Most of the chain stores in Hokkaido are located in relatively larger, more populated towns such as Sapporo, Asahikawa, Hakodate, and Obihiro. However, there are also stores like Seicomart, a popular Hokkaido convenience store chain, that operate throughout the region.

And while product availability may vary from store to store, the appeal of these chains lie in its consistency, just knowing that you can enjoy their signature goods no matter which branch you visit. This is especially true for travelers, as it means you're more likely to find your favorite items as you journey across Hokkaido.

The five shops introduced here today have been selected for their convenience, ease of eating, taste, and popularity. These are the everyday gourmet spots beloved by Hokkaido residents.

And while some of them are for in-store dining, while others are focused on take-out, all of them stand as everyday eats for Hokkaido locals.

And what better way to experience living like a local than eating like one? So without further ado, let's take a look at five popular Hokkaido eateries.

Onigiri no Arinko is a popular spot in Sapporo where you can enjoy onigiri, fast food style. It's a favorite amongst locals stopping by for a quick meal before and after work, or during their lunch break.

Onigiri, sometimes called “omusubi” or “nigiri-han,” is a traditional Japanese food made by forming cooked rice into round or triangular shapes, often filled with different ingredients and wrapped with seaweed. Fillings typically include ingredients like pickled plums, salmon, fish roe, tuna, or meat. Because onigiri is easy to carry (and easy to eat!), they are popular choices for quick bites at work, for lunch, or to bring along on hikes.

Onigiri no Arinko has been serving Sapporo locals with traditional Japanese onigiri since opening its first store in 1980. As of July 2024, there are six branches in Sapporo, one of which is take-out only, while the other five offer both take-out and eat-in options.

Unlike the mass-produced onigiri found in supermarkets and convenience stores, Onigiri no Arinko takes pride in cooking the rice in-store and molding each onigiri individually by hand as you order, just like the delicious ones made at home. They also prepare each one with care so that the filling is evenly distributed, ensuring flavor consistency, no matter where you take a bite!

Ordering is simple. Upon entering the restaurant, just tell the cashier your preferred size and ingredients and pay for your order. You can choose between regular size (about 150g of rice) or jumbo (about 220g of rice), and even ask for two different fillings if you like. They can even accommodate more specific requests, such as adding or omitting seaweed, adjusting the amount of salt, or making the onigiri firmer.

The best part is being able to enjoy freshly made, hand-rolled onigiri right on the spot. On top of that, most of the ingredients (with few exceptions) are free from preservatives and artificial coloring, making it a healthier choice for those mindful of their diet.

Onigiri no Arinko offers more than a dozen types of onigiri, with traditional Japanese flavors such as Ume (pickled plum) and Beni Shake (red salmon). However, their most popular option by far is the Cheese Katsuo, an onigiri filled with dried bonito flakes and cubes of Hokkaido cheese. This combination of savory bonito flakes and rich creamy cheese makes it a favorite amongst customers. Another crowd-pleaser is the Cheese Salmon, which also uses cheese and has gained a loyal fanbase of repeat customers for its deliciously balanced flavors.

When dining at Onigiri no Arinko, we also recommend a serving of Pork Miso Soup to accompany your onigiri. This hearty soup is packed with vegetables, pork belly, and other delicious ingredients. You can also order pickles and potato salad as sides. This combination is perfect for those looking for a quick yet nutritious meal that doesn't skimp on flavor!

Donguri is a popular bakery with several stores in Sapporo, recognized as the birthplace of the "chikuwa-pan (chikuwa bread)," another one of Hokkaido's local delicacies.

Chikuwa Bread is a baked bread roll made with chikuwa stuffed with tuna mayo. Chikuwa is a long, thin, processed fish cake with a hole in the center, made by molding fish paste around a stick of bamboo or other material and heating it. It’s often found in traditional Japanese dishes like oden and other simmered meals. As for Chikuwa Bread, it has become a familiar sight even outside of Hokkaido, and you can now find it at a number of bakeries!

Since opening in the suburbs of Sapporo in 1983, Donguri has gradually expanded its reach through word-of-mouth as a community-centered bakery. In recent years, they have opened several more branches in central Sapporo, and even a collaboration store in Hakodate with local bakery Espoir. Some of these locations also have their own spaces, where customers can enjoy coffee with their freshly baked goods.

As of July 2024, there are 11 Sapporo locations, one Hakodate collab shop, and a separate Sapporo onigiri shop.

Donguri, having set up shop near a residential area, has always placed a high value on the input of the locals. Shortly after the bakery was founded, a request from customers for "bread that’s like a side dish" led to the creation of Chikuwa Bread, now known as one of Hokkaido's local specialties.

Donguri is known for their commitment to freshly baked goods and an extensive variety of products. They offer nearly 170 different types of bread, along with side dishes, salads, and sweets, making customers feel as though they’re on a treasure hunt as they seek out their favorites. From simple selections like salted bread rolls to savory options such as chikuwa bread, curry bread, and fish sandwiches, as well as margherita pizza and dessert pastries like cinnamon rolls and apple pies, there’s sure to be something for everyone. One particularly popular side dish is the kushi-zangi, a deep-fried chicken skewer (and another famous Hokkaido specialty).

