tsukemen" (2 servings of thick, hand-massaged noodles) (800 yen).

The noodles are proudly homemade, and you can choose between regular (medium-thick) or thick noodles. Other recommended menu items include the "Tsukemen" (dipping noodles), which allows you to fully enjoy the deliciousness of the noodles, and the spicy "Karanibo." Seasoned with homemade niboshi chili oil, the "Karanibo" offers a pleasant heat that doesn't overpower the sardine flavor, making for an addictive bowl.

The Name's Origin: "Ramen Served on the Curry Shop's Day Off"

The "Kara(Spicy)nibo" (700 yen), seasoned with homemade "niboshi chili oil" for a moderate kick.

The shop is about a 2-minute walk from the Nishisen 9-jo Asahiyama Koen-dori stop on the Sapporo streetcar line in Chuo Ward. With 3 parking spots, it's also accessible by car. The unique name, "Ramen Mokuyoubi" (Ramen Thursday), comes from the fact that the owner used to serve ramen only on Thursdays, the day off for the curry shop where he previously worked.

Read more about Ramen Mokuyoubi

The most popular dish, "Miso Tsukemen" (Miso Dipping Noodles) (980 yen).

Located in Sapporo's Higashi Ward, Sapporo Fuji-ya is famous for its miso dishes, created by an owner who holds a Miso Sommelier certification. The dipping broth for the signature "Miso Tsukemen" is a gyokai tonkotsu (fish and pork bone) soup made with a pork and chicken bone base, enhanced with mackerel flakes and niboshi, and combined with a special white miso-based tare.

Flavorful Custom Noodles are a Perfect Match for the Special Miso

The noodles are custom-made by Nishiyama Seimen.

The special noodles are custom-made by Nishiyama Seimen. A blend of Hokkaido's "Kita-honami" and "Yumechikara" wheat varieties, these medium-thick noodles offer a smooth yet chewy texture and a rich flavor. They cling perfectly to the rich dipping broth, elevating the completeness of the tsukemen.

Also Featuring a Classic Miso Ramen with a Deep, Rich Flavor

The classic "Miso Ramen" (950 yen) is also recommended.

The classic "Miso Ramen" is also a standout, featuring a rich flavor from the gyokai tonkotsu soup combined with the special miso tare. Sapporo Fuji-ya, which first opened in Sapporo's Kita Ward in 2007, is a 3-minute walk from Higashi-kuyakusho-mae Station. The business has expanded with branches "Fuji-ya NOODLE" in Sapporo's Susukino and "Sapporo Miso Fuji-ya" in Chiba.

Read more about Sapporo Fuji-ya

"Garyu Sapporo Ramen Hien" (1,000 yen)

Located in Sapporo's Toyohira Ward, Garyu Menbu Hien is popular for its "kossari-kei" ramen, a fusion of creamy chicken broth (tori paitan) and traditional Sapporo ramen techniques. We recommend the "Garyu Sapporo Ramen Hien." It features neck meat from Shinrin-dori chicken from Miyagi Prefecture, which is simmered for hours to create a concentrated umami flavor. To finish, the soup is added to vegetables stir-fried in lard in a wok. The ramen is characterized by the rich umami of the chicken broth and the fragrant aroma of the wok-charred vegetables.

"Chuka Soba" Made with Otaru Jidori Chicken and a Blend of Five Soy Sauces

"Otaru Jidori no Chuka Soba" (1,030 yen)

Also highly popular is the "Chuka Soba," made with rare Otaru Jidori chicken. The sharp soy sauce tare is a blend of five different soy sauces, creating a deep, complex flavor when combined with the clear chicken broth. The chuka soba uses straight noodles from the long-established Menya Teigaku in Kyoto, which are a perfect match for the soup.

