(Written by Isis Berns)
If you could eat only one dish for the rest of your life, what would it be? For me, it’s Sapporo’s soup curry. Nutritious, packed with vegetables and protein, and bursting with a different blend of spices at every shop—it’s a dish I never get bored of. In fact, whenever my family asks, “What do you want to eat out on your birthday?” My answer is almost always soup curry!
That’s how much I love it. After giving birth to my second child, I was supposed to stay home for a full month—doctor’s orders! But just two weeks later, I couldn’t resist. I took my newborn to my favorite soup curry shop for my birthday dinner. Shhh, don’t tell anyone! Fast forward years later, and now both of my daughters love soup curry too.
Soup curry has a fascinating history that traces back to the 1970s in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Unlike traditional Japanese curry, which is thick and rich, soup curry was inspired by Indian and Southeast Asian flavors, combined with elements of Chinese medicinal cuisine. Originally, it was created with health benefits in mind, using a variety of spices known for their healing properties. Local chefs experimented with different broths, spice blends, and toppings, transforming soup curry into a signature dish of Sapporo. By the 1990s, it exploded in popularity. Today, it’s a must-try for visitors, with countless variations served in restaurants across the city, each offering its own take on this flavorful, spice-infused soup.
The secret to soup curry’s distinctive taste lies in its unique spice blend. While recipes vary from restaurant to restaurant, common ingredients include turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala, which provide deep, earthy warmth. Cloves and cinnamon add a hint of sweetness, while cardamom contributes a slightly floral, citrusy aroma. The heat comes from black pepper and chili peppers, though spice levels can often be customized to suit individual preferences. Many restaurants slow-simmer their broth with vegetables, meat, and seafood to create a rich, umami-packed base, making every spoonful deeply satisfying.
One of the most famous soup curry restaurants in Sapporo, Soup Curry Samurai, has gained attention for its 23-vegetable soup curry, a dish that highlights the incredible variety of Hokkaido’s fresh produce. The lineup includes kabocha pumpkin, carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, lotus root, and broccoli—some of which are grilled or deep-fried before being added to the soup to enhance their flavors. Other vegetables, such as bell peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant, bring sweetness and depth, while mushrooms like shiitake, maitake, and shimeji add an earthy umami richness. With ingredients like okra, burdock root, daikon radish, and baby corn also making an appearance, each bowl offers a vibrant, colorful feast that perfectly complements the spiced broth.
Beyond its bold flavors, soup curry is often celebrated for its potential health benefits. Spicy food, in general, is known to boost metabolism thanks to capsaicin, a compound found in chili peppers that can increase calorie burn. Spices like turmeric and black pepper are rich in anti-inflammatory properties, while ingredients such as cumin and ginger aid digestion. Many of the vegetables commonly found in soup curry, including broccoli, spinach, and bell peppers, are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, supporting immune health and overall wellness. Even for those who typically shy away from vegetables—like my 6-year-old daughter—soup curry has a way of making them irresistibly delicious, thanks to the rich flavors of the broth and the crispy, deep-fried textures of some ingredients.
Hokkaido is world-famous for its seafood, but did you know it’s also Japan’s agricultural powerhouse? Thanks to its vast open land, rich volcanic soil, and cool climate, Hokkaido produces some of the country’s sweetest and most flavorful vegetables. The island leads Japan in food production, boasting some impressive statistics. As of 2025, more than 80% of Japan’s potatoes come from Hokkaido, making it the heart of the country’s potato farming industry. The region also supplies over 60% of Japan’s onions and more than 50% of its rice, contributing to some of the most essential ingredients in Japanese cuisine. Hokkaido is also responsible for a staggering 90% of Japan’s sugar beet production, which is used to create a milder, naturally sweet sugar.
