The Sapporo Autumn Fest 2025 is currently underway in Sapporo's Odori Park. Among the venues, the 8-chome venue, "Sapporo Odori Hokkaido Market," is buzzing with excitement for its authentic Hokkaido atmosphere. It's a huge hit with both tourists and Sapporo locals, offering a chance to sample gourmet dishes from municipalities all across Hokkaido! In this article, we've carefully selected six must-try recommendations.

"Grilled Snow Crab in its Shell" (1,200 yen)

The Mombetsu City booth is once again serving its famous "Grilled Snow Crab in its Shell" (1,200 yen). The sight of snow crabs lined up on the grill is truly spectacular! It's a dish so popular that many fans feel their Autumn Fest experience isn't complete without it, making it a favorite among Sapporo residents and tourists from Japan and abroad.

The large crab legs are very satisfying.

The grilled crab shell, with its savory aroma, offers a visually appealing and atmospheric experience. The soft, moist crab meat is enjoyed with the rich, savory flavor of the crab miso (tomalley). In terms of appearance, volume, and taste, this dish delivers the ultimate crab-eating satisfaction.

"Rishiri Sea Urchin Rice with Rishiri Kitamurasaki Uni (Mini)" (900 yen)

For many, Rishiri Town is synonymous with uni (sea urchin)! The menu items featuring Ezo Bafun Uni and Kitamurasaki Uni from Mt. Rishiri are very popular. For a quick and easy taste, the "Rishiri Sea Urchin Rice with Rishiri Kitamurasaki Uni (Mini)" (900 yen) is highly recommended. Fluffy seasoned rice, infused with the rich flavor of uni, is topped with a generous portion of Kitamurasaki Uni.

It's a luxurious dish that lets you enjoy the natural sweetness of the uni. The portion is about a small bowl of rice, making it a great size if you want to try various foods. If you're sharing with two or more people, the regular size (1,500 yen) is also a great option.

"Genghis Khan Yakisoba" (700 yen)

At the Asahikawa City booth, you can find "Genghis Khan Yakisoba" (700 yen) throughout the Autumn Fest period. Open the lid, and you'll find it's packed with more meat than you'd expect!

Lots of lamb! Mix it with the noodles and enjoy.

The savory yakisoba, infused with the umami of lamb, has a clean, non-sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with beer. The volume is just right for sharing among several people, and it might even be enough for a full lunch for one. The Genghis Khan (grilled lamb) is tender and easy to eat, making it a great choice for travelers who haven't tried much lamb but are curious to give it a go.

"Matilda Potatoes with Cheddar & Freshly Grated Raw Cheese" (1,000 yen)

At the Memuro Town booth, you can enjoy delicious potatoes grown in Memuro. These french fries are made with Matilda potatoes, a variety so rare it's sometimes called the "phantom potato." You can choose from various toppings, but if you're a cheese lover, go for the "Matilda Potatoes with Cheddar & Freshly Grated Raw Cheese" (1,000 yen). Skin-on Matilda potatoes are deep-fried, generously topped with cheddar cheese, and then finished with a topping of raw cheese grated right on the spot.

With a great balance of fluffiness and smoothness, the Matilda is a perfect variety for french fries. You can enjoy a texture that's crispy on the outside and melts in your mouth on the inside, along with a subtle sweetness.

"Takikawa Chicken" in a cup (690 yen)

If you're looking for something a little different from the usual zangi or karaage fried chicken, we recommend the "Takikawa Chicken" (690 yen) at the Takikawa City booth.

The special sauce contains apples from Takikawa.

Served in a cup, "Takikawa Chicken" is a type of tare-zangi, where crispy fried chicken is coated in a special sauce. You can enjoy its satisfyingly crunchy texture. The special sauce, which has a slightly sweet and fruity flavor, is made with apples from Takikawa. It's easy to eat on the go, making it a convenient choice for walking around or enjoying at a standing table.

"Flaxseed Ice Cream" (500 yen)

At the Tobetsu Town booth, a place with a history of flax cultivation dating back to the Meiji era, you can try "Flaxseed Ice Cream" (500 yen), made from the seeds of the flax plant. Flaxseed is a nutrient-rich food that provides dietary fiber, alpha-linolenic acid, and protein, and has been gaining attention in recent years.

The crunchy seeds give it a fun texture.

A generous serving of flaxseed ice cream fills a crispy cone. You can enjoy the crunchy texture and nutty flavor of the flaxseeds. It's not overly sweet, and combined with the health benefits of flaxseed, it's a relatively guilt-free dessert. Enjoy it while reflecting on the agricultural history of Tobetsu Town.

This time we introduced food from vendors that are open for the entire festival period, but the 8-chome venue also has many booths that rotate through four different periods. Some booths are only open for the three days of the fourth period, so you might not be able to buy something on your next visit. If you see something that catches your eye, we recommend trying it on the spot.

※All prices include tax.

▼Check out these articles for gourmet reports from all 7 venues, a dessert special, and an overview of each venue!