Hokkaido, known for being Japan’s ski haven as well as its flower fields in the spring, faces boundaries on the Sea of Okhotsk, Sea of Japan, and the Pacific Ocean. Where food is concerned, seafood automatically comes to mind. However, in addition to the freshest catch from the ocean, there are several other Hokkaido specialties that are delicacies of the land!
Curry is surprisingly extremely prevalent in Japan, albeit a sweeter, milder stew-like Japanese version, as opposed to the spicier Indian curry that packs a punch of heat. Sapporo however, is the birthplace of soup curry, which has the consistency of broth rather than thick gravy that is usually associated with curry. It leans toward the Indian style, combining more spices and herbs than typical Japanese curry. Served with white or brown rice, the curry usually comes with chicken and vegetables, or other seasonal items. The type of curry base and level of spiciness may also be customized.
北海道BBQ"NOBOJIN"在北海道登別溫泉街♨️用北海道传统风格「成吉思汗锅」烤吃严格挑选的新鲜美味的肉🥩请将用炭火烤好的牛羊肉蘸上精心制作的特制调料食用吧🐃#北海道 #登別溫泉 #成吉思汗 #烤肉 #bbq #北海道名物 #烤羊肉 #和牛 pic.twitter.com/On28HZVP4O
— NOBOJIN (@NOBOJIN1) 2018年10月17日
The Genghis Khan barbeque dish is succulent lamb or mutton that is grilled on a hot plate or skillet that is slightly raised in the middle and resembles a dome. It was so named as lamb was thought by the Japanese to be the meat commonly eaten by Mongolian soldiers. The Japanese government had a plan in 1918 to increase the number of sheep reared for wool; all were demolished subsequently except in Hokkaido and the locals began eating lamb. Vegetables such as cabbage and beansprouts are layered on the outer ends of the skillet. The juices from the meat flow outward on the dome-shaped skillet, and the vegetables get grilled with more flavor.
うおオン！らーめん 森や。(戸塚)
ちゃーしゅー・わんたんめん(正油)＋禁断のちゃーしゅーごはん
無化調・無砂糖の自然派由来のラーメン🍜 無化調でここまで味を醸し出すのは難しいんだろうなぁ😲
細麺は北海道産小麦4種をブレンドしたもの。ツルツルと啜れちゃう♪
ごちそうさまでした🙏 #麺リフト pic.twitter.com/x7aIkemOFq— 歴史を刻みたい こなた🤘 (@konata_naobou) 2019年7月14日
There are many types of ramen across the regions of Japan, namely miso, salt, soy sauce and tonkotsu. Sapporo is famous for miso ramen, which has a thick chicken and/or pork bone and miso broth. It is topped with boiled corn and a pat of butter. Ebi ramen, which has a prawn base, carries a fragrance of crustacean that is reminiscent of a bite of the ocean. The famous ramen alley in Susukino, Hokkaido, provides a plethora of options including a prawn and scallop ramen which has seen the likes of food critics including Anthony Bourdain.
With more antioxidants than the blueberry and an incredibly funky flavour, the haskap berry is a superfruit yet to be discovered. Original from the Northern boreal forests, haskaps make delicious jams, juices and even wines! #fruityfriday #fruitlog2020 pic.twitter.com/6CDiY7QXnt
— 🍉 FRUIT LOGISTICA 🍏 (@Fruit_Logistica) 2019年7月12日
Not a dish per se, the haskap is a honeysuckle berry that is known in Hokkaido and Russia for its antioxidants and vitamins. It looks like an elongated blueberry and is tartly sweet. The Ainu know the hashikapu as “the many presents on the branch”. The berries are eaten fresh, preserved with sugar or salt, or made into Japanese shochu or rice wine. They are also added to flavor tea, wine, or confectionary.
【冬の北海道物産展】は本館11階＝催物場の他に、本館1階＝中央口前＜特設会場＞のサテライトショップでもお楽しみいただけます。定番の＜ロイズ＞や＜六花亭＞のお菓子に、道民が愛するソウルドリンク「北海道ガラナ」まで！隙間時間や駅をご利用の際に、ぜひお立ち寄りくださいね♪ ※1/23（水）まで pic.twitter.com/RvzcfRMR7v
— 小田急百貨店 新宿店【公式】 (@odakyu_s) 2019年1月20日
Made from the Brazilian nut, the guarana flavor is found in drinks and confectionary. The Hokkaido Guarana and Ezo Brown Bear cider are guarana drinks that taste somewhat like Red Bull. Quite yummy for a sugary caffeine fix!
Get ready and come to enjoy the Grill from the Sea buffet dinner with Buy 2 Free 1 promotion at Taste Café. Get our chefs to grill it fresh before your eyes. It's available on every Friday and Saturday for RM160 per person!
Call +604 2380000 for more info or to reserve a table. pic.twitter.com/AtBS47c31B— G Hotel (@GHotel_Penang) 2019年7月10日
The last point that deserves some mention is the excellent seafood from the coasts of Hokkaido. The king crab, uni, scallops, prawns and various fish and roe that is eaten sashimi-style or grilled, will bring your taste buds to a senseless high. Hairy crab, king crab, glowing ikura salmon roe, marinated sacs of mentaiko and other seafood may also be bought and properly packed at the airport.
The fresh seafood is a must, but the others on this list provide an alternative perspective on Hokkaido culture and cuisine, and should definitely not be missed out on either.
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