Local and B-class gourmet food is booming nationwide these days, and of course Hokkaido has its own local specialty food. This time we would like to introduce "Spakatsu," which originated in Kushiro City. This hearty and satisfying dish is so popular that every local knows about it. To find out what it is, we visited the restaurant that created it. The restaurant that invented Spakatsu is a Western restaurant called "Restaurant Izumiya." When the restaurant first opened in the 1950s, Western food culture had not yet taken root in Kushiro. Even something as simple as a potage would be met with curiosity, with people asking, "What kind of food is this?"

(Photo courtesy of Restaurant Izumiya)

Meanwhile, the hot spaghetti served on an iron plate became popular among customers. When they added pork cutlets and generously poured meat sauce on top, it became even more popular. This was the birth of "Spakatsu." However, when it was first introduced in 1960, it had the long menu name "Meat Sauce Pork Cutlet." Every time an order came in, the waiter would call out to the kitchen, "One spakatsu, please!", and before long, the name caught on with customers and they started calling it "spakatsu." Spakatsu (1,150 yen including tax) has now become widely known as a local Kushiro delicacy. When you order at Izumiya, you'll be surprised at the volume of the food. A large, thick cutlet is placed on top of the spaghetti, and about 280g of meat sauce is poured over it. The visual impact, the sizzling sound of the iron plate, and the appetizing smell of the meat sauce, which is made with plenty of onions, are all sure to whet your appetite. Once you try it, you'll be convinced of its deliciousness with just one bite. The sauce has a unique richness that will undoubtedly be enjoyed by people of all ages and genders. Today, Izumiya is visited by many tourists as well as locals. Many people order the spakatsu, but other dishes such as beef stew and pizza are also delicious. Please enjoy the taste of this long-established restaurant that has supported the Western food culture of Kushiro City, including the retro atmosphere of the restaurant. Restaurant Izumiya Address: 2-28 Suehirocho, Kushiro City, Hokkaido Phone: 0154-24-4611 Official website: None