But what makes Hokkaido’s vegetables taste so good? The secret lies in the island’s cold climate. The significant temperature differences between day and night encourage plants to store more natural sugars as a defense mechanism, resulting in exceptionally sweet and flavorful produce. This is why Hokkaido-grown corn, carrots, and pumpkins have an almost candy-like sweetness, making them a perfect match for soup curry. When simmered in the rich, spiced broth, these naturally sweet vegetables enhance the dish’s depth of flavor, balancing out the heat and savory notes. It’s no wonder Hokkaido’s soup curry is in a league of its own!
With such fresh, high-quality local produce, soup curry is more than just a dish—it’s a showcase of Hokkaido’s finest ingredients. While the spices add depth, the real secret lies in the slow-simmered broth, infused with vegetables, meat, and seafood. My personal favorite ingredient? Besides the meat—because let’s be honest, that’s the best part of every soup curry—it has to be kabocha! Have you ever tried this green-skinned pumpkin with its vibrant orange flesh? Packed with vitamins A and C, it’s not only nutritious but also naturally sweet. The flavor reminds me a little of my mom’s sweet grilled plantains. My second favorite soup curry ingredient? Broccoli! Some shops deep-fry it, giving it a crispy exterior while soaking up the rich, flavorful soup inside.
What Makes Soup Curry Unique?
Unlike traditional Japanese curry, it’s a flavorful broth loaded with vibrant ingredients. Each shop creates its own special spice blend, making every bowl a new experience. It highlights Hokkaido’s fresh produce like potatoes, pumpkins, and seafood. It’s Sapporo-born, Sapporo-original—you can find it in Tokyo, but the best flavors are here! If you’re planning a trip to Sapporo, don’t miss the chance to try the fresh ingredients, on Hokkaido soil! (P.S. You’ll want to book a tour to get a spot without waiting in line at the best restaurants!)
Fully Customizable: Make Soup Curry Your Own
Just like coffee, where you can choose black, sweetened, or creamy, soup curry is all about customization. Every bowl is tailored to your taste, making each visit a unique experience. The first choice is spice level—ranging from a mild zero to a fiery ten, and at some shops, even reaching an extreme 100 for spice lovers. Next, you decide on your vegetables. Will you go for the standard five or indulge in a colorful mix of over twenty? The protein selection is just as exciting, with options like crispy chicken, fall-off-the-bone tender chicken, thick-cut bacon, or rich, fatty pork. Then comes the soup base—each restaurant has its own specialties, from classic broth to coconut, tomato, or seafood-infused versions. Even the rice portion is up to you—light, medium, or extra—giving you the perfect balance between hearty grains and flavorful broth. And if you need a cool contrast to the heat, many shops offer lassi, a sweet, yogurt-based drink that perfectly soothes the spice. With so many ways to customize, every bowl of soup curry is a personal masterpiece.
My First Soup Curry Experience (A Warning!)
My first bowl of soup curry was an adventure. I found a shop on Google Maps, hidden in a small alleyway. A little intimidating, but I went for it! Not knowing how spicy it would be, I asked the waiter for a recommendation.
“Level 3 spice is a good start,” they said. So, I ordered level 3.
Big mistake. My tongue was on fire after two bites! I begged for milk, but they had none. No Lassi either. I couldn’t even finish my meal!
Lesson learned: Ask for spice level 0 or 1 if you’re new to spicy food. And this is why you need a tour guide—to help you pick the perfect shop and spice level!
Pro Tip: Book a Soup Curry Tour!
Soup curry is wildly popular in Sapporo, and the demand is no joke. Just last week, I called a shop to ask about wait times, and the staff casually responded, “We have 43 people in line right now.” Whoa! With lines like that, getting a seat at a famous soup curry restaurant can feel like an impossible mission. That’s where guided food tours come in handy. Not only do they help you skip the long wait by securing a reservation in advance, but they also take you to hidden-gem restaurants away from the usual tourist hotspots. Plus, with a private taxi, you can fully savor your meal without feeling rushed—no crowds hovering outside, no pressure to eat quickly. Just you, a steaming bowl of flavorful soup curry, and a stress-free dining experience.
How to Eat Soup Curry Like a Pro
Want the best experience? Here’s what to do:
・Dip your rice into the soup instead of pouring it in.