If you’re in the mood for bread, Donguri has everything you could possibly need! You can also try several other local Hokkaido goodies here.

Another Hokkaido signature dish is soup curry. You’ll find countless soup curry restaurants, especially in central Sapporo, many of which have multiple locations. One of the most popular chains is Asian Bar Ramai (or simply, Ramai), which even has locations beyond Sapporo.

As of July 2024, Ramai has three branches in Sapporo and Hakodate, two in Asahikawa, and one each in Otaru and Chitose, as well as two locations outside of Hokkaido.

Many of the shop’s furnishings and decorations were purchased in Bali, Indonesia. The setup features large tables and tall partitions throughout the space to create a private, relaxing atmosphere.

Ramai's Soup Curry broth is chicken-based, and infused with fruit and cabbage. The spices are freshly ground before cooking and blended into the chicken broth just before serving. The menu offers several options, including one with a hearty serving of vegetables, cooked chicken, and tender pork, amongst others. Our recommendation is the fish fry, a generous dish served on a separate plate to maintain its crispiness and flavor.

The rice at Ramai is an original coconut-flavored recipe with a blend of spices. Customers can choose from three portion sizes: S (150g), M (300g), or L (450g). You can also choose between regular or large portions of soup, with no price difference between the two sizes (although there’s an extra charge for the special extra-large size). When ordering, be sure to specify the amount of rice, soup, and spiciness level (from 1 to 10). It’s a customizable meal that you can match to your preferences for the perfect dining experience!

Curry Shop Indian is a well-known and popular curry chain in the Tokachi region, especially Obihiro. Since opening its first store in 1968, it has gained a loyal following, often referred to by locals as “Indian Curry” or simply "Indian.” The idea of this shop is that it is "the second-best curry shop in Obihiro," with the reason for that ranking being that "the best curry is the kind prepared by moms and wives at home."

As of July 2024, Curry Shop Indian has 11 locations in the Tokachi region and two in the Kushiro region. Rather than a fancy restaurant for special occasions, it’s seen as a cozy everyday spot more closely aligned with homestyle cooking. There are many regular customers who frequent the place for a quick lunch, while others just come to buy their curry roux to use at home.

There are three types of curry roux used here, depending on what your order, and each is prepared and seasoned in their own unique way. The standard is the Indian roux, made of aged beef and dozens of spices. This is also the roux used in the shop’s signature dishes, including the Indian Curry and Hamburger Steak.

The Basic Roux combines savory beef with added onions to bring out both the flavor and sweetness, and is used in the Seafood, Chicken, Cutlet, and Shrimp curries. Then there’s the Vegetable Roux, which includes veggies like potatoes and carrots. This one is used in the hearty Vegetable Curry.

Curry Shop Indian is considered the soul food of the Tokachi region. Although its presence is limited to specific areas of Hokkaido, it is a must-try local delicacy for anyone visiting Obihiro or other parts of Tokachi.

Seicomart (sometimes known as Secoma or Seicoma) is a popular Hokkaido convenience store chain, with 1,094 locations in the region as of July 2024. There are also 89 branches in Ibaraki and 9 in Saitama. As the largest convenience store chain in Hokkaido and a familiar sight to nearly every individual resident (with a presence even on the prefecture’s outlying islands), Seicomart has made a name fro itself as an essential part of daily life for the locals.

Japan boasts a number of convenience store chains, but what sets Seicomart apart from the rest is its Hot Chef section, featuring meals that are prepared right in the store (some locations may vary). Here you can buy warm, freshly-made foods including bentos, rice balls, croissants, fried chicken, and fries. Some locations even have eat-in corners where you can eat your Hot Chef meals right there, making it feel more like a cafe than your average convenience store.

Buying from Hot Chef is simple. The freshly-prepared dishes are displayed in their own special section, where you select the items you want. After making your choice, take your items to the cash register. You can pay for your Hot Chef items together with any other purchases from anywhere else in the store.

While specific items offered by Hot Chef may vary depending on store, and the selection may vary by time of day, one thing is for sure: you’ll always find freshly prepared food in the Hot Chef corner! In more rural parts of Hokkaido with fewer restaurants, Seicomart’s Hot Chef is a valuable spot for finding warm meals. Being so deeply rooted in Hokkaido, this store has also gained popularity amongst tourists as one of Hokkaido’s must-visit food spots. So be sure to stop by, and get a feel for Hokkaido life as a true local!

All of the local Hokkaido chains introduced here are frequented by Hokkaido residents on a daily basis, beloved across the region for years for their delicious and easy-to-enjoy meals. And with multiple branches across the region, they’re convenient for travelers, too, offering consistency in both taste and service. So check out these local shops, and immerse yourself in the Hokkaido lifestyle with some authentic Hokkaido food!


English translation by: Krys Suzuki