When you're in Hokkaido, besides indulging in local favorites like fresh milk, seafood, and soup curry, you absolutely have to try the ramen.
Hokkaido is famous for three distinct ramen styles: Asahikawa's shoyu ramen, Sapporo's miso ramen, and Hakodate's shio ramen.
These are known as the "Three Great Ramen of Hokkaido."
Now, let us share three hidden gem ramen spots you won’t want to miss.
First stop: Sumire Sapporo Susukino Shop すみれ
"すみれ" is a long-established ramen shop in Sapporo, founded in the Showa era.
This time, we’re checking out the Susukino branch of "すみれ," where the line often snakes all the way from the second floor down to the first—proof of just how popular it is.
While waiting, be sure to keep the sidewalk clear for other pedestrians.
Inside, the counter seating is cozy and well-spaced.
The chef stir-fries the miso in a wok, mixing it with ground meat, garlic, onions, and bean sprouts, then pours in a rich broth to create that classic miso base.
We ordered the signature miso ramen along with the special "すみれご Sumire Rice".
The ramen noodles are thick and chewy, served with egg, chashu, and green onions, while the ginger on the pork adds a refreshing kick to the rich broth.
The steaming "すみれご飯 Sumire Rice" comes topped with shredded egg and seaweed, along with miso-marinated mentaiko, bringing out the full umami of the miso.
すみれ 札幌すすきの店 Sumire Sapporo Susukino Shop Official Website
📍 Address: 〒060-0063 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 3 Jonishi, 3 Chome−9-2
🏠 Hours: 17:30 - 00:30
Second stop: Menchuubo Ajisai 麺厨房あじさい モユク札幌店
With over 90 years of history, Ajisai Moyuk is a beloved ramen shop.
The open kitchen lets you watch the chefs in action, and the spacious, stylish decor creates a welcoming atmosphere.
Their signature dish is salt ramen, and we tried the premium salt ramen along with pork fried rice.
The clear, flavorful broth is made from chicken bones, pork bones, and kelp, perfectly complementing the thin noodles.
The piping hot pork fried rice, with its golden grains infused with the rich aroma of meat and eggs, is simply irresistible.
麺厨房 あじさい モユク札幌店 Menchubo Ajisai Sapporo Official Website
📍 Address: 〒060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Jonishi, 3 Chome−20 モユクサッポロ B2F
🏠 Hours: 11:00 - 21:15
※ Business hours and holidays may change, so please refer to the official website for the latest information.
Third stop: Asahikawa Ramen Baikōken Asahikawa-honten 梅光軒
Established in 1969, Asahikawa Ramen Baikōken is located near Asahikawa Station in a bustling shopping area.
This ramen shop won the top award at the first Asahikawa Ramen Grand Prix in 1993 and was recommended in the Michelin Red Guide in 2012.
The menu is available in multiple languages, so you won’t have to worry about a language barrier.
The entrance has a nostalgic vibe, and sitting at the red counter lets you watch the chefs craft delicious ramen.
Their soy sauce ramen boasts a rich broth made from a mix of pork and chicken bones, along with a hint of seafood from kelp and dried fish—perfectly balanced without being overly salty.
The house-made medium-thin noodles are crafted to soak up all that delicious broth.
Toppings include two slices of chashu and generous chunks of bamboo shoots—so big you might think the chef is a little too generous! They add a nice, crunchy freshness to the dish.
梅光軒 旭川本店 Asahikawa Ramen Baikōken Asahikawa-honten Official Website
📍 Address: 〒070-0032 Hokkaido, Asahikawa, 2 Jodori, 8 Chome, ピアザビル B1F ピアザビル B1F
🏠 Hours: 11:00 - 15:00 / 17:00 - 20:30
After savoring Hokkaido's top three delicious ramen, looking back at the photos brings back the flavors and emotions of the moment. Every bite of ramen and sip of broth is a true delight.
Whether it's miso, salt, or soy sauce ramen, each has its loyal fans. Which one is your favorite?