Also Popular: "Gyokai Tori Shio Paitan," a Fusion of Creamy Chicken Broth and Seafood Umami

"Gyokai Tori Shio Paitan" (950 yen)

Another favorite is the "Gyokai Tori Shio Paitan," which combines the umami of creamy chicken broth and seafood. This refreshing bowl brings together the restaurant's signature chicken broth and a bonito-based seafood dashi. To get to the restaurant, it's a 20-minute walk from Nakanoshima Station or a 15-minute walk from Sumikawa Station on the Namboku Subway Line.

Read more about "Garyu Menbu Hien"

Popular dish: "Hokkaido Sandai Kombusui Tsukemen" (1,280 yen)

Located in the Kita 24-jo area, Men Shoki opened in 2022 and is a ramen shop where kombu dashi is the star. The signature dish is the "Hokkaido Sandai Kombusui Tsukemen." As the name suggests, the noodles are soaked in kombu-sui (kombu-infused water) made with a luxurious blend of three of Hokkaido's great kombu varieties: Ma-kombu, Rishiri-kombu, and Rausu-kombu. The noodles are so bursting with umami that you might forget about the dipping sauce. The smooth, chewy texture of the noodles and the rich flavor of the kombu are a perfect match.

Enjoy Every Last Bite with the Dipping Sauce and "Soup-wari"

The special dipping sauce perfectly complements the noodles

The dipping sauce, which enhances the umami of the noodles, has a simple yet deep flavor made from chicken and pork dashi with a salt-based tare. Each time you dip the noodles, the umami from the kombu-sui is added to the sauce, creating increasingly complex layers of flavor. And for an after-meal treat, there's the "soup-wari." A dashi broth is provided in a bottle, allowing you to thin the remaining dipping sauce to your preferred concentration and enjoy it as a soup.

Don't Miss the Seabura Niboshi Ramen

Another signature dish: "Seabura Niboshi" (1,000 yen)

Alongside the tsukemen, another signature dish is the "Seabura Niboshi." It features a sharp soy sauce flavor enhanced by the umami of pork back fat (seabura), creating a bowl that fuses Kyoto and Niigata style ramen. The restaurant is a 5-minute walk from Kita 24-jo Station on the Namboku Subway Line. It's also near the major Ishikari Kaido road and has a parking lot, making it easily accessible. This popular spot was opened by the founder of the famous Kyoto restaurant "Seabura no Kami," who moved to Hokkaido to start this new venture.

Read more about "Men Shoki"

Signature dish: "Chashu Niku Wonton Soba (Kuro)" (890 yen)

Located in the Shiroishi Ward's Kikusui area, Chuka Soba California has been popular since its opening in 2015 as a place to enjoy "Hachioji-style ramen," a rarity in Hokkaido. The most popular dish, "Chashu Niku Wonton Soba (Kuro)," offers incredible value at just 890 yen for four slices of chashu and three wontons. The soup is based on a seafood dashi made from dried sardines (iwashi niboshi), round herrings (urume), and mackerel flakes (saba-bushi), creating an exquisite harmony between the sharp soy sauce and an aromatic oil infused with vegetable umami.

"Neo Classic Chuka Soba": From Limited-Time Special to Regular Menu Staple

"Neo Classic Chuka Soba" (770 yen)

The noodles are custom-ordered thin straight noodles, specially made to achieve a unique rough texture. A new regular menu item, the "Neo Classic Chuka Soba," features a soy sauce tare enhanced with the simmering liquid from the chashu, resulting in a classic bowl with a simple yet profound flavor.

A Bowl Crafted with the Owner's Passion for Chuka Soba

Since opening, the noodles have been sourced from Tamura Seimen in Hachioji

The uniquely designed restaurant, located in a residential area, is about a 5-minute walk from Kikusui Subway Station. The interior has 7 counter seats and 3 tables, making it a comfortable space for both solo diners and groups. If you want to taste authentic chuka soba in Sapporo, this is a must-visit spot.

Read more about "Chuka Soba California"

*All prices include tax.
*Store details and menu prices are from the time of reporting. Please check the official websites or social media of each store for the latest information.