Hokkaido is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, from national parks and ski resorts to relaxing onsen (hot spring resorts). But beyond the breathtaking views, the island is also a foodie paradise, famous for its local produce like beer, dairy products, corn, potatoes, and seafood. And when it comes to food, one thing you must try when in Hokkaido is their iconic Butter Corn Ramen.
If you’re visiting Sapporo, you’ve probably heard of Ramen Yokocho, a popular ramen alley. I originally planned to check it out, but after chatting with a few locals, I was told it’s a bit overrated. Instead, they suggested my friends and I try Keyaki Ramen, a hidden gem for miso-based ramen lovers.
Location: Susukino District
Both Ramen Yokocho and Keyaki Ramen are located in the vibrant Susukino area, so if you’re eager to try both, you don’t have to go far! Keyaki Ramen, however, is a smaller, cozier spot that specializes solely in miso-based ramen.
Ordering at Keyaki Ramen
Like many ramen shops in Japan, you’ll need to order your ramen from a vending machine. If it’s your first time using one, don’t worry—it’s super easy! Here are the five simple steps to get your ramen:
- Insert your money into the vending machine.
- Select your ramen from six different types on the menu.
- Choose your toppings (egg, char siu, butter, corn, etc.).
- Collect your change and ticket.
- Hand the ticket to the staff.
After you place your order, be prepared to wait around 15 minutes, as the soup is made fresh for each customer by the chef. It’s well worth the wait!
The Must-Try: Butter Corn Ramen
While waiting, don’t forget to add butter and corn to your ramen—it’s Hokkaido’s specialty! The ingredients, especially the corn and butter, are likely sourced locally, which adds a unique, fresh flavor to the dish.
The star of the show is the garlic miso ramen. Keyaki’s version features thin, curly noodles swimming in a rich miso-based broth. The broth itself is a masterpiece, made with a blend of three miso pastes: light wheat miso, a well-fermented miso, and rich brown rice malt miso. This is simmered with pork, pork fat, and chicken for over 10 hours to create a deep, flavorful soup. It’s then topped with fried garlic and a heap of vegetables for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
My Thoughts
I personally loved Keyaki Ramen because it doesn’t have that super strong pork broth flavor that some ramen shops have. Instead, it’s a bit more balanced, with the miso and garlic shining through without being too heavy. However, if you’re someone who craves a rich, intense pork broth, Keyaki might not be your style. That said, I still highly recommend giving it a try—it’s a unique take on ramen that you won’t find just anywhere!
If you’re ever in Sapporo, make sure to swing by Keyaki Ramen for a bowl of this flavorful, miso-based goodness. It’s not your usual ramen, and that’s exactly why it’s worth experiencing!
Keyaki Ramen
Address: 3 Minami 6 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo,
Hokkaido, 064-0806, Japan
Opening hours: 10.30AM - 04.00AM (Everyday)
Click here to visit its website