・Start with the crispy chicken while it’s hot!
・Ask the staff for their recommended way to eat it.
Here are some Soup Curry Restaurant Recommendations in Sapporo 2025
Soup curry is the ultimate comfort food, especially in Hokkaido’s long, snowy winters. Its steaming hot broth warms you from the inside out, making it an ideal dish for chilly days. Spice lovers will also appreciate its customizable heat levels—you can keep it mild or crank up the spice to suit your taste. Beyond just flavor, soup curry is a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with a variety of fresh vegetables and high-quality proteins. Each bowl is a delicious balance of warmth, spice, and nourishment, making it not just a meal, but an experience that satisfies both body and soul.
Garaku is often considered the first and one of the oldest soup curry restaurants in Sapporo, having opened in 1995. It played a significant role in popularizing soup curry in the city. But here are some other famous soup curry spots, each with its own unique flavor:
**In no particular order**
1. Samurai – Known for its rich, deeply flavored broth, Samurai takes pride in using carefully simmered chicken and pork bones, along with an aromatic spice blend. Their vegetable-loaded options highlight fresh Hokkaido produce, and their tender stewed meats are a local favorite.
2. Lavi – This shop is famous for its smooth, slightly sweet soup, achieved by slow-cooking chicken and vegetables for hours. A standout feature is their Hokkaido-grown potatoes and carrots, which soak up the curry’s flavors beautifully.
3. Kanako – A beloved local favorite, Kanako offers a mild yet flavorful curry, often praised for its well-balanced spices. Their signature dish features locally sourced chicken, slow-cooked until fork-tender, and fresh Sapporo-grown vegetables. My personal favorite is the thick-cut grilled bacon topping the yellow rice!
4. Magic Spice – A legendary shop with a psychedelic atmosphere! More than just soup curry, Magic Spice is an experience! Known for its psychedelic, Indonesian-inspired atmosphere and extreme spiciness levels. The broth is light yet packed with deep, herbal flavors, featuring unique toppings like quail eggs and lotus root.
5. Treasure – This shop stands out for its tomato-based soup curry, giving it a natural sweetness and tanginess. Customers rave about its thick, umami-rich consistency, which pairs exceptionally well with Hokkaido’s fresh seafood and vegetables.
6. Okushiba Shoten – Their signature shrimp-based broth sets them apart, offering a rich and fragrant seafood twist to traditional soup curry. They use Hokkaido-caught shrimp for a deeply umami-packed soup that’s both comforting and aromatic.
7. Suage – Their crispy-skinned chicken is a must-try! Suage is known for its lightly battered, juicy chicken legs, served alongside a well-balanced soup infused with pork bone and vegetable flavors. They also use locally grown Hokkaido vegetables, charred slightly to enhance their sweetness.
8. Medicine Man – Spicy and aromatic, true to its “medicinal” roots. This shop specializes in a spicy, aromatic broth with medicinal herbs and spices. Their soup is designed to be both flavorful and warming, making it a favorite in Sapporo’s cold winters
9. Zora – A well-balanced soup curry with a rich blend of over 20 spices, Zora’s broth is neither too thick nor too thin. Their use of locally sourced chicken and fresh seasonal vegetables makes it a consistently popular spot.
10. Hirihiri – A long-standing classic in Sapporo, Hirihiri’s soup is made by simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and Japanese dashi for hours, creating a light yet umami-rich broth. Many customers love their unique toppings, like crispy-fried tofu and soft-boiled eggs.
Conclusion: Don’t Leave Hokkaido Without Trying Soup Curry!
If you’re planning a trip to Hokkaido, make sure Sapporo’s soup curry is on your itinerary. Whether you’re craving a comforting, spice-filled meal or looking for a delicious way to enjoy fresh Hokkaido produce, soup curry is a dish that delivers on every level. Have you ever tried it? And if so, what’s your go-to ingredient? This one-of-a-kind dish is worth the journey. Book a food tour to skip the lines and discover the best flavors Hokkaido has to offer. Happy eating!
