Sapporo is currently seeing a wave of new Genghis Khan restaurants opening up. "Ramuou," popular for its fresh, low-odor lamb, opened its fourth location last December. Their specially selected lamb is moist and juicy, making it a must-try spot recommended by Hokkaido locals.

The counter seats are great for solo diners

Opened in 2017, "Ramuou" is a popular restaurant bustling with customers daily. Including its sister stores, there are two locations in the city and one in Kitahiroshima, with this new annex opening in December 2024. It boasts an extensive "all-you-can-eat-and-drink" menu, which is uncommon for Genghis Khan specialty restaurants. There are a total of eight courses, ranging from 3,980 yen for 90 minutes to 6,380 yen for 120 minutes. All-you-can-drink only is 1,280 yen, and all-you-can-eat only starts from 2,980 yen. These options are available even for solo diners without a reservation.

The hori-gotatsu (sunken kotatsu) seating can accommodate up to 23 people, perfect for banquets and parties

The most popular "Fresh Lamb Steak" for 1,580 yen

Ramuou's Genghis Khan features lamb from New Zealand, a world-renowned producer. They source fresh, chilled lamb that has never been frozen. Because it's so fresh, it has very little of the distinct gamy smell, allowing you to enjoy the true flavor of the lamb, including the subtle sweetness of the fat and the umami of the red meat. The popular "Lamb Steak" is an extra-thick cut of shoulder loin, with each slice about 2cm thick. It's cooked to a moist and juicy medium-rare.

The "Lamb Shoulder" (980 yen) is low in fat, allowing you to savor the umami of the red meat

The Genghis Khan at "Ramuou" is known for being easy to eat, even for first-timers, thanks to its freshness and lack of a strong odor. While Genghis Khan is famous for its dome-shaped grill, this restaurant uses a custom-made, bowl-shaped grill. This design helps prevent smoke from clinging to you, so you barely have to worry about the smell on your clothes after your meal. This low-odor feature is particularly popular among female customers.

Piling vegetables in the center allows them to soak up the meat's flavorful fat and umami

In addition to their original soy-based and garlic sauces, a popular way to enjoy the meat is with their original rock salt, blended with five different spices. This simple seasoning enhances the umami of the lamb, bringing out more flavor with every bite.

The rock salt gives it a refreshing taste and highlights the sweetness of the fat

The "Lamb Tongue" (980 yen) has an exquisite fluffy-yet-chewy texture

"Ramuou" also serves the rare "Lamb Tongue," a delicacy of which only 80g can be obtained from a single sheep. It has a delightful chewy texture, a moist and tender quality, and a gentle lamb flavor that fills your mouth. One serving provides a generous 70g.

Additionally, their popular wieners are made with 100% lamb meat, served as a trio of plain, garlic, and chorizo. Other offerings include lamb meatballs mixed with special spices, as well as beef and pork offal for those who want to enjoy something besides lamb. The wide variety of menu options is another one of this restaurant's charms.

"Solo diners are also welcome," says manager Shohei Yamakawa

During the summer (June 15th to September 10th), a beer garden will be held on the rooftop of the Champs-Élysées Building (4-1, South 4 West 5, Chuo-ku, Sapporo) in Susukino. The "miso sauce," exclusively available at the Kitahiroshima branch, will also be served there. The savory miso flavor with a hint of garlic is sure to be a perfect match for the lamb. They also offer an original cold noodle dish, different from the typical Morioka reimen. Be sure to come and enjoy the unique "Reiwa-style Genghis Khan" that you can only experience at "Ramuou."

※All prices include tax