If you’re planning a trip to Sapporo, get ready to eat your way through some insanely delicious local dishes. And let me tell you, if you leave without trying soup curry, you’re missing out on a whole world of yum. That’s right, we’re talking rich flavors, tantalizing spices, and a comfort food vibe that’ll make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Now, where should you dive into this bowl of heavenly goodness? Look no further than Okushiba Shoten. It’s a stone’s throw away from Sapporo Station, and it offers the kind of soup curry you dream about long after you’ve had it. Ready to up the ante on your Sapporo food game? Let’s dig in!
Why Dine at Okushiba Soup Curry
- Flavorful Shrimp-Based Soup Stock: One of Okushiba Soup Curry’s main selling point is their flavorful broth, which is made of shrimp. It’s rich, it’s flavorful, and it’s downright addictive.
- Burger Patty Topping: The most common variety of soup curry includes a huge chunk of chicken leg as the main source of protein. While this is available at Okushiba, the most popular item on their menu is the Hamburger Soup Curry.
- Generous Servings That Fill You Up: Let’s put it this way—wear your stretchy pants because you’re in for a feast. One bowl here is like a culinary bear hug, leaving you full for hours on end. I
- Among Japan’s Top 100: Okushiba isn’t just making waves in Sapporo; it’s a nationwide sensation. Since 2017, the restaurant has consistently ranked in Tabelog’s ranking of Top 100 Curry Restaurants in Japan. It’s also been featured in several travel and food magazines.
- Walking Distance from Sapporo Station: Let’s face it, convenience is king. Nobody wants to trek halfway across the city for a meal. Luckily, Okushiba is perfectly situated—a leisurely stroll from Sapporo Station.
What Exactly is Soup Curry?
In recent years, Japanese curry (karē) has earned global recognition as a distinct style of curry characterized by thick texture and subtle sweetness. Soup curry is anything but.
Originating in Sapporo in the 1970s, soup curry’s distinct features are its thin broth simmering with spices and loaded with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. It also includes a protein source, usually a chicken leg. It’s a hearty meal that packs a spicy punch, perfect for Hokkaido’s unforgiving winters.
What Dining at Okushiba Soup Curry is Like
Located on the basement floor of a retro-looking building, the facade of Okushiba Curry doesn’t really stand out, but it’s unmissable because of the long queue of people eager to dine. There are a few chairs lined up outside the restaurant, but on the day of my visit, the line was longer than the available seats. Fortunately, though, the wait wasn’t as long.
While queueing, customers are given the menu which has clear instructions. First, you have to choose the soup stock: shrimp, chicken, or shrimp & oyster. Next, choose your curry. There are at least 10 varieties available, including the most popular hamburger curry. Then, you can choose the spiciness level from 1 to 12. Level 6 upwards cost extra. After that, you can choose between white rice or brown rice as well as how much you want. Finally, you can add extra toppings like potatoes and kikurage mushrooms as well as drinks. While in line, a server comes up to confirm your order, which helps facilitate a fast turnaround.
Inside Okushiba, you’ll find tables and counter seats. The cozy restaurant uses warm and earthy colors in its interior design, and the wooden chairs and tables add to the at-home atmosphere. The counter seats are spacious enough to place a camera if you want to vlog or take photos. They also provide direct access to the kitchen and you can watch food being prepared as you wait.
And then, there’s the food. The curry is served in a black bowl and the serving size is bigger than your average curry. Rice is served separately in a smaller bowl, topped with a refreshing slice of lemon. I found the texture of the soup to be somewhere in the middle; not too thin, not too thick. It’s packed with flavor and you feel it go down your throat. The vegetables are cooked to perfection, and the burger patty feels like it could be a meal of its own.
A meal at Okushiba can cost from ¥1,000 to ¥2,000, and for me, it’s worth every yen. Each bowl offers an assortment of flavors and textures that not only delight the senses but also keep you full for a long time. It’s a dining experience in Sapporo you just can’t miss.
Restaurant Information
| Restaurant Name | Okushiba Soup Curry, Okushiba Shoten |
|---|---|
| Specialty | curry, burger |
| Reservations | OK |
| Business Hours | Lunch: 11:00 to 16:00 Dinner: 17:00 to 22:00 *Last orders accepted 1 hour before closing time |
| Location | Sapporo, Hokkaido |
| Budget to Prepare | JPY 1,000 to 3,000 |
| Payment | Cash Card (VISA, Master, JCB) Electronic Money (Suica, ID, QUICPay, Paypay) |
| Seating Capacity | 26 people |
| Private Rooms | none |
| Smoking Space | none |
| Parking | none |
Okushiba Soup Curry in Video
Okushiba Soup Curry is featured in the following YouTube video about must-try food in Hokkaido. The segment starts at 00:25.
How to Get to Okushiba
Okushiba Soup Curry Ekimae (スープカレー奥芝商店 駅前創成寺, Sūpu Karē Okushiba Shōten Ekimae Sōseiji)
Located in: Hokuren Bldg. B1F
4-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station
Lunch: 11:00 to 16:00; Dinner 17:00 to 22:00
Last orders accepted 1 hour before closing time
Website (Japanese only)
