Near Sapporo's Tanukikoji area, a new restaurant opened in 2024, "Tonkotsu Ramen Taiga," is the talk of the town for its authentic tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen. This dish, featuring a rich broth made from Hokkaido pork bones paired with ultra-thin straight noodles sent directly from a long-established noodle maker in Fukuoka, offers an authentic taste rarely found in Sapporo. Furthermore, its limited-edition ramen using seasonal Hokkaido ingredients is also a hit. Let's take a closer look at this new Sapporo hot spot that's capturing the attention of ramen fans.

The popular "Tonkotsu Ramen" - 1,000 yen

The defining feature of Tonkotsu Ramen Taiga is its rich broth made with pork bones from Hokkaido. The soup is prepared using the "yobimodoshi" technique, a traditional method also used in Fukuoka, the home of tonkotsu ramen. This process involves simmering the broth for long hours while continuously adding new soup, a technique that brings out both freshness and a deep, mature umami flavor.

The result is a perfectly balanced broth that is rich and robust yet not overly heavy, making you want to drink every last drop. While you can fully enjoy the umami and aroma of the pork bones, it has a clean finish, earning it a reputation as "an authentic taste that's hard to find in Sapporo."

The noodles are ultra-thin and come from "Aoki Shokusan," a noodle maker with over 100 years of history in Fukuoka, the heartland of tonkotsu ramen. These low-hydration noodles have a firm, snappy bite (known as "patsupatsu" in Japanese) that pairs exceptionally well with the rich tonkotsu broth. Tonkotsu Ramen Taiga is said to be the only place in Hokkaido where you can enjoy these particular noodles.

Furthermore, "kaedama," an extra serving of noodles essential to tonkotsu ramen culture, is also a popular option here. You can order it to your preferred firmness, allowing you to enjoy the perfect noodle-and-soup combination to the very end. They even have a "Free Kaedama Day" every Thursday, an event that ramen lovers won't want to miss.

"Spring Alpine Leek Tonkotsu Tanmen," served as a limited-edition menu item in April - 1,600 yen

The appeal of Tonkotsu Ramen Taiga extends beyond its regular menu. The limited-edition ramen featuring seasonal Hokkaido ingredients also attracts many fans. One such dish, offered only in winter, was the "Hokkaido Decadent Miso Tonkotsu Ramen," a luxurious bowl packed with Hokkaido's winter delicacies like cod milt (madachi), oysters, and monkfish liver (ankimo). This high-impact dish, combining Hokkaido-grown wheat noodles with the rich tonkotsu broth, became a hot topic. Regular customers eagerly anticipate the next seasonal creation, wondering what will be offered next.

Additionally, every Tuesday is "Fried Rice Day," when you can enjoy chahan (fried rice) that isn't on the regular menu.

"Chahan" (Fried Rice), available only on Fried Rice Day - 500 yen

It comes in various flavors, and some customers reportedly visit specifically for the fried rice, curious about what flavor will be available that week.

The restaurant is conveniently located in central Sapporo, near the 7-chome block of the Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade. It's easily accessible for tourists, about a 7-minute walk from Odori Station on the Namboku subway line and an 8-minute walk from Susukino Station. With many hotels in the vicinity, it's an attractive option for lunch or dinner during your trip to Sapporo.

Incidentally, the owner, Taiga Saiki, is also a professional photographer. The restaurant is decorated with his powerful works, which capture Hokkaido's nature and wildlife.

A work by owner Taiga Saiki

Enjoy "Hokkaido Tonkotsu Ramen" in a space where you can feel the grand nature of Hokkaido. If you're searching for authentic tonkotsu ramen in Sapporo, this rising star is a must-visit.

*All prices include tax. Information is current as of the article's publication date.